Craving a healthy and flavorful meal in no time? These Air Fryer Salmon Steaks are the perfect solution! With crispy skin and a tender, juicy interior, this quick and easy recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish that’s ideal for any night of the week.
Looking for a simple yet delicious way to cook salmon? This Air Fryer Salmon Steak Recipe is the answer! In just minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked, crispy-skinned salmon that’s full of flavor—ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal. Healthy, tasty, and easy to make!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 10-15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
✔️ Crispy Skin – The air fryer gives the salmon skin a deliciously crispy texture.
✔️ Healthy & Flavorful – Packed with omega-3s and full of rich, savory flavor.
✔️ Minimal Prep – No fussing with pans or grills, just season and air fry.
✔️ Perfectly Cooked – The air fryer ensures the salmon is tender, juicy, and cooked evenly every time.
If you love cooking salmon in your air fryer, here are some amazing recipes to try. Here are some of my favorites: Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Calamari and, of course, my famous Air Fryer Haddock Dinner.
Ingredients Needed
- Salmon steaks: Fresh, thick salmon steaks with skin on for flavor.
- Olive oil: Lightly drizzle to help crisp the skin.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon slices for a zesty, bright flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth to enhance the salmon’s taste.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out natural flavors.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Dill, parsley, or thyme for added fragrance and freshness.
How To Make Air Fryer Salmon Steaks
Step One: Pat the salmon steaks dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step Two: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Step Three: Place the salmon steaks in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Make sure they are not overlapping for even cooking.
Step Four: Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon should be golden and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Garnish with fresh lemon slices and herbs, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
🧑🍳 Expert Tips
🧑🍳 Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Make sure the salmon steaks are not overlapping to allow even cooking and crispy skin.
🧑🍳 Use Skin-On Salmon – Keeping the skin on helps retain moisture and creates a deliciously crispy texture.
🧑🍳 Check for Doneness – Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.
🧑🍳 Season Liberally – For the best flavor, season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh herbs like dill or thyme.
🧑🍳 Rest Before Serving – Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after air frying to allow the juices to redistribute.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
- Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Salmon Steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to let the salmon cool to room temperature before storing to maintain its texture.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooked salmon steaks tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, though the texture may slightly change upon thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat the salmon steaks in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 4-5 minutes to maintain a crispy exterior. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the skin may lose its crispness.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Salmon Steaks
Air Fryer Salmon Steaks pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete your meal. For a light, healthy option, serve them with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
If you’re craving something heartier, try pairing with roasted potatoes, quinoa, or a creamy risotto. A drizzle of lemon butter sauce or a tangy vinaigrette can also elevate the flavors and make for a well-rounded, satisfying dish.
Air Fryer Salmon Steaks Recipe Faqs
How to cook frozen salmon steaks in air fryer: To cook frozen salmon steaks in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen salmon steaks in the basket, season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How do I know when the salmon is done? The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.
Can I use skinless salmon steaks? While skin-on salmon is recommended for crispiness and moisture retention, you can use skinless steaks. Just be cautious not to overcook them as they may dry out faster.
Can I marinate the salmon before cooking? Absolutely! Marinating the salmon for 15-30 minutes before cooking can add extra flavor. Be sure not to marinate too long as the acidity may break down the texture of the fish.
Can I cook other fish in the air fryer? Yes, the air fryer works great for other fish such as cod, tilapia, and trout. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.
How do I get crispy salmon skin? For crispy skin, ensure the salmon is dry before seasoning and air frying. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, so the air can circulate around the fish.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER CLASSIC CORN BREAD
- INSTANT POT ACORN SQUASH
- AIR FRYER CORN FRITTERS
- HOW TO COOK FROZEN CORN KERNELS IN THE AIR FRYER
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Air Fryer Salmon Steaks
Description
Ingredients
- 2 salmon steaks, with skin on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh herbs, optional
Instructions
- Pat the salmon steaks dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the salmon steaks in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, garnish with fresh lemon slices and herbs of choice. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
Nutrition
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Joan
My teen sons got the air fryer for Christmas (of 2020!) from my mom, and so far all they’ve made is Pizza Rolls and French fries. But I have a friend who is always talking it up for healthy food, especially salmon.
I was exhausted today but wanted something healthy, so I Googled salmon steaks in the air fryer and landed here. This recipe is awesome, as we said in the 80s. The seasoning in the butter mixture is just enough flavor but didn’t take away from the salmon. The edges got nice and crispy, but the interior was still juicy. My boys said it was “sick”–it’s a compliment!
My son, who helped me run the controls of the air fryer (my first time using it), was surprised by the instruction to begin heating it when adding the fish. Also by the instruction to stop “frequently” to brush with the marinade. We did it anyway, and it turned out well. One thing, with a cook time of 13 minutes, with three pauses to brush with the butter, I found the fish to be well done, above 135 degrees. If you like your salmon less than well done, start checking for doneness much earlier, and perhaps cooking at a higher temperature to get that crisp exterior in less time.
We’ll definitely be making this one often.
Karen
This is really quick and amazing. Had major surgery…healing is going slower than surgeon would like.She ordered me to get a salmon steak to increase protein levels. I did, researched recipes. All of them required marinating, extra ingredients…Too tired
with recovery for anything complicated. This hit the mark! So quick…so easy …and SO tasty! My surgeon and I highly approve!
imsen
Great food with less effort…just how cooking should be! Absolutely loved this recipe and will definitely be making it again! Also really loved the aluminum foil tip.