Air Fryer Salmon Steaks
Air fryer salmon steaks are done in 9 minutes at 200°C, with no turning and almost no washing-up. The bone-in cut stays moist while the hot air browns the surface lightly, and a quick brush of oil, lemon and garlic is all the seasoning you need. This serves two, and a standard basket has room for both steaks in a single layer.
- Total
- 19 min
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Serves
- 2
- Per serving
- 410kcal
Why air fryer salmon steaks works
A salmon steak is a thick cut through the whole fish, so it holds its shape in the basket and keeps its juices better than a thin fillet. The fan browns the oiled surface in a few minutes, which is quicker than the oven and uses less oil than the hob. For a pan-fried version, see salmon steaks.
Lime juice works in place of lemon, and smoked paprika or dried dill can replace the garlic powder. Two steaks fit a standard 4–5.5 litre basket. Cooking four means two batches, so keep the first lot warm under foil.
How to cook air fryer salmon steaks
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Season Pat the steaks dry with kitchen paper. Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl, then brush the mixture over both sides of each steak.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 200°C for , so the basket is hot when the fish goes in. This also helps stop the salmon from sticking.
- Cook Lay the steaks in the basket in a single layer, with a gap between them. Cook for without turning. Steaks 3cm thick or more need .
- Check Look at the thickest part, next to the bone. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If it is still translucent, give it more.
- Rest and serve Lift the steaks out with tongs, leave them for and serve with lemon wedges.
Serving suggestions
Boiled new potatoes and steamed green beans or asparagus are the easy partners, and a green salad with cucumber keeps the meal light. Tartare sauce or a spoonful of garlic mayonnaise goes well too. Fillets cook differently from steaks, so use air fryer frozen salmon for those.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Salmon Steaks
- The salmon is dry.
- The steaks were thinner than 2.5cm, or they stayed in too long. Thin steaks of about 2cm need only 6–7 minutes, so start checking early.
- The surface is pale instead of golden.
- The fish was wet or the basket was crowded. Pat the steaks dry, brush on the oil, and leave a gap so the hot air can circulate.
- The steaks stick to the basket.
- The basket was cold or dry. Preheat it as in the method, and lightly brush the base with oil or use a perforated paper liner.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Salmon Steaks
How long do you cook salmon steaks in the air fryer?
9 minutes at 200°C for steaks about 2.5cm thick, with no need to flip them. Add 2–3 minutes for steaks of 3cm or more.
Do I need to flip the salmon?
No. The hot air circulates around the steaks, so they cook evenly on both sides without turning.
Can I cook them from frozen?
It is better to defrost them overnight in the fridge. Cooked from frozen, the outside overcooks before the middle is ready.
How do I know when salmon is cooked?
The flesh turns opaque all the way through and flakes easily. A probe thermometer reading of 55–63°C in the centre is a useful guide for moist fish.
How did you like the recipe?
4.8 / 5 · 64 ratings
