Should you cook salmon skin side up or down?

Most recipes call for cooking salmon with the skin side down as it protects the delicate salmon flesh. I've tested it both ways for this recipe, and since the spicy coating on the flesh acts as a bit of a protective barrier, this recipe works either skin side up or down. My preference is skin side up as it results in a crispier top on the salmon. Just note that it is easier to overcook your salmon this way.

Should you air fry salmon with the skin on or off?

I like to leave it on because it helps keep the salmon together while it cooks. Also, some people enjoy eating the crispy salmon skin. And for those that don't like the skin, it's easy to eat around it.

How long do you cook salmon in the air fryer?

While some people prefer their salmon done to varying levels of doneness, I prefer my salmon fully cooked, which requires 12-14 minutes in the air fryer at 400F. This is for fillets that are roughly 1-inch thick. If your fillets are thinner or thicker, you will need to reduce or increase the air frying time accordingly.

What temperature should salmon be when it's cooked?

If you're not sure if the salmon fillets are cooked, you can use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 145F in the thickest part of the salmon.

Can you air fry frozen salmon?

If you're salmon is frozen, I suggest letting it thaw in the refrigerator first. If you air fry it from frozen, the seasoning will not stick to the frozen salmon flesh as well and it will take longer to cook.

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 19 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon onion powder; Pinch of cayenne pepper; 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 salmon fillets (4 ounces each), skin on

Description

Enjoy crispy and tender salmon every time with this Air Fryer Salmon Recipe. You need just a few ingredients and less than 20 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients

1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 salmon fillets (4 ounces each), skin on

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, onion powder and cayenne pepper.
Brush the oil on top of the salmon and coat the top with the spice mixture, gently pressing it into the flesh so it sticks.
Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the fillets skin side up in the basket (see note). Air fry on 400F for 12-14 minutes.
Use tongs or a spatula to carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer basket and serve immediately.

Notes

You can air fry the salmon skin side up or down. I prefer to air fry it skin side up as it results in a crispier top on the salmon. Just note that it is easier to overcook your salmon this way.
The air frying time is based on 1-inch thick fillets. If your fillets are thinner or thicker, you will need to adjust the air frying time accordingly.
To ensure your salmon fillets cook evenly, you should choose fillets that have the same thickness.
If you’re unsure if the salmon is cooked, you can use a fork to flake it apart. Or you can use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 145F in the thickest part of the salmon.
This recipe is on the spicy side, but you can change up the combination of spices to suit your own tastes.
The recipe instructions are based on a Philips air fryer with a 2.75 quart capacity. Depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time slightly.
Be sure to check out the tips and substitutions section above the recipe card for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.