Salmon in the Air Fryer
Ready in about 15 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Cook salmon in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 8-12 minutes, skin-side down, until the thickest part reaches 63°C / 145°F.
Written for 2. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Nutrition (approximate, per serving)
Estimates from typical USDA FoodData Central values for the main ingredients. They are a guide, not a lab analysis of this recipe.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 150 g each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 lemon, for serving
Method
- 1Pat the salmon dry and brush with olive oil.
- 2Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 190°C / 375°F for 3 minutes.
- 4Place the fillets skin-side down in the basket.
- 5Air fry for 8-12 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and reaches 63°C / 145°F.
- 6Squeeze over fresh lemon and serve.
Tips for the best results
- Tender, flaky salmon with a lightly caramelised top in about 10 minutes. A brilliant, foolproof weeknight dinner that needs almost no cleanup.
- Thicker fillets need the full 12 minutes; thin tail pieces are done sooner.
- Leave the skin on - it protects the fish and crisps up.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer salmon steams instead of browning.
- Pulling air fryer salmon the moment the timer ends without checking the centre.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer Salmon is ready at 63°C / 145°F in the thickest part.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook salmon in an air fryer at 400?
At 400°F / 200°C, start checking a typical fillet at 7 minutes. This method uses 190°C / 375°F for 8-12 minutes so the outside does not dry before the centre reaches 63°C / 145°F, the fish temperature on the USDA FSIS safe-temperature chart.
What temperature and time for air fryer salmon?
A typical starting point is 190°C / 375°F for 8-12 min. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer salmon is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer Salmon should reach 63°C / 145°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer salmon serve?
This recipe is written for 2. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.