Air Fryer Marinated Salmon Recipe
Ready in just 20 minutes, this Air Fryer Marinated Salmon Recipe is ideal for a quick lunch or a healthy weeknight meal!
Cooking salmon fillets in the air fryer is incredibly easy, and they come out perfectly cooked every time.
The marinade for air fryer salmon is simple and infused with Mediterranean flavors such as garlic, olive oil, and thyme.
Let the salmon fillets marinate for 10 minutes, then air fry them for another 10 minutes for an easy and delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
Please continue scrolling down to find the recipe card below, which contains the complete list of ingredients with measurements, detailed recipe instructions, additional notes, and nutritional information.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon – Look for the freshest salmon fillets, preferably wild-caught from a fishmonger. Ensure there are no bones left in the fillets. You can use fish bone pliers to remove the bones from salmon fillets. I use skinless salmon but you can also use skin-on if you prefer. If you want to use frozen salmon, make sure you defrost it before cooking!
- Olive oil – I use extra virgin olive oil for the air fryer salmon marinade. You can substitute it with any other olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is a fantastic flavor enhancer that adds sweetness and nuttiness to fish. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
- Additional Seasonings – I typically use a simple blend of thyme (dry or fresh), paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper for this recipe. Feel free to personalize the seasonings with your preferred Mediterranean flavors to match your taste.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Fillets?
Important Note
Before you start cooking, note that times may differ among air fryers. I develop my recipes using a Cosori 6.8 air fryer. If you’re using a different air fryer, view my recipes as a general guide and tweak the cooking time—add a bit more or cook slightly less as needed.
Just like Air Fryer Salmon Bites, cooking these tender and flaky salmon fillets in air fryer is a straightforward process.
However, you need to follow a few simple steps to achieve the best results:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika to create the marinade.
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
Make sure the fillets are evenly coated with the marinade.
Let them marinate for about 10 minutes.
Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded.
For a quick lunch for two, place 2 fillets of salmon and a bunch of asparagus in your air fryer basket together.
Air fry the salmon fillets at 200°C (390°F) for 9-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of your air fryer.
Quick Tip!
For medium-cooked salmon, use a meat thermometer to ensure the center reaches 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit (51 – 54 ° C).
The salmon should be cooked through and flaky.
Once done, garnish the salmon fillets with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is quick to prepare and cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re short on time.
- The marinade boosts the natural flavors of the salmon, making it more delicious.
- Salmon is packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.
- The air fryer ensures that the salmon develops a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
- You can serve this dish as a main course with sides or use it in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
- Cooking salmon in the air fryer results in minimal mess and cleanup compared to traditional cooking methods.
Expert Tips From the Chef
- Before adding marinade or seasoning, dry the salmon with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the marinade or seasoning stick better and makes the salmon crispier when cooking.
- Cooking times vary based on salmon thickness and the air fryer model. Keep a close eye on the salmon and adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- Make sure there’s space between salmon fillets in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should register 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit (51 – 54 ° C) for medium-cooked salmon. Remember, the salmon will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer.
- Allow the cooked salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more flavorful salmon.
- Clean the air fryer basket right after cooking salmon to prevent residue buildup and keep it working well.
What Goes Well with Air Fryer Salmon?
Air Fryer Salmon pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as Easy Asparagus in Air Fryer, Mini Tater Tots in Air Fryer, Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes, Beetroot and Feta Salad, Easy Air Fryer Eggplant Recipe, Zeytinyagli Kereviz Yemegi – Braised Celeriac, Air Fryer Home Fries (Diced Breakfast Potatoes), Air Fryer Sauteed Spinach With Onion, or Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips.
You can also serve it with a side of lemon wedges for added brightness and flavor.
Don’t Forget the Desserts
After enjoying your healthy and delicious salmon dinner, why don’t you treat yourselves to a little dessert as well?
Some of my favorite desserts after a delicious fish meal include Ayva Tatlisi (Turkish Quince Dessert), Muhallebi – Mahalabia Dessert, or Irmik Helvasi (Turkish Semolina Halva).
Storing and Reheating the Leftovers
Let the leftover salmon cool down completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It’ll stay good for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat, using your air fryer to warm up the salmon is the best option.
Just preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), pop in the salmon, and heat it for 3-5 minutes until it’s warmed through.
Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium for 1-2 minutes or bake it in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can cook salmon with the skin on in the air fryer if you prefer. The skin helps to retain moisture and adds flavor to the salmon.
Yes, you can use frozen salmon in the air fryer. However, it’s recommended to thaw the salmon fillets before cooking to ensure even cooking and better results.
Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the specific model of the air fryer.
On average, salmon fillets usually take about 8-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 390°F (200°C).
Put the frozen salmon in its packaging or a sealed bag on a plate in the fridge. Let it thaw overnight or for 8-12 hours, depending on its thickness.
To thaw salmon faster, seal it in a plastic bag and put it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. It usually thaws in 1-2 hours.
Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Please give us a five-star rating and leave a comment below.
I hope you enjoy the process of preparing this delicious salmon air fryer recipe just as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂
Bon appétit!
Air Fryer Marinated Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (130 grams each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (turned into a paste)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp paprika
- parsley and lemon wedges (to garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika to create the marinade.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the fillets are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Let them marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded.
- Air fry the salmon fillets at 200°C (390°F) for 9-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of your air fryer. The salmon should be cooked through and flaky.
- Once done, garnish the salmon fillets with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Before adding marinade or seasoning, dry the salmon with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the marinade or seasoning stick better and makes the salmon crispier when cooking.
- Cooking times vary based on salmon thickness and the air fryer model. Keep a close eye on the salmon and adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- Make sure there’s space between salmon fillets in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should register 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit (51 – 54 ° C) for medium-cooked salmon. Remember, the salmon will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer.
- Allow the cooked salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more flavorful salmon.
- Clean the air fryer basket right after cooking salmon to prevent residue buildup and keep it working well.
