Skinless Salmon in Air Fryer
Learn how to cook skinless salmon perfectly in your air fryer. Get moist, flavorful results without the skin using our tested cooking times and techniques.
Quick Answer
How long to cook skinless salmon in air fryer?
Skinless salmon takes 7-9 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for a 1-inch thick fillet. Cooks 1-2 minutes faster than skin-on. Brush with oil to keep moist.
Cook Time
7-9 min
Temperature
375°F (190°C)
Cooking Skinless Salmon in Air Fryer
Skinless salmon is popular for its convenience and mild flavor, but it requires slightly different technique in the air fryer. Without the protective skin layer, moisture can escape faster - but with the right approach, you'll get perfectly moist, flaky results. Compare with skin-on fillets for the differences.
Key Differences from Skin-On Salmon
Faster cooking: Expect 1-2 minutes less cooking time than skin-on fillets.
More delicate: Don't flip - skinless salmon can break apart.
Needs moisture protection: Always brush with oil or butter before cooking.
Skinless Salmon by Thickness
Cooking Times
| Type | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin (½ inch) | 375°F (190°C) | 5-7 min | Watch closely, dries fast |
| Standard (1 inch) | 375°F (190°C) | 7-9 min | Most common |
| Thick (1.5 inch) | 370°F (188°C) | 10-12 min | Lower temp for even cooking |
| Frozen Skinless | 375°F (190°C) | 12-14 min | No thaw needed |
| Skinless Portions (6oz) | 375°F (190°C) | 8-10 min | Standard portions |
Expert Tips
- 1Brush skinless salmon with oil or butter to prevent drying - without skin, moisture escapes faster.
- 2Cook skinless salmon 1-2 minutes less than skin-on salmon to avoid overcooking.
- 3Use parchment paper or lightly oil the basket to prevent sticking without the protective skin layer.
- 4Don't flip skinless salmon - it's delicate and may fall apart. Cook bottom-side down only.
- 5Wrap in foil for extra moist results if you prefer a steamed texture over crispy.
- 6Pull salmon at 140°F internal temp - carryover cooking will bring it to 145°F while resting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook skinless salmon in air fryer?
Skinless salmon takes 7-9 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for a standard 1-inch thick fillet. Thinner pieces need 5-7 minutes, thicker ones need 10-12 minutes.
Does skinless salmon cook faster in air fryer?
Yes, skinless salmon cooks about 1-2 minutes faster than skin-on salmon because there's no skin acting as a barrier. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking.
How do I keep skinless salmon moist in air fryer?
Brush with oil or melted butter before cooking, don't overcook (pull at 140°F internal), and let rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking. You can also wrap in foil for steamed texture.
Should I flip skinless salmon in air fryer?
No, don't flip skinless salmon - it's more delicate without skin and may break apart. Place it in the basket and cook without turning.
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Our team tests air fryer recipes in-house using USDA food safety guidelines. All cooking times are verified with calibrated thermometers.
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