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Air Fryer Salmon is a heartbreaker. Utterly tender and flaky inside, with a blush of crispness on top, it is so darn delicious it will make it basically impossible for you to ever order salmon in a restaurant again.

Air fryer salmon on a plate with salad

A firm believer that you don’t need to arm yourself with an array of fancy gadgets to cook a fantastic meal, I generally loathe purchasing new kitchen appliances.

Thus, it is no small announcement when I tell you that salmon cooked in the air fryer (this is the model I eventually bought) is something to brag about.

Call your mom, text a pic to that foodie friend, and post to social media.

You cooked a seriously tasty piece of fish that is hands-down better than 97% of the salmon I’ve ordered out.

Two salmon fillets in an air fryer

How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer

You can cook salmon in the air fryer with any of your favorite seasonings, using the time and temperature in this recipe.

  • The marinade I used for this recipe is very loosely based on the absolute favorite, back-pocket 5-Ingredient Maple Dijon Salmon from my cookbook. It’s a lovely blend of sweet and savory.
  • You can also swap any of your favorite fish marinades or seasonings (this Miso Salmon would be fantastic).

The Ingredients

  • Salmon. I prefer to cook this salmon with skin on, as the fillet holds together more easily, and I find skin-on salmon yields more moist and flaky results than salmon with the skin removed. For the best taste, seek out fresh salmon that is sustainably sourced. A delicious protein, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids (which are heart healthy), B vitamins, potassium, and is naturally gluten-free and low carb.
  • Brown Sugar or Honey. Brown sugar or honey gives the salmon the perfect amount of sweetness and helps it caramelize.
  • Dijon Mustard. Tangy, zippy, and pairs wonderfully with the brown sugar/honey and soy sauce.
  • Soy Sauce. A salty umami bomb that coats the salmon in scrumptious flavor.

Dietary Note

For a gluten free salmon, be sure to use a gluten free soy sauce or tamari.

  • Ginger. While optional, adding a pinch to make salmon with ginger gives the sauce a subtle, lively touch and, as this Soy Ginger Salmon shows, it’s a stellar combo with the soy sauce.
  • Garlic. A seafood flavor BFF (Garlic Salmon with Lemon Butter agrees).

The Directions

  1. Dry the salmon, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Sauce being drizzled over salmon
  1. Stir the glaze together. Spread the mixture over the salmon.
Two pieces of fish on foil
  1. Add the salmon filets skin-side down to an air fryer basket lined with aluminum foil for easy clean up (you can coat with cooking spray for extra insurance if you like).
Two pieces of fish on foil
  1. Air fry the salmon at 400 degrees F for 6 to 11 minutes cooking time. ENJOY!

TIP!

The best way to know when salmon is done is to use an instant read thermometer like this one.

  • Per the FDA, salmon should be cooked to internal temperature of 145 degrees F in the thickest part of the salmon.
  • To make sure your air fry salmon isn’t dry, remove it around 135 degrees F, then cover it and let it rest. The carryover cooking will bring it to temperature, and your salmon will be moist and flaky.
Easy air fryer salmon on a plate

What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon

Salad and air fryer salmon on a plate

Seasoning Suggestions

  • Garlic Lemon. Replace the Dijon mustard and soy sauce in this recipe with 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, increase the garlic powder to 1 1/2 teaspoons, and add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon while cooking.
  • Honey Garlic. Use 2 tablespoons honey, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and omit the soy sauce and ginger. Season the cooked salmon with an extra pinch of salt.
  • Teriyaki. Brush the salmon with your favorite teriyaki sauce prior to cooking (see this Teriyaki Salmon for inspiration).
  • Dry Rub. Remove all liquids and add your favorite seasonings for the dry rub, such as smoked paprika, oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Or try this special Salmon Seasoning combination of mine!
  • Salmon Marinade. This salmon marinade uses soy sauce for salt and umami, honey or pure maple syrup for sweetness (salmon loves sweet!), and Dijon mustard for balance and zip.
  • Spicy Salmon. Season the salmon with your favorite Cajun seasoning, or try the seasoning from this Spicy Salmon recipe or this Buffalo Salmon.

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
  • To Reheat. Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat until just warmed through.

Leftover Ideas

Flaked leftover cooked salmon can be used in many ways!

Honey garlic air fryer salmon on a plate

Salmon might just be the best dinner to make in the air fryer.

It’s quick, healthy, and completely foolproof. It will make meal time a breeze!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Air Fry Salmon Frozen?

You can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer! To make this recipe with frozen salmon, preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F. Lay the salmon on aluminum foil in the air fryer and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Drizzle the soy/mustard mixture over the top of the filets as directed, then cook for another 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.

Do I Need to Wrap the Salmon in Foil?

No, it is not necessary to wrap salmon in foil in the air fryer—in fact ,it will make it harder for it to crisp. Do line the basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean up.

Should I Air Fry Salmon Skin Off or Skin On?

To help the fish hold together, I recommend to air fry salmon with the skin on—take the skin off salmon after cooking. I typically serve the salmon with the skin on, then let guests peel away their skin (the cooked salmon will flake off easily with a fork).

Do I Have to Flip Salmon in the Air Fryer?

No. Thanks to the power of the heating element and constant heat circulation, unlike stovetop recipes like Pan-Seared Salmon, it is not necessary to flip salmon in the air fryer.

How Do I Keep Salmon from Sticking in the Air Fryer?

Be sure to line your basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper. While it is not necessary, if it gives you peace of mind you can also coat the foil or paper with nonstick spray.

Air Fryer Salmon

4.79 from 125 votes
This quick air fryer salmon recipe makes perfectly crisp, moist fillets. Pair with vegetables or potatoes for an easy, healthy meal!

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Total: 18 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients
  


Instructions
 

  • With paper towels, pat the salmon dry. Sprinkle lightly on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • For easy cleanup, line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F according to the manufacturer’s instructions (for my air fryer, that is 3 minutes).
  • In a small bowl or larger liquid measuring cup, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon, oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger (if using). Spoon all over the top of the salmon.
  • Slide out the air fryer basket and set it on a heatproof surface. Place the fillets in the basket so that they are not touching.
  • Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 6 to 11 minutes, depending upon their thickness and your model (fillets around 1 inch will need 8 to 9 minutes). Do not overcook or the salmon will be dry. Salmon is done when it registers 145 degrees F on an instant read thermometer (I remove mine a few degrees early, let it rest, then the carryover cooking finishes the job). Check it a few times towards the end to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
  • Transfer to a serving plate. Enjoy hot, with a sprinkle of additional salt and pepper as desired.

Video

Notes

  • TO STORE: Refrigerate salmon in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat until just warmed through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 2)Calories: 313kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 34gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 94mgPotassium: 861mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 73IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 2mg

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

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155 Comments

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    1. Hi June, I hope you enjoy it! No brown paper underneath the foil, that is just the reflection of the light! Thanks!

  1. Hi, I don’t like dijon mustard. Would you suggest I use a different mustard or just leave it out ? Thanks

    1. Hi Susan! I haven’t tested this recipe leaving the mustard out, so not sure how it would turn out. You could use any kind of mustard you’d like but the flavor may slightly be different. If you try it, let me know!

  2. Made this tonight for my hubby. We both gobbled it up! It was very quick and easy, I will be making it more!!5 stars

  3. Hands down the best salmon recipe!! Nice crust and delicious flavor….so easy to make quickly in the air fryer with this recipe. I used aluminum foil as suggested and the clean up was a snap.This will now be on heavy rotation in my house. Thanks Erin!!!5 stars

  4. I haven’t yet tried this recipe because the only salmon I seem to find lately are those really thin fillets in the grocery store freezers. I’m talking 3-4 oz tops per fillet. It’s as though the driving thought is to get as many so-called fllets from each salmon as possible, resulting in such thin cuts I’m almost afraid to try to cook them. I was hoping for an air fryer recipe would work. Any advise? This looks really delicious!

    1. Hi Nancy! Since that is all you can find, I would suggest in testing one out and work with the cook time. You’ll have to play around some with it! Let me know how it goes!

    2. Finally another salmon recipe worth repeating! I used minced ginger with home grown honey and wow, my husband and I were so impressed. Thank you!!5 stars

  5. I just wanted to know what salmon you prefer. We love salmon but seems like every time we end up with salmon with a fishy taste. Thank you for sharing! Can’t wait to try it!

    1. Hi Dottie! I do not have a preference, I normally get what is fresh and on sale. If you are finding yours has a fishy taste there could be multiple reason to why that is. Hope this helps!

    2. Make sure you are getting Atlantic salmon and not sockeye salmon which is more orange and has a stronger fishy flavor.

  6. Great food with less effort…just how cooking should be! Absolutely loved this recipe and will definitely be making again! Also really loved the aluminum foil tip.5 stars

    1. Hi Linda! I’ve only tested the recipe as written and I am not familiar with that brand. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!

  7. I made this today. I had it with Arugula /baby Spinach and Avocado dressing. Absolutely delicious. Thank you for this recipe.5 stars

  8. I’m new to air frying. My particular air fryer has a pre-setting for fish and the manual recommends 350* for salmon. Your recipe states 400*. Which should I go with?

  9. This recipe was my first attempt at air frying. So glad it was a success! Nice and crisp texture on the outside with a moist inside. The flavor was incredible! This will be a go to recipe for salmon. I used the honey instead of brown sugar. I also purchased perforated parchment paper for the Ninja AF101 and that made cleanup a snap (didn’t use foil – I wanted the air flow)! And I love how quickly a meal comes together using an air fryer.5 stars

  10. I I have a Breville toaster oven with air fryer capabilities. What temperature would you recommend to make this salmon? And for how long? This looks so good.

    Thanks

    Marcia

    1. Hi Marcia! I have no idea because I do not have that particular brand. It should air fry the same thought. If you decide to try it out, let me know how it goes!

  11. So easy to make & easy to adapt to more or fewer servings. The cooking time suggestions were right on! Definitely delicious!5 stars

  12. I was hesitant to use the air fryer for my very expensive salmon. But I followed the recipe, omitting the dijon mustard as my husband dislikes it. The salmon turned out fantastic and perfectly cooked although it took about twice as long as directed. It was a good hunk of salmon! I loved the salty sweetness of the glaze.5 stars

  13. Nice and moist, could have more flavor. Please, please, please do not put foil in when preheating. The foil will suck up into the fan and start a fire!!!!!

    1. Hi Dorothy! I’m so glad you enjoyed the salmon. Thanks for sharing your concern. I actually have never heard this before. The only downside I know of with foil is that it can make it a little hard for air to circulate so your food might not get as crisp. Air fryers use hot air to cook food, they don’t generate heat like a microwave, so foil won’t catch from everything I have read. Can you share where you learned this? I’d like to know more. Here’s an article I was referencing: https://www.southernliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant/can-you-put-aluminum-foil-in-air-fryer“

  14. This was so delicious and easy! My 9 year old helped to make it and loved it! Will definitely be making again!5 stars

  15. Yes! This is indeed a five star entree! I didn’t have any soy sauce so I used Yoshida sauce. I will definitely make this many more times. It’s perfect for company too! Thank you!!!5 stars

  16. This is an amazing way to cook salmon! I am new to the air fryer, and this was delicious. I used honey and added the ginger. Since I like my salmon medium rare, I only cooked it for 5 minutes and let it rest for about 4. It was cooked through, but like butter! Thank you! Will try more of your recipes!5 stars

  17. I love this salmon! I’ve made it multiple times to rave reviews! It’s so easy and comes out juicy and sweet & tangy.5 stars

  18. 1st time to use air fryer ! Well plated by Erin was a wonderful recipe for salmon. Honey , soy sauce cooked on foil was delicious. Bev5 stars

  19. Wow!! This is the best salmon recipe I’ve ever tried!! Thank you for sharing. I definitely will
    make this again and bookmarked the recipe!!5 stars

  20. I was hesitant to try the air fryer vs baking a beautiful sockeye filet, in the fear it would somehow ruin it. However, I followed Erin’s recipe to the “t” and it came out better than baking it(or at least as close, lol). Fantastic recipe! Thanks, Erin!5 stars

  21. Phenomenal recipe!! I used your ingredients.. just lots more of it and also added a splash of sugar free teriyaki.., easily the best salmon I’ve ever made!!!!! I make a secret sauce to go with it and my kids loved it!!! Thank you!!5 stars

  22. I made this Wednesday night and my son asked me to make it again tonight. They sauce is amazing so I doubled it this time. Thank you for sharing this recipe.5 stars

  23. This is a delicious recipe! I used sockeye salmon. I will definitely use this recipe again, thank you for sharing!
    Sherri5 stars

  24. Can’t *wait* to try this tonight! Just wondering — do you have to adjust the cook timing at all if you’re only doing one fillet? Was reading Mabel’s comment and thinking I should only do 5min or so, since it’s only 1 fillet, and I also like my salmon *just* cooked.

    1. Hi Kelly! I don’t believe you would need to adjust the time. I would definitely watch the internal temperature since you prefer a just cooked filet. Hope you enjoy it!

  25. This was EXCELLENT!! I normally shy away from salmon but this sounded close to a marinade that i have for fish but don’t like the smell in the kitchen. This was sooooo easy, so quick AND in the air fryer – no smell. Absolutely 5 stars. Salmon came out more moist than I’ve ever had it in a restaurant. The sauce was delicious. Thank you5 stars

  26. I’ve made this 3 times and it is delicious! This recipe is in my “Winner Winner” file. Thanks for a simple recipe that tastes so complex!5 stars

  27. This was a keeper! Most recipes for salmon call for lemon but I didn’t have any. Found this and, wow 👌 it is great. I added a little diced onion on top before cooking. Everyone liked it. My daughter said it tasted like the sauce you get at the hibachi 😋5 stars

  28. Fantastic recipe..
    I WILL NEVER AGAIN COOK SALMON ANY OTHER WAY THAN IN THE AIRFRYER!
    It turned out beautiful and moist… This was first time for me COOKING this way as I usually do it under the grill/broiler…..I only cooked salmon for 6 minutes.. Could not believe the end result…
    Will definitely make this again….5 stars

  29. this was very good and quick to cook. 7 minutes in my air fryer. my salmon didn’t have any skin. i flipped it over and glazed the other side.5 stars

  30. I have a recipe that I have had for years that was an indoor recipe I adapted to cooking out on my grill with cedar planks. With all the good reviews I’m interested in trying the air fryer recipe for something different and for times the cedar planks may not be available at certain stores. You stated a pinch of ground ginger. Would you have an opinion on possibly using fresh ginger as that is something I always have on hand and any recommendations on the amount Thanks

    1. Hi Michelle! You could probably use fresh ginger. 1/4 tsp ground ginger is equivalent to 1 tablespoon fresh ginger which might help you in deciding how much fresh to use! Hope you enjoy the salmon!

  31. This recipe was truly amazing. I just made it a few minutes ago and my 6 and 7 year olds couldn’t get enough. It’s really hard to get them to eat fish without it being fried. This right here is a winner! Thank you so much!5 stars

    1. Hi Layte! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review! So glad the kiddos enjoyed it too!

  32. Incredibly easy and fast! Immediately saved and sent the recipe to my mother & sister-in-law! This will be my new go-to. 😋5 stars

  33. So delicious. Will make agsin and again! My piece needed more time, but I think it’s the air fryer I have (Breville).5 stars

  34. I am trying to eat more salmon each week. This recipe was simple and absolutely delicious! It took no time at all. I purchased the single serving vacuum sealed frozen salmon portions and cut this recipe in half to serve one. Wow! I will definitely make this again!5 stars

  35. While not a big fan of salmon, I found this recipe delicious! Quick and easy to make. Will definitely make again!5 stars

  36. I’ve never cooked Salmon before and this recipe was easy and very delicious! Can’t wait to try a few variations using honey, garlic and lemon! Definitely making it again, soon!5 stars

  37. I made this recipe last night. The glaze is super yummy (!), but I used coconut aminos instead of soy, since that’s what I had, and I think soy would have resulted in a bit deeper umami flavor. My salmon filets were evidently enormous because it took 12 minutes in the AF to cook. I wish I would have cut them in half. And I have decided that next time, I will cut them into bites and double the glaze recipe (using soy sauce). I made some sauteed spinach with shallots and crushed red peppers on the side, which complemented it well. I’m not eating grains right now, but rice would have been great. I will definitely use this recipe again and am so glad I found it!5 stars

  38. I love salmon and have eaten it many times over the years. This was the BEST salmon I have ever eaten, anywhere. I followed the recipe to the letter and cooked it in the air fryer. Crisp on the outside, most and tender on the inside. This will be my go-to salmon recipe going forward. Outstanding!5 stars

  39. Made this salmon this eve. It was delicious! Served with brown rice, veggie medley and salad. The glaze really enhanced the salmon. Will definitely make again
    Thanks5 stars

  40. Thanks Erin!
    I loved your recipe. Everything turned out perfectly!
    As you said, juicy on the inside, browned on the outside!!
    Bookmarked for future use!
    Looking forward to trying it again with Teriyaki sauce.
    Much appreciated!!
    Kez x.x.x.5 stars

  41. I cook salmon all the time but have never tried it in my airfryer. Had to use tamari due to allergies but this was one of the most delicious salmon recipes I have ever made or tasted. Served it with Japanese fried rice and asparagus, everyone loved it and finished the extra salmon I had cooked for the next day!!!

    Will absolutely keep this recipe and use in the future, so quick and easy. I’m off to check out your other recipes!!5 stars

  42. My mom introduced me to this recipe and we each must have made this recipe about 50 times now. WE LOVE IT!!!!!!!! I mainly use it on salmon, but have used it on other fish too. My husband, who is not a fish lover, will ask for this recipe. I have used more grainy Dijon mustard, but I find the smooth mustard makes the glaze better at the end. The airfryer I use is a Ninja. It works wonderfully. Thank you!5 stars

  43. How about writing about a recipe? After reading a text the size of the bible there was some kind of recipe toward the end. I never bothered to try it.

    1. Hi J. The recipe is in the recipe card, right above the area where you commented. You had to scroll right past it to comment. You can also click the “jump to recipe” button at the top of the screen to get you to it faster. If this tips and tricks are not your thing, you can even hit the print button in the recipe card. Hope this helps!