How Long to Cook Salmon Fillet in Air Fryer

What is a Salmon Fillet?

A salmon fillet is a boneless cut taken from the side of the fish. It's the most common and versatile cut for home cooking, typically ranging from 4-8 ounces per portion. Fillets may come with or without skin - both work great in the air fryer. Unlike a salmon steak which is cut crosswise with the bone in, fillets are cut lengthwise and are completely boneless.

Cooking Time by Thickness

The thickness of your fillet matters more than weight. Use our cooking time calculator for precise times based on your exact fillet dimensions:

• 1/2 inch thick: 5-6 minutes at 375°F
• 3/4 inch thick: 6-8 minutes at 375°F
• 1 inch thick: 8-10 minutes at 375°F
• 1.5 inches thick: 10-12 minutes at 375°F (see our thick salmon guide)

With Skin vs Without Skin

With skin: Cook skin-side down for crispy skin. The skin protects the flesh and adds flavor. This is the most popular method.

Without skin: See our skinless salmon guide. Lightly oil the basket or use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cook 1 minute less.

Best Temperature for Fillets

We recommend 375°F (190°C) for most fillets - it balances crispy exterior with moist interior. However, temperature choice depends on your preference:

• 350°F: More gentle cooking, extra moist results
• 375°F: Best all-around choice (see our complete temperature guide)
• 400°F: Crispier exterior, slightly drier interior

Salmon Species Differences

Different salmon species have varying fat content which affects cooking time slightly:

• Atlantic salmon - Higher fat, very forgiving, stays moist easily
• Wild salmon - Leaner, cook 1-2 minutes less to prevent dryness
• Sockeye salmon - Medium fat, deep red color, reduce time by 1 minute

Air Fryer Brand Settings

Different air fryer brands may cook slightly faster or slower. Find your specific brand guide:

• Ninja Air Fryer - Typically runs hot, reduce temp by 10°F
• Cosori Air Fryer - Very accurate temps
• Instant Pot Air Fryer - Use crisp lid settings