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.
As a seafood lover and kitchen gadget enthusiast I was thrilled when I got my hands on the Ninja Air Fryer. This versatile appliance has allowed me to enjoy healthier versions of my favorite foods especially salmon.
I’ve finally found the best way to use the Ninja Air Fryer to cook salmon that is soft, flaky, and makes your mouth water. This step-by-step guide will show you how to make the best salmon in an air fryer. Let’s get cooking!.
Why Cook Salmon in the Ninja Air Fryer?
The Ninja Air Fryer offers some major benefits for cooking salmon:
- Provides a healthy cooking method without oil
- Achieves a crispy, delicious skin
- Cooks salmon evenly with circulating hot air
- Easy to monitor and adjust cook time
- Allows adding flavor with seasoning/marinades
- Makes quick, easy salmon meals
- Simple cleanup after cooking
With the Ninja Air Fryer, you can enjoy scrumptious salmon minus the mess, hassle, and excess calories from deep frying. It’s a great way to get your omega-3s from this superfood fish.
Step 1 – Choose Your Salmon
Pick Fresh, Sturdy Fillets
Opt for fresh wild salmon fillets that are about 1-inch thick. Even thickness prevents uneven cooking. Firmer fillets hold up better in the air fryer than more delicate ones.
Skin-on for Crispiness
The skin on salmon fillets keeps their shape in the air fryer and gets deliciously crispy. Skinless fillets are prone to falling apart, so skin-on is preferred.
Portion Properly
Cut salmon into individual 4-6 oz portions Whole fillets won’t cook evenly Proper sizing = evenly cooked salmon.
Step 2 – Prep and Season Salmon
- Pat dry fillets with paper towels
- Brush lightly with oil (avocado, grapeseed or olive oil)
- Season as desired (lemon pepper, garlic salt, Old Bay – get creative!)
- Optional: add teriyaki, pesto or other quick marinades
Step 3 – Preheating
- Preheating is crucial for crispy skin
- Preheat Ninja Air Fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes
- Use this time to prep salmon
Step 4 – Load Air Fryer Basket
- Place fillets skin-side down in single layer
- Don’t overcrowd – leave space between portions
- For flavor, add lemon slices or sprigs of rosemary
Step 5 – Cook That Salmon!
- Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes
- After 6 minutes, flip fillets over
- Cook until salmon flakes easily with a fork
Step 6 – Check for Doneness
- Salmon should register 145°F internally
- Flesh should flake apart when poked
- Skin will be crispy when done
Step 7 – Let It Rest
- Let salmon rest 5 minutes off heat
- Carryover cooking will finish it off perfectly
- Allows juices to redistribute so salmon stays moist
Step 8 – Dig In!
- Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh dill or parsley
- Pair with your choice of veggies or grains
- Enjoy your restaurant-quality salmon from home!
With these simple steps, you’ll be an air fryer salmon pro in no time. Once you’ve nailed the basics, get creative with different seasonings and flavor combos. The options are endless with the Ninja Air Fryer.
Handy Tips for Air Fryer Salmon Excellence
Follow these tips and tricks for salmon that’s tender inside with an incredibly crispy skin outside
- Use nonstick spray on the air fryer basket to prevent sticking
- Flip halfway during cooking for evenly seared top and bottom
- Don’t overload the air fryer basket for optimal airflow
- Brush fillets with oil for perfect crispiness
- Monitor cook time and temp closely to prevent overcooking
Q&A – Common Air Fryer Salmon Questions
Still have some questions? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long does it take to cook salmon in the Ninja air fryer?
For 1-inch thick fillets, the cooking time is usually 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F. Cook time varies based on thickness.
Can you put frozen salmon in the air fryer?
It’s best to thaw salmon first for more even cooking results. If using frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
What temperature should you cook salmon at in the air fryer?
400°F is ideal for achieving crispy salmon skin. Adjust between 380-400°F based on your preference.
How do you know when salmon is done in the air fryer?
It will flake easily with a fork and hit an internal temp of 145°F when ready. The skin will be crispy as well.
Should you flip salmon in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway during cooking ensures both sides get evenly crisped.
More Delicious Ninja Air Fryer Salmon Recipes to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic air fryer salmon, get creative with these tasty recipes:
- Lemon Garlic Salmon – zesty lemon garlic butter makes this salmon irresistible
- Maple Glazed Salmon – sweet maple syrup pairs perfectly with salmon
- Salmon Croquettes – crisp outside with tender salmon inside makes a fun spin
- Cajun Blackened Salmon – add some spice with Cajun seasoning
- Teriyaki Salmon – easy teriyaki marinade adds major flavor
- Salmon Fish Tacos – flaky salmon in tortillas for a fun taco night
The options are endless with the Ninja Air Fryer. From seasonings to marinades to different recipes, you can enjoy salmon in so many delectable ways.
So fire up your Ninja Air Fryer and get ready to make quick, easy and incredibly delicious salmon meals. In just minutes, you’ll be enjoying gourmet seafood from the comfort of your own kitchen. Get that crispy skin, tender flake, and mouthwatering flavor – air fryer salmon success awaits!
Delicious Air Fryer Salmon
Y’all, I was so hesitant to embrace the Air Fryer. I’m actually a minimalist in the kitchen. I want tools that do a LOT, and I don’t have a ton of space for storage. I did try the Air Fryer because it’s my job to find recipe hacks for you, and I have to say, I’ve changed my mind.
How To Make The Best 10-Minute Air Fryer Salmon
- Prep – Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Put EVOO on top and season. Put the olive oil on top of the salmon filet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- When you air fry, put the salmon filet in the basket with the skin side down and cook for 10 minutes.
- Finish with lemon juice and serve. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the salmon, serve, and enjoy!
Salmon in the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer | AF300UK
FAQ
What temperature should I set my air fryer for salmon?
Do you have to flip salmon in an air fryer?
How do you keep salmon from sticking to the air fryer?
Do you cook salmon skin up or skin down in an air fryer?
How to cook salmon in air fryer Ninja?
Preheat your Air Fryer Ninja to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and generously coat them with the marinade. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Can You air Fry salmon?
Use skinless salmon. I’ve found that salmon skin doesn’t get very crispy in the air fryer. The only way to get crispy skin in an air fryer is to cook the fish so long that it’s overcooked. I recommend using salmon fillets that are skinless. Really dry it. Make sure to dry the salmon thoroughly with a paper towel before seasoning it.
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.
How long to cook salmon in air fryer?
Turn on Air Fryer to 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Add extra 2 minutes if you would like your salmon flakier. Remove salmon (I use a spatula) carefully and serve.