If you have ever been afraid to cook salmon, here is the best, foolproof way to do it: put it in the air fryer. Yes, it really is that quick, simple, and mess-free. Your salmon will have a beautiful crust on the outside and a soft, flaky texture on the inside.
Salmon is one of my favorite proteins to cook. It’s so versatile packed with nutrition and delicious! While grilling or pan-searing salmon delivers great results, I’ve recently discovered that using my Ninja Air Fryer takes salmon to a whole new level of flavor and texture.
In this article I’ll walk you through my simple foolproof method for cooking salmon in the air fryer. With just a few basic ingredients and steps, you’ll have restaurant-quality salmon ready in under 15 minutes!
Why Air Fry Salmon?
Here are some of the benefits of cooking salmon in an air fryer:
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It gets deliciously crispy and caramelized on the outside while remaining moist and tender inside. No more dry, overcooked salmon!
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Requires barely any oil for crisping. Just a light brush is needed compared to pan frying.
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Super quick and easy cleanup since there’s minimal splattering.
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It’s easy to cook something else at the same time, like vegetables or side dishes.
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Infuses the salmon with lots of great flavor from seasonings due to the circulating hot air.
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Retains more nutrients than other high-heat cooking methods.
Step 1: Choose Your Salmon Fillets
I prefer using wild-caught salmon, but farm-raised also works beautifully in the air fryer. For even cooking, pick fillets that are similar in size and thickness. I like fillets around 6 oz each, about 1 inch thick in the center.
Make sure your salmon is fresh and free of any off odors. Give it a quick rinse and pat dry before cooking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Fillets
Start by spraying or brushing both sides of the salmon lightly with oil. I use olive oil or avocado oil. This helps the fillets get extra crispy.
Next, season the fillets with your favorite spices and herbs. I love using a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, and lemon zest. But feel free to get creative!
You can also try marinating the salmon for added flavor. A marinade of soy sauce, brown sugar, chili, and ginger is amazing. Marinate for 30 mins up to 2 hours.
Step 3: Preheat Your Ninja Air Fryer
Preheating is important for achieving crispy salmon. I preheat my 5.5 quart Ninja Air Fryer to 400°F which takes around 3-5 minutes.
Refer to your fryer’s manual for exact preheating instructions.
Step 4. Add Salmon to the Basket
Once preheated, place your seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, meaty side down.
Make sure not to overcrowd the basket. Leave some space around each fillet for optimal airflow.
I can usually fit about 3 medium fillets without overcrowding. Work in batches for larger quantities.
Step 5. Air Fry!
Air fry the salmon at 400°F for 5 minutes initially. Then, flip each fillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the center flakes easily and reaches 145°F.
I like to brush the tops lightly with oil or spray before flipping for extra crispiness.
Cooking time can vary slightly depending on thickness of fillets. Pay close attention near the end to avoid overcooking.
Step 6. Rest and Serve
Once air fried to perfection, remove the crispy salmon from the basket and let rest on a plate for 2-3 minutes before serving.
This allows juices to redistribute so your salmon stays nice and moist.
Serve the salmon with your choice of sides like vegetables, rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad. Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or tartar sauce.
Enjoy your quick and easy restaurant-worthy salmon, hot and crispy right out of the air fryer!
Cleanup Made Easy
One of the best parts of using the air fryer? Cleanup is a total breeze!
Simply wipe down the fryer basket with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any residue. Use a mild detergent on stuck-on spots.
Since air frying is nearly spatter-free, there aren’t a ton of nooks and crannies to scrub like with traditional frying.
Tips for Air Fryer Salmon Perfection
Here are some helpful tips to take your air fried salmon game to the next level:
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Brush fillets with oil before and during cooking for maximum crispness.
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Allow thicker fillets to rest on a wire rack after cooking so the bottom gets crispy too.
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For flavorful salmon every time, buy freshest fillets possible and season generously.
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Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness rather than just timing.
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Experiment with flavors – cajun seasoning, teriyaki, lemon-herb, etc.
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For added flavor, put slices of lemon inside the cavity of whole salmon before air frying.
Get Creative with Different Salmon Dishes
While basic air fried salmon fillets are delicious, the options don’t stop there! Try out these fun variations:
Salmon Burgers
Make patties from minced salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Air fry until cooked through and crispy on both sides. Serve on buns with all the fixings.
Salmon Cakes
Blend cooked salmon with mashed potatoes, egg, seasonings, and breadcrumbs or panko. Form into patties and pan fry in oil. Then finish cooking in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes until browned and crispy.
Whole Salmon
For special occasions, air fry a whole salmon side seasoned with herbs and sliced lemons tucked inside. Cook 15-20 minutes per pound.
Salmon and Veggies
Load up the air fryer basket with salmon fillets and vegetables tossed in oil and seasoning. Delicious one-pan meal!
Smoked Salmon
Add chunks of smoked salmon to salads, pasta, pizza and more for a protein and flavor boost!
The Health Benefits of Salmon
Beyond being delicious, salmon cooked in the air fryer offers some stellar nutritional benefits:
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Excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Can help reduce risk of heart disease.
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High in muscle-building protein – about 22g per 3 oz serving.
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Loaded with important B-vitamins niacin, riboflavin, and B12.
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Contains the antioxidant astaxanthin which has anti-aging effects.
So enjoy your air fried salmon guilt-free knowing you’re doing your health a favor! It provides top nutrition in a quick, convenient, and tasty package.
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to cook salmon that’s tender and moist inside yet wonderfully crispy and flavorful outside, using a Ninja Air Fryer is the way to go.
In just minutes, you can enjoy restaurant-quality salmon fillets boasting all the nutritional benefits of this amazing fish.
The air fryer allows you to skip the hassle of grilling or pan frying while still achieving that textural perfection. Cleanup is a total breeze too.
So give this easy air fryer salmon recipe a try soon and get ready to enjoy the best salmon of your life. Your tastebuds (and your health) will thank you!
What to Serve with Air Fried Salmon
Serve your air-fried salmon with any vegetable and starch side dish that you like! Here are some of our suggestions for all the best sides to go with your salmon.
Why Salmon in the Air Fryer?
Not only is it very easy and quick to cook salmon in an air fryer, but the texture is also absolutely delicious. The outside of the salmon is nice and crisp while the inside is flaky and buttery …YUM!.
How to cook SALMON in the AIR FRYER || NINJA FOODI
FAQ
Do you have to flip salmon in an air fryer?
What temperature should I set my air fryer for salmon?
Do you cook salmon skin up or skin down in an air fryer?
How do you keep salmon from sticking to the air fryer?
Can you cook salmon in a ninja foodi air fryer?
Place seasoned salmon in the air fryer basket, skin side down. You will need to cook this recipe in batches. 1 large filet or two large ones can be cooked at a time. Close the crisper lid, and cook Salmon in the Ninja Foodi using the Air Fry setting at 390°F/198°C for 8 to 10 minutes. When salmon is done, remove from the air fryer.
How do you cook salmon in Ninja foodi?
Place seasoned salmon in the Ninja Foodi basket, skin side down. You will need to cook this recipe in batches. 1 large filet or two large ones can be cooked at a time. Cook at 390°F/198°C for 8 to 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh lemon and fresh parsley if desired.
Can you cook salmon in an air fryer?
Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
How do you make salmon taste better in an air fryer?
For an extra zing of flavor, place a lemon wedge on top of each fillet. As the salmon cooks, the lemon infuses its citrusy goodness. A touch of lemon is like a tiny ray of sunshine for your salmon. It not only enhances the taste but also adds a delightful aroma to your kitchen as it sizzles in the air fryer.
What food goes well with a ninja foodi air fryer?
It pairs well with herbs, spices, and even fruity glazes. Salmon is the chameleon of the seafood world. You can give it an Asian twist with soy sauce and ginger, or a Mediterranean flair with lemon and herbs. The possibilities are endless, making it an ideal candidate for your Ninja Foodi Air Fryer experiment.
Is air frying salmon healthy?
In the world of calorie counting, air-frying is a knight in shining armor. It keeps your salmon’s calorie count in check while delivering the crispiness you crave. Cooking salmon in the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer is a breeze once you’ve got the hang of it. It’s a healthier way to enjoy this delectable fish without sacrificing flavor or texture.