Learn how to cook crispy skin salmon in the air fryer in 15 minutes. This salmon in an air fryer is simple and quick to make. You can change the spice rub to suit your tastes, and the salmon only needs 7 minutes of active cooking time.
Cooking salmon with the skin on in the air fryer is a great way to achieve a crispy, flavorful exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. But knowing exactly how long to cook it can be tricky. Undercook it, and the texture will be mushy and unappealing. Cook it too long, and you’ll end up with dry, chewy salmon. After testing multiple batches, I’ve narrowed down the ideal air fryer cooking times and temperatures for skin-on salmon fillets and steaks so you can nail it every time.
Why Cook Salmon Skin-On in the Air Fryer?
Salmon skin contains a high amount of natural oils and fats that keep the flesh moist during cooking. Leaving the skin on prevents the salmon from drying out in the air fryer As the skin crisps up, it also provides fantastic texture contrast to the tender interior Plus, salmon skin is delicious when cooked until super crispy!
Cooking salmon skin-on in the air fryer allows you to skip adding oil to the basket The skin releases enough fat on its own to crisp up beautifully. This makes air fried salmon even healthier than other cooking methods
Key Factors That Affect Cook Time
Several factors impact how long skin-on salmon cooks in the air fryer
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Thickness of the cut: Thicker salmon cuts take longer to cook through than thinner pieces. Steaks require more time than fillets.
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Fillet vs. steak: Fillets lie flat with maximum surface area exposed to hot air. Steaks are thicker and more compact.
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Brining: Brined salmon cooks faster than unbrined since the salt helps denature proteins.
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Temperature: Higher air fryer temperatures shorten the cook time.
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Quantity: Cooking a larger batch extends the cook time slightly.
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Doneness preference: Cook longer for well done or shorter for rare/medium rare.
Recommended Time and Temp for Fillets
For skin-on salmon fillets about 1 inch thick, I recommend cooking at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Thinner 3/4 inch fillets may only need 6-7 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, checking frequently after 6 minutes
- Internal temp should reach 145°F for medium doneness
Flipping halfway isn’t necessary since the hot air circulates to cook both sides. Just make sure fillets aren’t touching each other or the fryer walls.
Recommended Time and Temp for Steaks
Skin-on salmon steaks are thicker and denser than fillets. For 1-1.5 inch steaks, cook at 400°F for 14-18 minutes. Flip steaks halfway through for even cooking.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F
- Cook for 14-18 minutes, flipping halfway
- Check temp after 12 minutes, aim for 145°F
Thinner 3/4 to 1 inch steaks may only need 10-12 minutes. Let thicker steaks rest 5 minutes before serving.
How to Tell When Salmon is Done
Using an instant read thermometer is the most reliable way to check salmon doneness. Remove air fryer basket and insert probe into thickest part of fish. Target 145°F for medium doneness.
If you don’t have a thermometer, check firmness and opacity:
- Medium rare: Flesh reddish pink, starting to become opaque, slightly soft
- Medium: Opaque and firm but still moist, flakes apart easily
- Well done: Opaque throughout, dry texture
You can also try gently twisting a fork in the salmon. If flakes apart, it’s ready. If still quite resistant, cook longer.
Tips for Extra Crispy Salmon Skin
- Dry salmon very well before cooking
- Brine salmon in salt water for 30 mins (optional)
- Preheat air fryer fully before adding salmon
- Rub a little oil on the skin
- Cook at 400°F the entire time
- Resist opening the basket too frequently
The skin may bubble up a bit during cooking. This is normal! It will flatten back down as it crisps.
Flavor Boosting Ideas
Plain salmon is delicious, but you can also add spices, herbs, sauces or glazes to boost flavor:
- Coat with Cajun seasoning before air frying
- Brush with teriyaki glaze or maple syrup midway
- Squirt with lemon juice and sprinkle sea salt before serving
- Top with pesto, chimichurri or compounded butter
- Marinate in garlic, ginger and soy sauce
Use medium to medium-high heat when adding wet toppings to prevent steaming. Get creative with global flavors!
Side Dish Pairings
Here are some tasty side dishes that pair beautifully with crispy skin air fryer salmon:
- Steamed asparagus or broccolini
- Garlic cauliflower rice
- Roasted fingerling potatoes
- Quinoa salad with vinaigrette
- Citrusy couscous or farro
- Fresh green salad with avocado
- Roasted carrots and brussels sprouts
A bright, acidic side balances the richness of the salmon nicely. Rice or grains work well too.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover cooked salmon keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store in an airtight container and try these reheating methods:
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Air Fryer: Reheat at 300°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through.
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Oven: Bake at 300°F for 6-8 minutes on a lined sheet pan.
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Microwave: Cover and microwave in 30 second intervals until hot, 1-2 minutes.
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Sauté: Heat olive oil in skillet. Cook salmon over medium-high 2-3 minutes per side.
The firmer texture after chilling makes leftover air fried salmon perfect for salmon patties or mixing into rice bowls too.
Ready for Perfectly Cooked Salmon Every Time?
Cooking skin-on salmon in the air fryer makes it simple to achieve a crispy exterior with tender, moist salmon inside – no messy spatter required! In just 10-18 minutes, you can enjoy restaurant-quality salmon. Refer to the air fryer times, temperatures and doneness tips above to nail air fried salmon like a pro. Feel free to experiment with flavor additions as well. Enjoy your quick, healthy and deliciously foolproof salmon dinner!
What you will need to make this delicious healthy fish dinner recipe
Salmon fillets: I’m using salmon with the skin on, but you can use one without the skin if you have one or would rather. You can use fillets that have already been cut, but I used half of a side of salmon and cut it into pieces.
Olive oil: substitute with any other flavorless oil of choice
Smoked paprika: substitute with sweet paprika
Garlic granules: substitute with freshly minced garlic cloves
Onion granules
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Do you have to flip salmon in air fryer
No, you don’t have to flip the fish over halfway through the cooking time like you do with chicken or steak.
Healthy Air Fryer Salmon
FAQ
How much time for salmon in an air fryer?
Do you cook salmon skin side up or down in the air fryer?
Do you have to flip salmon in an air fryer?
What temperature do you cook salmon 2?
How long do you cook salmon in an air fryer?
Arrange the salmon, skin side up if any, in the air fryer basket. Cook until the skin is crisp and the flesh is barely opaque throughout, about 10 minutes. Love this recipe?
Can one cook broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook broccoli in the air fryer like any other vegetable. You can add a little salt, garlic powder and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Can you cook salmon skin side up in an air fryer?
Finally, if you want crispy skin, cook your salmon skin side up. That leaves the skin exposed to as much of the circulating air as possible, helping it crisp up. Not into salmon skin? No worries. Skinless fillets will get nicely crispy on the outside in the air fryer too.
How do you remove salmon skin from an air fryer?
Here’s what you do for extra-crispy salmon skin in the air fryer. Once the salmon reaches your desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer with the skin still up. Use tongs or a fork to carefully remove the skin from the top of the fish. It should only be loosely attached and it will come off with some gentle pulling.