Salmon has long been a favourite for home cooks. It’s versatile, full of flavour, and packed with nutrients. And when you combine salmon with the magic of the air fryer, you get a winning combination: perfectly cooked fish with a tender centre, crisp edges, and far less fuss than traditional cooking methods. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy meal prep option, or something a little more special, air fryer salmon recipes tick every box.
In this post, I’m sharing four of my most popular air fryer salmon recipes: salmon noodles, salmon salad, salmon skewers, and salmon fillets. Each one is quick, easy, and full of fresh flavour.
Why Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer?
Cooking salmon can sometimes feel intimidating as you want it juicy and flaky, but overcooking can make it dry. That’s where the air fryer shines. It uses circulating hot air to cook the salmon quickly and evenly, while locking in moisture and creating a delicious outer texture.
Some benefits of making salmon in the air fryer:
Speed: Most salmon recipes cook in under 15 minutes.
Healthier: You need little to no oil compared to pan-frying.
Easy clean-up: No splattering or lingering fishy smell.
Consistent results: Perfect salmon every time.
Now, let’s dive into the recipes.
Air Fryer Salmon Noodles
If you love a quick noodle bowl that feels both comforting and fresh, this one’s for you. Salmon noodles combine the richness of the fish with springy noodles and a savoury sauce that soaks up all the flavour.
How to make it:
Cook your noodles of choice (rice, soba, or egg noodles work beautifully).
Air fry salmon chunks until golden on the outside but still tender inside.
Toss everything together with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a splash of lime.
Finish with spring onions, chilli flakes, or sesame seeds for extra punch.
Why it works in the air fryer: The salmon cooks evenly and doesn’t break apart when you stir it through the noodles. The slightly crisp edges add lovely texture against the silky noodles.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s filling, flavourful, and ready in less than 20 minutes.
Get the full recipe here.
Air Fryer Salmon Salad
Salmon salad is a fresh, light way to enjoy fish while packing in plenty of veggies. Air fryer salmon makes the perfect protein topping. It’s warm, flaky, and bursting with flavour.
How to make it:
Start with a base of leafy greens like spinach, rocket, or mixed salad leaves.
Add crunchy vegetables like cucumber, radish, or peppers.
Air fry a salmon fillet with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon, and seasoning.
Flake the salmon over your salad and drizzle with a zesty dressing (think lemon vinaigrette, honey mustard, or sesame soy).
Why it works in the air fryer: Instead of pan-frying the salmon and worrying about it sticking, the air fryer cooks it quickly and evenly with minimal oil. The result is salmon that’s tender enough to flake easily into your salad, without being greasy.
This recipe is ideal for meal prep, too. Cook a batch of salmon fillets in the air fryer, store them in the fridge, and add them to your salads throughout the week.
Get the full recipe here.
Air Fryer Salmon Skewers
Looking for something fun to serve at a gathering, or a lighter alternative to a barbecue? Air fryer salmon skewers are colourful, tasty, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
How to make it:
Cut salmon into bite-sized chunks.
Thread onto skewers with vegetables such as peppers, courgettes, or red onion.
Brush with a marinade. Teriyaki, lemon garlic, or even a spicy harissa works well.
Air fry until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are slightly charred.
Why it works in the air fryer: You get that lovely charred edge without needing an outdoor grill, and the salmon stays juicy inside. Skewers also cook quickly and are easy to serve, making them great for weeknight dinners or parties.
Pair these with a dip like tzatziki or sweet chilli sauce for an extra flavour boost.
Get the full recipe here.
Air Fryer Salmon Fillets
Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best. Air fryer salmon fillets are a go-to for a quick dinner that doesn’t require much effort but delivers maximum flavour.
How to make it:
Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil.
Add extra flavour with spices like paprika, Cajun seasoning, or garlic powder.
Air fry until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Serve with vegetables, rice, or even chips for a healthy fak-eaway.
Why it works in the air fryer: This is the easiest way to cook salmon without worrying about timing. The hot air circulates around the fillet, ensuring it’s cooked evenly without drying out.
It’s also endlessly versatile. You can change up the seasoning to suit your mood, from lemon herb to spicy Cajun.
Get the full recipe here.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
No matter which recipe you’re making, here are a few tips to ensure your salmon turns out perfectly every time:
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give the salmon space for air to circulate.
Preheat your air fryer: Just a few minutes makes a big difference.
Use skin-on fillets when possible: The skin helps lock in moisture.
Check doneness with a fork: The salmon should flake easily but still be moist.
Add a squeeze of lemon before serving: It brightens up the flavour beautifully.
Health Benefits of Salmon
Not only is salmon delicious, but it’s also one of the healthiest proteins you can eat. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your weekly menu:
Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids: Great for heart and brain health.
High in protein: Helps keep you full and supports muscle repair.
Packed with vitamins and minerals: Including Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and selenium.
Low in saturated fat: A lighter choice compared to red meat.
By cooking salmon in the air fryer, you can keep your meals healthier, with less added oil but all the same great flavour.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer salmon recipes are a game-changer for quick, healthy, and delicious meals. From hearty salmon noodles to refreshing salmon salad, flavour-packed salmon skewers, and simple yet satisfying salmon fillets, there’s something here for every occasion.
With the air fryer doing most of the work, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meals. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding the family, or entertaining friends, salmon is always a winner – and the air fryer makes it even better.
So next time you’re wondering what to cook for dinner, give one of these air fryer salmon recipes a try. I promise they’ll become regulars in your weekly rotation.
Read my other blog post about Air Fryer Fish.
If you are looking for more air fryer inspiration, visit my Amazon shop to order your copy of my best selling cookbooks.