The Best Air Fryer Salmon (Perfectly Cooked in 8 Minutes!)

Hello, my friends, and welcome to what I believe is the absolute best, fastest, and most foolproof way to cook salmon. If you’ve ever struggled with getting that perfect, flaky, moist-on-the-inside and slightly-caramelized-on-the-outside salmon, then your air fryer is about to become your new best friend. This Air Fryer Salmon recipe is a total game-changer for quick and healthy weeknight dinners.

We create a simple but incredibly flavorful glaze with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce that creates a beautiful, savory-sweet crust on the fish. The magic of the air fryer is how it circulates hot air, cooking the salmon incredibly fast while locking in all its moisture. The result is a perfectly cooked, tender, and flaky fillet every single time, with virtually no effort. Get ready to fall in love with salmon all over again!

Why The Air Fryer is The Best Way to Cook Salmon

This method is truly revolutionary for cooking fish. Here’s why you’ll never go back:

• Incredibly Fast: This salmon goes from your fridge to your plate in under 20 minutes, with the actual cooking time being as little as 8 minutes!
• Perfectly Cooked Every Time: The even, circulating heat of the air fryer cooks the salmon gently and evenly, resulting in a moist, flaky interior and preventing it from drying out.
• Amazing Flavorful Glaze: The simple brown sugar Dijon glaze caramelizes beautifully on top of the salmon under the heat of the air fryer, creating a delicious, savory-sweet crust.
• Super Easy Cleanup: By lining the air fryer basket with foil, you can make cleanup practically non-existent. It’s a true weeknight win!

Gather Your Simple, Flavorful Ingredients: What You’ll Need

This impressive salmon dinner comes together with just a handful of pantry staples.

• 2 Salmon Fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• Pinch of Kosher Salt
• Pinch of Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• ½ tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ½ tablespoon Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• Pinch of Ground Ginger (optional)

Crafting Your Air Fryer Salmon: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s get this quick and healthy dinner on the table. It’s almost too easy!

1. Prep the Salmon and Air Fryer: First, use a paper towel to pat your salmon fillets completely dry. This is key for getting a nice sear! Sprinkle both sides lightly with salt and pepper. For the easiest cleanup, line your air fryer basket with a piece of aluminum foil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
2. Mix the Glaze: While the air fryer preheats, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger (if using) in a small bowl until you have a smooth, cohesive glaze.

1. Glaze the Salmon: Spoon the delicious glaze all over the top surface of the salmon fillets, spreading it into an even layer.
2. Air Fry to Perfection: Carefully place the glazed salmon fillets in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 6 to 11 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and your specific air fryer model. A 1-inch thick fillet typically takes about 8-9 minutes.

1. Check for Doneness and Serve: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork or registers 145°F on an instant-read thermometer. I like to remove mine a few degrees early and let it rest for a minute, as it will continue to cook. Transfer to a plate and enjoy immediately!

Wise Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon

• Pat it Dry: Don’t skip the step of patting the salmon dry. Removing the excess moisture from the surface allows the glaze to adhere better and helps the outside to cook nicely rather than just steaming.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, the salmon fillets should be in a single layer with a little space between them. This allows the hot air to circulate freely around each piece, cooking it evenly.
• Know Your Air Fryer: Every air fryer model is a little different. The first time you make this, start checking the salmon for doneness a couple of minutes early to prevent overcooking.
• The Foil Sling: You can make your foil liner slightly larger than the basket to create little “handles.” This makes it incredibly easy to lift the delicate salmon fillets out of the basket without them breaking apart.

Delicious Variations & Creative Twists

• Make it Spicy: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Lemon Herb Version: Skip the soy sauce and brown sugar. Instead, mix the oil and Dijon with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
• Use Honey or Maple Syrup: Honey or pure maple syrup are excellent substitutes for brown sugar in the glaze.
• Serving Suggestions: This salmon is fantastic served with roasted asparagus (which you can cook right in the air fryer!), a side of quinoa or brown rice, or on top of a fresh green salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Air Fryer Salmon

Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes! It’s one of the best things about the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Place the frozen salmon on foil in the basket and cook for about 7 minutes to thaw it. Then, add the glaze and cook for another 6-11 minutes, until cooked through.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The best way to reheat it without drying it out is gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until just warmed through.

What kind of salmon is best?
Any type of salmon fillet will work! Sockeye, Coho, or Atlantic salmon are all great choices. Try to get fillets that are of a similar thickness so they cook at the same rate.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Salmon recipe is a true testament to the magic of modern kitchen gadgets. It delivers a perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful, and healthy main course in record time with minimal effort. I know this is going to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!