Salmon is one of the best things to cook in an air fryer — the high heat crisps the outside while the inside stays moist, and it's done before the oven would even be hot. Here's exactly how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long do you air fry salmon?
A: Air fry a salmon fillet at 200°C (400°F) for 7–9 minutes — no need to flip. A 150g fillet hits a perfect flake at around 8 minutes.
Q: How do you know when salmon is done?
A: It flakes easily with a fork and reaches 63°C (145°F) internally. The flesh turns from glossy to opaque.
Times & temperatures by thickness
| Fillet | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thin (120g) | 200°C / 400°F | 6–7 min |
| Medium (150g) | 200°C / 400°F | 7–9 min |
| Thick (200g+) | 200°C / 400°F | 9–11 min |
| From frozen | 180°C / 360°F | 12–15 min |
Step-by-step method
- Pat dry and brush with a little oil so the surface crisps.
- Season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- Air fry skin-side down for 7–9 minutes — no flipping needed.
- Check the flake and rest for 2 minutes before serving.
The recipe
Air Fryer Lemon Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (≈150g each)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ lemon
- ½ tsp garlic granules
- Salt & black pepper
Method
- Pat the salmon dry, brush with oil and season.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- Air fry skin-side down for 7–9 minutes.
- Squeeze over lemon, rest 2 minutes and serve.
Tips for perfect salmon
- Skin-side down protects the flesh and crisps the skin.
- Don't overcook — pull it at 63°C; carryover heat finishes the job.
- Line the basket with a perforated liner for easy cleanup.
- Want more ideas? See our high-protein air fryer recipes or the cooking times chart.
Frequently asked questions
Do you flip salmon in the air fryer?
No — cook it skin-side down and leave it. Flipping risks breaking the fillet, and the circulating air cooks the top fine.
Can you air fry salmon from frozen?
Yes. Cook at 180°C (360°F) for 12–15 minutes, checking it flakes and reaches 63°C before serving.
What temperature should salmon be cooked to?
An internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). It should flake easily and look opaque all the way through.