Cooking Salmon to Perfection: Why I'll Never Use the Stove Again

CNET

11-05-2025

Who doesn't love salmon? It's healthy, smooth and fairly easy to cook. However, that being said, there are still some ways to cook salmon that are much better than others. Like most folks, I've been using a stove to sear salmon as my go-to prep method but after cooking a fresh filet in the air fryer, I'm never going back.
Yes, you can definitely cook salmon in the air fryer, and it's easily the best way to do it. Air fryer salmon takes less than 15 minutes, plus it will save you the fishy smell that would fill up your kitchen and the mess that you would make using a stove. Don't worry about the air fryer's high heat leaving your salmon too dry, either, because salmon has plenty of oil content.
A recent CNET survey found that 93% of US adults are worried about inflation, with 77% being particularly shocked by grocery costs. Having a way to enjoy a nutritious meal without putting in too much effort is crucial in these times, and this method will get you exactly that.
For busy nights when I need something affordable, healthy and quick, this method is a game-changer. You can also play with the recipe, mixing and matching sauces, seasoning and sides until you find a flavor that fits your taste.
Want to finally up your fish intake this spring season? Then this is your ticket to having balanced meals with omega-3 fatty acids without the wretched pots and pans that make cooking a chore. Salmon cooked in an air fryer also gets a nice crust like a pan-sear but without getting dry or tough on the inside, as long as you don't overcook it.
A fresh filet and seasonings are all you need to make the perfect air fryer salmon dinner.
David Watsky/CNET
Here's how to make a perfect filet every time. And for more, see our favorite places to order salmon online and the best air fryers we tested for 2025. If you're wondering how these trendy and efficient countertop cookers work and which model is best, read my complete guide to air fryers.
Read More: Best Seafood Delivery Services
Ingredients for the 10-minute air fryer salmon
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tsp brown sugar
1 green onion, diced
Salmon filet
Salt and pepper to taste
Parchment paper (optional)
Read More: Best BBQ Sauces
5 easy steps: The perfect 10-minute air fryer
Step 1 : Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F on either "air fry" or "roast."
: Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F on either "air fry" or "roast." Step 2 : Whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce and green onion.
: Whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce and green onion. Step 3 : Pat the salmon filet dry and place it in the air fryer on top of parchment paper (paper optional).
: Pat the salmon filet dry and place it in the air fryer on top of parchment paper (paper optional). Step 4 : Pour soy sauce mixture over salmon and brush to coat completely.
: Pour soy sauce mixture over salmon and brush to coat completely. Step 5: Close the basket and cook for about 8 minutes, checking with a fork or internal probe for doneness (cook a minute or two more if you prefer your salmon medium well or well done).
Just 8 minutes in the air fryer and you have perfectly medium rare salmon.
David Watsky/CNET
Best Air Fryers: Cheap vs. Expensive Best Air Fryers: Cheap vs. Expensive
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Best Air Fryers: Cheap vs. Expensive
What else can I cook in the air fryer?
The air fryer is my go-to for roasted chicken, replacing my slow and dirty dish-heavy oven recipe. I recently learned to make juicy air fryer cheeseburgers and sizzle bacon in less than 10 minutes and without dirtying a skillet or sheet pan.
Why should I use an air fryer instead of an oven?
Air fryers are incredibly convenient and can do many of the same jobs that an oven can. They only take a couple of minutes to preheat, contain many of the cooking messes you'd otherwise have to spend time cleaning up and are overall more energy-efficient cooking appliances.
What's the biggest limitation of cooking with an air fryer?
When you're planning to cook meals with an air fryer, you need to make sure you have enough space inside of your appliance for the food you want to cook. Many air fryers can accommodate for a single person's serving size, but you'll likely have to run the air fryer multiple times to make enough food for your whole family.