How do I prevent my salmon from sticking to the air fryer?

The best way to prevent your salmon from sticking in the air fryer is to liberally spray the air fryer with a quality cooking spray. Or, you can rub it with avocado oil instead.

Can I prepare salmon ahead of time?

Yes! Store air fryer salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, store leftover salmon in the freezer for 4-6 months.

Does it matter what time of salmon I use?

No, this air fryer salmon recipe will work with several types of salmon. Just remember, the thicker the salmon, the longer it will take to air fry!

How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer

Description

Learn how to cook salmon in the air fryer (from fresh or frozen) in minutes for a omega-rich meal full of flavor the whole family will love!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Quick Mustard Sauce: (see notes substitutes)

1/2 – 2/3 cup real mayo or hummus (adjust to desired thickness)
1/4 cup dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
Optional: 1 teaspoon dried herbs (chives, parsley, dill, etc.)
1–2 Tablespoons honey or agave nectar
Kosher salt to taste
Pepper to taste

For the Air Fryer Salmon:

Cooking oil spray
3 salmon fillets (fresh or frozen) – around 6 ounces each and 1 1/2 inch thick
Kosher salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Quick mustard sauce (above) or sauce of choice for brushing

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Instructions

For the Sauce

Make the creamy mustard sauce by adding all of the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor and pulsing until smooth. Set aside.

Frozen Fillets

Preheat the air fryer to 400° F. Once preheated, spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray and place the frozen salmon (skin side down) in the basket. Cook for 5 minutes (this is the “thawing” step). For frozen fillets less than 1 ½ inches thick, start with 3-4 minutes.
Open the air fryer basket, and generously season the salmon filets with salt and pepper. Brush each filet with 2+ Tablespoons of the mustard sauce (or sauce of choice). Close the basket, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. 11-13 minutes total depending on thickness of fillets
Check the internal temperature of the salmon, making sure it has reached 140-145° F. Air fry salmon for an additional 1 or 2 minutes as necessary.
Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Thawed/Fresh Fillets

Preheat the air fryer to 400° F. Generously season the salmon filets with salt and pepper to taste. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray, and place the salmon (skin side down) in the basket.
Air fry for 3-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of your filets. Thinner salmon cuts (1 inch or less) cook 3 minutes.
Open the air fryer, and brush each filet with 2+ Tablespoons of mustard sauce (or sauce of choice). Close the baskets, and cook for an additional 4 to 7 minutes. 7-12 minutes total depending on thickness of fillets
Open the basket and check the internal temperature of the salmon, making sure it has reached 140-145° F. Air fry salmon for an additional 1 or 2 minutes as necessary.
Let the salmon rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Sauce of choice may be substituted for mustard sauce.

Salmon can be air fried with or without the skin.

Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the filets and brand of air fryer. These salmon fillets were 170 grams fillets and 1 1/2 inch thick.

Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 8 -14 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 filet without sauce
Calories: 243
Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 74.9 mg
Fat: 10.9 g
Saturated Fat: 1.7 g
Carbohydrates: 0 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 33.7 g
Cholesterol: 93.5 mg