Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a healthy, delicious meal. The circulating hot air in an air fryer helps create a crispy exterior on the salmon fillets while keeping the inside moist and tender. But to get perfect results it’s important to know how long to cook salmon at the right air fryer temperature.
When cooking salmon in an air fryer at 350°F, the ideal cooking time is around 12-15 minutes depending on thickness. This will ensure the fish reaches the proper internal temperature for safe consumption without overcooking. Monitoring doneness and using a meat thermometer are key for air frying salmon just right.
Here is a comprehensive guide to achieving flawlessly cooked salmon fillets in an air fryer at 350°F every time.
Benefits of Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer
Air frying salmon has many advantages over other cooking methods:
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Uses less oil: Air frying requires only a small amount of oil to lightly coat the salmon, significantly reducing calories compared to deep frying.
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Quick cooking time: Salmon fillets take only 12-15 minutes to cook through at 350°F in an air fryer. Much faster than baking or broiling.
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Even browning: The circulating hot air crisps up the salmon exterior nicely without overcooking the inside.
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Moist and tender interior: Air frying locks in moisture and prevents the delicate salmon from drying out.
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Intensifies flavors: Any seasonings or marinades permeate the salmon better thanks to the air fryer’s concentrating effect.
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Easy cleanup: With minimal oil, air frying salmon creates less splatter and mess than pan frying.
How Thickness Impacts Air Fryer Salmon Cook Time
The thickness of your salmon fillet is the biggest factor determining cook time at 350°F in an air fryer. Thicker cuts take longer to cook through to the proper internal temperature without overcooking the exterior.
For 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick salmon fillets, aim for a cook time of 8-10 minutes at 350°F.
For 1 to 1 1/4-inch thick fillets, cook for 12-15 minutes at 350°F.
Thicker salmon fillets of 1 1/2 inches may need 15-18 minutes to cook through without drying out.
These cook times are based on average air fryer models. The exact minutes needed may vary slightly depending on your particular appliance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Salmon at 350°F
Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer salmon every time:
1. Prepare the Salmon
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Choose fresh, sushi-grade salmon fillets approximately 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches thick.
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Pat the fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. Excess moisture prevents crisping.
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Brush lightly with oil or spray with cooking spray. This helps promote browning.
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Season as desired. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice work well.
2. Preheat Air Fryer to 350°F
- Minimum 3 minutes preheat helps ensure even cooking.
3. Cook Salmon for 8-15 Minutes
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Place fillets in a single layer, not overcrowded.
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Cook at 350°F for time based on thickness. See times above.
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For larger fillets, flip halfway through cooking.
4. Check Salmon Is Done
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Salmon should flake easily and be opaque throughout when done.
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Use a meat thermometer to verify it reaches 145°F internally.
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If not done, cook 2-3 minutes longer and recheck.
5. Let Salmon Rest
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Let salmon rest 5 minutes off heat before serving.
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This allows juices to redistribute so salmon stays moist.
6. Season and Serve
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Salmon tastes delicious simply seasoned and served over rice or greens.
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A lemon-butter or garlic-herb sauce also complements it nicely.
Handy Air Fryer Salmon Cook Time Chart
For quick reference, here are the estimated cook times for common salmon fillet thicknesses in an air fryer at 350°F:
| Salmon Thickness | Air Fry Cook Time at 350°F |
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| 1/2 inch | 8-10 minutes |
| 3/4 inch | 10-12 minutes |
| 1 inch | 12-15 minutes |
| 1 1/4 inches | 15-18 minutes |
| 1 1/2 inches | 18-20 minutes |
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Every Time
Follow these handy tips and tricks to take your air fried salmon to the next level:
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Brush fillets lightly with oil or spray with oil to maximize browning and prevent sticking.
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Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between fillets for air circulation.
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Baste thicker fillets with butter or oil halfway through cooking for added moisture and flavor.
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Use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge doneness. Salmon is perfectly done at 145°F.
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Let salmon rest 5 minutes after cooking for a more tender, juicy texture.
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Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to put your own spin on the salmon.
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Serve with fresh veggies, rice, quinoa or salad for a complete, healthy meal.
Common Air Fryer Salmon FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking salmon in an air fryer:
Can you put frozen salmon in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen salmon fillets straight from the freezer in an air fryer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Do you need to flip the salmon during air frying?
Flipping halfway through is recommended for thicker fillets over 1-inch thick to ensure even cooking. Thinner fillets may not need flipped.
Should you preheat the air fryer for salmon?
Preheating is not required but can help ensure more consistent cooking. We recommend preheating for at least 3 minutes.
What temperature should you cook salmon in an air fryer?
350°F is the ideal air fryer temperature for cooking salmon. Higher temps risk overcooking the exterior before the inside is done.
How do you know when salmon is done in the air fryer?
Salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
The Takeaway
Cooking salmon in an air fryer at 350°F delivers tender, flaky salmon fillets in just 12-15 minutes. Monitor thickness, doneness, and use a meat thermometer for the best results. In no time, you can be enjoying restaurant-quality salmon entrées at home with ease.