Step by step
- 1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- 2. Single layer. Arrange without crowding — air needs to reach every side.
- 3. Cook 8–11 minutes. No flipping needed.
- 4. Check doneness. Confirm 145°F (65°C) at the thickest part with a thermometer.
The tip that matters
Salmon is done when it flakes at the thickest part; 125°F pull temp gives a softer, restaurant-style center.
Times vary — here's why
Air fryers differ in wattage and basket size, so treat 8–11 minutes as a range, not a promise: check early the first time, then note what your machine needed. Quantity matters too — a full basket can add 2–3 minutes, and anything stacked will steam instead of crisp. Converting your own oven recipe instead? Use our air fryer conversion calculator.
More seafood
Shrimp — or see the full air fryer cooking times chart.