Cooking air fryer salmon is a delicious, healthy, and quick way to enjoy one of the most nutritious fish options available. Whether you’re making a sweet and tangy air fryer pomegranate-glazed salmon or experimenting with salmon croquettes, burgers, or teriyaki variations, the air fryer delivers crisp perfection with minimal effort.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This guide covers a range of air fryer salmon recipes and methods, including how to handle frozen fillets, create unique glazes, and cook pre-made options like patties or croquettes. Let’s turn your air fryer into a salmon powerhouse.
Why Choose Air Fryer Salmon?
The air fryer has revolutionized how we cook salmon. It’s faster, cleaner, and provides a crispy exterior with a tender, flaky inside. Here’s why you should be cooking salmon in air fryer:
- Healthier than pan-frying or baking with oil
- Even cooking without flipping multiple times
- Crispy texture without breading
- Time-saving (ready in under 15 minutes)
Whether you’re making air fryer frozen salmon fillet or a gourmet air fryer pomegranate-glazed salmon, the results are consistently impressive.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon (Base Recipe)
- 2 salmon fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Seasoning of your choice (see “Salmon Seasoning” below)
For frozen salmon: Use air fryer frozen salmon fillets directly without thawing—just adjust cooking time.
Recipe 1: Classic Air Fryer Salmon
This simple air fryer salmon recipe is ideal for meal prep or weekday dinners.
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C)
- Rub salmon with oil, salt, pepper, and seasoning
- Place skin-side down in the basket
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness
- Serve with lemon wedges or your favorite side dish
Recipe 2: Air Fryer Pomegranate-Glazed Salmon
This elegant air fryer pomegranate-glazed salmon offers a sweet, tangy, and glossy finish perfect for dinner parties or holiday meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses or juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Pomegranate seeds & parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Mix molasses, honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F
- Season salmon lightly and place in fryer
- Cook for 6 minutes, then brush glaze on top
- Cook another 4–5 minutes
- Garnish with seeds and parsley
Air fryer pomegranate-glazed salmon combines bold flavors with a restaurant-style look—without the effort.
Recipe 3: Teriyaki Salmon in Air Fryer
Craving sweet and savory? Try air fryer teriyaki salmon.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- Marinate salmon in teriyaki sauce for 15 minutes
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F
- Place salmon in basket and cook for 10–12 minutes
- Drizzle with sesame oil and top with sesame seeds
You can use this same method for teriyaki salmon air fryer meal prep bowls.
Cooking Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
If you forgot to defrost your salmon—don’t worry.
Steps:
- Place air fryer frozen salmon fillets directly in the basket
- Cook at 400°F for 14–16 minutes
- Season halfway once surface thaws
- Optional: Add sauce or glaze in final 3 minutes
Cooking frozen salmon in air fryer retains moisture and flavor better than in the oven.
Salmon Croquettes & Patties in Air Fryer
Air Fryer Salmon Croquettes:
- Use pre-made or homemade croquettes
- Spray lightly with oil
- Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway
Salmon Patties Air Fryer:
- For pre-formed patties or salmon burgers in air fryer, cook at 390°F for 8–10 minutes
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F
These options are ideal for quick meals and freezer-friendly storage.
Best Salmon Seasoning for Air Fryer Recipes
Whether you’re making air fryer pomegranate-glazed salmon or just plain salmon, good seasoning enhances everything.
Recommended Salmon Seasoning:
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Dried dill or parsley
- Lemon pepper
- Cayenne (for heat)
- Smoked salt (adds “grilled” taste)
Use 1 tsp of mixed seasoning per fillet for consistent flavor.
Cooking Times Overview
| Type | Temp | Time | Notes |
| Fresh Salmon | 390°F | 10–12 min | Season before cooking |
| Frozen Fillet | 400°F | 14–16 min | Season midway |
| Glazed (pomegranate/teriyaki) | 375–390°F | 12–15 min | Glaze last 5 min |
| Salmon Patties | 390°F | 8–10 min | Flip halfway |
| Croquettes | 375°F | 10 min | Spray oil for crisp |
Aldi Salmon Seafood Recall: Should You Be Concerned?
Recently, Aldi salmon seafood recall news made headlines due to potential mislabeling and allergen risks. If you’re using Aldi-brand salmon in your air fryer recipes, ensure the product is not from a recalled batch.
- Check lot numbers & expiration dates
- Visit Aldi’s website or call customer service
- When in doubt, choose verified wild-caught or responsibly farmed salmon
Always ensure your salmon is safe before making any air fryer salmon recipe.
Bonus: Fun Fact About the Salmon Shark
You may be surprised to learn that the salmon shark—a fast-swimming predator—gets its name because its diet consists mainly of salmon! While it’s not edible for cooking, it’s an interesting fact for seafood lovers diving deep into the world of salmon.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Salmon
Pair your air fryer salmon with:
- Quinoa, wild rice, or couscous
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus
- Avocado salsa
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
For air fryer pomegranate-glazed salmon, serve with a side of couscous and roasted carrots for a holiday-worthy plate.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re preparing a simple weekday meal or a gourmet dinner, mastering air fryer salmon is a game changer. From crispy air fryer pomegranate-glazed salmon to convenient air fryer frozen salmon fillets, the possibilities are endless.
With a variety of flavor options like teriyaki, croquettes, burgers, and more, you can rotate your menu weekly without getting bored. Just don’t forget your seasoning—and double-check your packaging if you’re buying from Aldi.
In just minutes, your air fryer can turn out salmon that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with bold, exciting flavor.
FAQs
How long does salmon last in the fridge?
Fresh, raw salmon typically lasts 1 to 2 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic. Cooked salmon can stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days if refrigerated promptly after cooking.
Can you eat raw salmon?
Yes, raw salmon can be eaten, but it must be sushi-grade or specifically labeled as safe for raw consumption. Always ensure it’s been properly frozen beforehand to kill any parasites. Never eat raw salmon from a regular grocery store unless it’s explicitly marked as safe for raw use.
How long can cooked salmon stay in the fridge?
Cooked salmon stays good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store it in a shallow, airtight container and refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking to maintain safety and flavor.
How long is salmon good in the fridge?
Raw salmon is generally good in the fridge for 1 to 2 days, while cooked salmon lasts up to 4 days. To maximize freshness, keep it cold at 40°F (4°C) or below and avoid keeping it at room temperature for extended periods.
How long can salmon stay in the fridge?
If the salmon is raw, use it within 48 hours of refrigeration. If cooked, it can safely remain in the fridge for 3–4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage like a sour smell, slimy texture, or discoloration.
Can you freeze salmon?
Yes, salmon freezes very well. Raw salmon can be frozen for up to 3 months, while cooked salmon can be frozen for about 2–3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic or vacuum-seal it to avoid freezer burn and preserve quality.
How long is salmon good for in the fridge?
Fresh salmon is good for 1 to 2 days, and cooked salmon remains good for up to 4 days in the fridge. Always check the smell and texture before consuming.
How to cook frozen salmon in air fryer?
To cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen fillet directly in the basket. Cook for 7 minutes, season once slightly thawed, then cook another 7–9 minutes, depending on thickness. Total time: 14–16 minutes.
How long to cook frozen salmon in air fryer?
Frozen salmon typically takes 14 to 16 minutes in an air fryer at 400°F. There’s no need to thaw it first. Add seasoning or glaze during the last 5 minutes for maximum flavor.
Can you cook frozen salmon in an air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely cook frozen salmon in an air fryer. It’s a quick and effective method. Just place the frozen fillet in the preheated air fryer and cook at 400°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping or seasoning halfway through.
