This air fryer salmon recipe is easy, versatile, and quick to make in only 20 minutes. Thick salmon steaks are briefly marinated in a flavorful combo of classic pantry staples, then air fried crisp and flaky. The perfect dish for a fast and delicious weeknight meal!
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Why we will love this Air Fryer Salmon Recipe?
Elegant but effortless: That is the perfect way to describe the best air fryer salmon steaks!
This healthy and delicious air fryer salmon is foolproof dinner to make in just 20 minutes from start to finish. Really! First, we marinate the pieces of fish in a tangy blend of soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and common spices.
With just a couple of swaps this can easily be made a keto and gluten free recipe, too! Marinating is an optional step, but is highly suggested if you have the time.
Then quickly air fry the salmon for only 10 minutes. Before you know it the moist, perfectly flaky, and amazingly flavorful steaks are ready to serve with any number sides. They are so fast and easy to prepare - this family favorite recipe is great for weeknight dinners. It's even a winner to include in your weekly meal prep plans!
*For more easy and delicious dinner dishes, also try these recipes:
Ingredients
Salmon Steaks (or fillets): For the best taste wild caught king, coho, or sockeye salmon is best. Fresh or previously frozen fish will do. Like most skin-on air fryer salmon recipes, you want to thaw fish before cooking.
Salt and Pepper: A bit of each of these classic seasonings makes all of the ingredients pop.
Olive Oil: Choose a high quality oil to compliment the salmon. Alternatively, use other high heat neutral oil like canola or avocado oil.
Soy Sauce: Salty with deep umami flavors. You can swap with tamari (gluten-free!) or coconut aminos (keto!) for a similar taste.
Dijon Mustard: Tangy and bright, mustard gives the marinade a delicious punch.
Smoked Paprika: The smokiness highlights the delicate flavor of the fish.
Garlic Powder: Savory, earthy, and a must-have in most of the best recipes!
Sugar: A bit to balance the vibrant salty and savory flavors.
How to cook salmon in air fryer?
To start with, pat dry the salmon steaks on both the side using paper towel.
Sprinkle little salt and freshly ground pepper on both the sides and set it aside for 5 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees (default is 3 minutes for the model I own).
Combine olive oil, soy sauce (or tamari), dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, sugar, season with salt and pepper in a small bowl.
Brush the salmon with prepared marinade on both the sides.
Tip: I prefer to let the salmon marinate for 10 minutes in the refrigerator, though this is optional. You can air fry it directly.
Spray the base of the basket with little oil, and place the salmon steaks in the air fryer.
Cook for 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked (cooking time vary as per the size and thickness of the steaks). Check for the desired doneness of the salmon using fork and pop the basket back into the air fryer for further 1-2 minutes, if needed. For salmon fillets, cook for 7- 9 minutes depending upon its thickness or until fully cooked and flaky.
Note: We love to air fry fish steaks for an extra 1 minute for crispier skin and edges (optional).
Expert Tips
- Although optional, if you have the time I recommend you marinate the steak for 10 minutes so they absorb the flavors better.
- To get crispy salmon skin avoid overcrowding the fryer basket. When cooking salmon in air fryer you want to be sure they do not touch.
- Speaking of, air fry multiple pieces in batches if feeding a large crowd.
- Keep an eye on the clock to not overcook the salmon. They should be in the fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, max. You know the steaks are done when they reach and internal temperature of 135 degrees F.
- Mix things up and make this salmon recipe with other seasoning blends. Like our Oven Baked Salmon Recipe, you can use nearly any flavorful spice combination! Try Peri Peri spices, Cajun seasoning, curry powder, or other spices you prefer. If you do swap the seasonings you might consider skipping the soy sauce and Dijon mustard in this original recipe.
- Substitute steaks with skin-on salmon fillets if more readily available.
FAQs
10 to 12 minutes is approximate cooking time for steaks that are 1 inch thick. Thicker salmon will require a bit more time. But check after 10 minutes and keep a close eye so that it doesn't overcook.
Though you can, keep in mind that you should never cover the bottom of the basket completely with foil or parchment. Proper circulation of air is a must throughout the basket while cooking.
Also, add the parchment or foil to the basket only after preheating the fryer. Otherwise the thin paper or foil will blow around and can catch fire on the upper heating coil.
Lightly spray oil on the bottom of the basket, or add a bit more oil to the marinade. This will help the steaks or fillets to not stick.
Serving Ideas
The flavorful and healthy air fryer salmon steaks are delicious to pair with simple grains and pasta that really let the seasonings shine. Enjoy with white or brown rice, risotto, farro, Instant Pot Quinoa, other ancient grains, or any noodles you like!
Sometimes we like to balance the healthier fish with more starchy and carb-a-licious sides... Try these Roasted Potatoes and Carrots, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, or Warm Roasted Purple Potato Salad recipes.
Either way, it is also (and always!) a good idea to include some veggies on the plate. We love nutritious side dishes like Oven Roasted Vegetables, Oven Roasted Asparagus, Crisp Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and this Mixed Green Salad.
For a healthy and well balanced hearty meal, serve these salmon steaks with salad like Tomato Corn Avocado Salad, Mango Salad or Dill Potato Salad. Or, top this air fried salmon with sweet and tangy salsas and enjoy!
And leftovers are also great for meal prepping! Add chilled salmon to lunch salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
Storage, Freezing and Reheat
To store leftovers: Cool the steaks at room temperature. Transfer to an air tight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze: Place the room temp salmon in a plastic zipper bag. Gently squeeze to remove any air as you seal it shut. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat salmon: Air fry for 3-4 minutes at 350 degrees F. If reheating from frozen, cook for 12-15 minutes until heated through.
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe with Steak
Ingredients
- 2 Salmon Steaks (with 1 inch thickness or around 6-7 ounce each fillets with skin)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly Ground Pepper to taste
- 1 tablepoon Olive Oil (or neutral oil)
- ½ tablespoon Soy Sauce (or Tamari or Coconut Aminos)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Sugar
For Serving
- Lemon Wedges
- Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- To start with, pat dry the salmon steaks (or fillets) on both the side using paper towel. Sprinkle little salt and freshly ground pepper on both the sides and set it aside for 5 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees (default is 3 minutes for the model I own).
- Combine olive oil, soy sauce (or tamari), dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, sugar, season with salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Brush the salmon fish with prepared marinade on both the sides. I prefer to let the salmon marinate for 10 minutes in the refrigerator, though this is optional. You can air fry it directly.
- Spray the base of the basket with little oil, and place the salmon steaks in the air fryer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked and flaky (cooking time vary as per the size and thickness of the steaks). For salmon fillets, cook for 7- 9 minutes depending upon its thickness or until fully cooked and flaky.
- Check for the desired doneness of the salmon using fork and pop the basket back into the air fryer for further 1-2 minutes, if needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, and lemon wedges, serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Although optional, if you have the time I recommend you marinate the steak for 10 minutes so they absorb the flavors better
- Substitute steaks with skin-on salmon fillets if preferred.
- We love to air fry fish steaks for an extra 1 minute for crispier skin and edges (optional)
- Keep an eye on the clock to not overcook the salmon. They should be in the fryer for 10-12 minutes, max. You know the steaks are done when they reach and internal temperature of 135 degrees F.
- The air fried salmon with keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or in freezer for 3 months.
- To reheat: Air fry for 3-4 minutes at 350 degrees F. If reheating from frozen, cook for 12-15 minutes until heated through.
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