Oily fish is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, and this one-basket dinner pairs flaky salmon with sweet cherry tomatoes, olives and herbs. It's on the table in under 12 minutes with barely any washing up.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you cook Mediterranean salmon in an air fryer?
A: Add salmon, cherry tomatoes and olives to the basket and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes until the salmon flakes and the tomatoes burst.
Q: Can you cook fish and vegetables together?
A: Yes — soft vegetables like tomatoes and courgette cook in the same time as a salmon fillet, so one basket does it all.
One-basket method
Season the salmon, scatter halved cherry tomatoes and olives around it, drizzle with olive oil and add oregano. The vegetables soften and sweeten as the salmon cooks, creating a light sauce. For the plain salmon technique, see our air fryer salmon guide.
The recipe
Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (≈150g each)
- 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 50g black olives
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano, salt & pepper
Method
- Season the salmon and add to the basket.
- Scatter tomatoes and olives around it; drizzle with oil.
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon.
Tips
- Don't overcook — pull the salmon at 63°C; it keeps cooking as it rests.
- Add feta in the last 2 minutes for a salty finish.
- Serve with Mediterranean vegetables or browse the full Mediterranean recipes.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cook salmon and tomatoes together in an air fryer?
Yes — cherry tomatoes and olives cook in the same 8–10 minutes as a salmon fillet, making a complete one-basket dinner.
What temperature is salmon cooked to?
An internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). It should flake easily and look opaque throughout.
Is this a Mediterranean diet recipe?
Yes — oily fish, olive oil, tomatoes and herbs are all staples of Mediterranean-style eating.