The main reason why air fryers are hotter is that they are healthier, which is why no family can cook without them. However, there are more categories of air fryers on the market, and many people are at a loss as to what kind of air fryer to choose, so in this review, we find you the air fryer that best meets your cooking needs.
Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Cooking Salmon
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier way to achieve crispy, flavorful results without the need for excessive oil. When it comes to preparing salmon, air fryers shine by delivering perfectly cooked fillets with a tender, flaky interior and a beautifully crisp exterior. The rapid hot air circulation ensures even cooking, locking in moisture and enhancing the natural flavors of salmon. Whether you’re a busy home cook or a health-conscious foodie, an air fryer can make your salmon dishes quick, easy, and delicious. In this guide, we’ll explore the six best air fryers for cooking salmon in 2025, focusing on their performance, features, and ability to produce restaurant-quality results.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer for Salmon
Before diving into our top picks, it’s important to understand what makes an air fryer ideal for cooking salmon. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
- Capacity: A 4- to 6-quart air fryer is typically sufficient for cooking salmon fillets for two to four people. Larger models (8 quarts or more) are better for families or batch cooking.
- Temperature Control: Precise temperature settings are crucial for salmon, which cooks best between 350°F and 400°F to achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the interior.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nonstick baskets or dishwasher-safe components make cleanup a breeze, especially since salmon can leave behind oils and residue.
- Additional Features: Look for models with viewing windows, preset cooking modes, or sync functions for cooking sides alongside your salmon.
- Performance: Consistent airflow and even heat distribution are essential for perfectly cooked salmon without dry spots.
With these factors in mind, we’ve tested and reviewed the top air fryers that excel at cooking salmon, based on real-world performance, user reviews, and expert insights.
Top 6 Air Fryers for Salmon in 2025
Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer is a standout for salmon lovers, thanks to its consistent performance and user-friendly design. Its 6-quart capacity is perfect for cooking multiple fillets at once, and the square basket allows for even placement to avoid overcrowding. The air fryer’s powerful 1,725-watt heating element and precise temperature control ensure salmon cooks evenly, with a crispy skin and tender interior. A clear cooking window lets you monitor progress without opening the basket, preserving heat and moisture.
Why It’s Great for Salmon: Testers at Food & Wine praised this model for producing perfectly cooked salmon fillets with no rubbery or raw areas. The air fry, bake, and roast functions give you versatility for preparing salmon with different seasonings or marinades.
User Review: “I made salmon in this air fryer, and it was perfect—crispy on the outside, moist on the inside. Cleanup was super easy with the nonstick basket!” – Amazon Customer
Where to Buy: Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer on Amazon
Foodi DZ550 DualZone Air Fryer
The Ninja Foodi DZ550 is a 10-quart dual-basket air fryer that’s ideal for cooking salmon and sides simultaneously. Its dual-zone technology allows you to set different temperatures and times for each basket, syncing them to finish at the same time. This is perfect for pairing a salmon fillet with roasted vegetables or potatoes. The ceramic nonstick coating ensures easy cleanup, and the included temperature probe helps achieve precise doneness.
Why It’s Great for Salmon: According to RTINGS.com, this model excels at producing evenly cooked, crispy results, making it a top choice for salmon. The large capacity and dual baskets make it a great fit for families.
User Review: “I cooked salmon in one basket and asparagus in the other—both came out perfect, and I didn’t have to juggle oven trays!” – Amazon Customer
Where to Buy: Ninja Foodi DZ550 on Amazon
Air Fryer Toaster Oven (AIR-200)
The Cuisinart AIR-200 combines the functionality of a toaster oven with air frying capabilities, making it a versatile choice for salmon enthusiasts. Its interior can handle larger fillets or multiple portions, and the 1,800-watt power ensures quick, even cooking. The stainless-steel design adds a sleek touch to your kitchen, and the dishwasher-safe basket simplifies cleanup.
Why It’s Great for Salmon: Testers noted that this model’s air fry function delivers a crispy exterior on salmon while keeping the inside moist, rivaling traditional oven results. The large capacity is ideal for preparing salmon for gatherings.
User Review: “I’ve made salmon multiple times in this air fryer, and it’s always juicy with a nice crust. The toaster oven feature is a bonus!” – Amazon Customer
Where to Buy: Cuisinart AIR-200 on Amazon
3000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer
The Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer is designed for precision, with sensitive temperature controls that make it ideal for cooking delicate proteins like salmon. Its 6-quart capacity is split into a smaller and larger drawer, perfect for single servings or family meals. The vortex design enhances air circulation for even cooking.
Why It’s Great for Salmon: Tom’s Guide highlighted this model’s ability to render salmon tender and flaky, with a crispy skin that rivals high-end models. The dual-zone feature allows you to cook salmon and sides without flavor transfer.
User Review: “This air fryer makes the best salmon I’ve ever had at home. It’s so tender and perfectly cooked every time!” – Amazon Customer
Where to Buy: Philips 3000 Series on Amazon
6-Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer by Drew Barrymore
For those on a budget, the Beautiful 6-Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer by Drew Barrymore offers impressive performance at an affordable price. Its 1,500-watt power and intuitive touchscreen make it easy to use, while the 6-quart capacity is perfect for small to medium-sized salmon fillets. Available in chic colors, it’s both functional and stylish.
Why It’s Great for Salmon: This model delivers crispy, evenly cooked salmon at a fraction of the cost of premium models. Its compact size fits well in smaller kitchens.
User Review: “I was skeptical because of the price, but this air fryer cooks salmon beautifully. It’s super easy to clean too!” – Amazon Customer
Where to Buy: Beautiful 6-Quart Air Fryer on Amazon
Dome 2 Air Fryer
The Typhur Dome 2 is a high-tech option with a unique, spacious basket that allows for single-layer cooking, ideal for salmon fillets. Its dual top-and-bottom burners ensure precise temperature control, and the self-cleaning function makes maintenance effortless.
Why It’s Great for Salmon: WIRED testers praised its ability to produce tender, flaky salmon with a crispy exterior, thanks to its powerful airflow and large cooking surface.
User Review: “This air fryer is a game-changer for salmon. It cooks so evenly, and the self-cleaning feature is a lifesaver!” – Amazon Customer
Where to Buy: Typhur Dome 2 on Amazon
How did we test air fryers?
In order to find the best air fryer, our team of 8 people conducted real tests on different price points, sizes, brands, performance, intelligence and practicality. We bought air fryers from all major platforms, including the official ones, and tested them in our lab for 3 weeks, while our team also tested and evaluated them in our own homes.
We cooked different ingredients to evaluate the crispiness, cooking uniformity and overall texture. We also evaluated how much food each air fryer can handle to see if it is suitable for a large family. In addition to our own evaluation of these air fryers, we also referred to third-party authoritative platforms, the data of their tests, and made comparisons against the data of our tests, and finally selected the above high-quality air fryers.
You can also use the selection tool we built to help you recommend the air fryer that’s right for you:
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Salmon
Selecting the right air fryer for salmon involves balancing performance, features, and your specific needs. Here’s a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision:
Capacity and Size
Consider how many people you’re cooking for. A 4-quart air fryer is suitable for one or two servings, while a 6-quart or larger model is better for families. Dual-basket models like the Ninja Foodi DZ550 are excellent for preparing salmon and sides together, saving time and effort.
Temperature Precision
Salmon requires careful temperature control to avoid overcooking. Look for air fryers with adjustable settings in small increments (5-10°F) and a range of 350°F to 400°F for optimal results. Models like the Philips 3000 Series excel in this area.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
A user-friendly interface with clear controls or presets simplifies cooking. Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts, as seen in the Instant Vortex Plus, make cleanup quick and easy, especially after cooking oily fish like salmon.
Additional Features
Features like viewing windows (Cuisinart AIR-200), sync functions (Ninja Foodi DZ550), or self-cleaning modes (Typhur Dome 2) enhance the cooking experience. These can be particularly helpful for monitoring salmon or multitasking in the kitchen.
Budget Considerations
High-end models like the Typhur Dome 2 offer premium features but come at a higher price. Budget-friendly options like the Beautiful 6-Quart Air Fryer provide excellent value without sacrificing performance.
Tips for Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer
- Season Lightly: Use a light spritz of avocado or olive oil and simple seasonings like salt, pepper, or a teriyaki glaze to enhance salmon’s natural flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Place fillets in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Check Doneness: Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon, as recommended by the FDA.
- Flip Carefully: If flipping is needed, use tongs to avoid breaking the delicate fish.
How We Tested and Selected These Air Fryers
Our selection process involved hands-on testing and research, focusing on air fryers’ ability to cook salmon. We evaluated performance based on even cooking, crispiness, and moisture retention, using recipes like teriyaki salmon and lemon herb fillets. We also considered user reviews from major retailers, expert insights from sites like Food & Wine and Consumer Reports, and factors like ease of use, cleaning, and durability. Each model was tested with salmon fillets of varying sizes to ensure consistent results across different scenarios.
FAQs About Air Fryers for Salmon
How long does it take to cook salmon in an air fryer?
Salmon typically takes 7-12 minutes at 380°F, depending on the thickness of the fillet. Check for an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure doneness.
Can I cook frozen salmon in an air fryer?
Yes, most air fryers, like the Instant Vortex Plus, can cook frozen salmon. Increase the cooking time by 3-5 minutes and check for doneness.
Do I need to flip salmon in an air fryer?
Flipping is optional but can help achieve an even crisp. Use tongs to gently flip halfway through cooking.
Are air fryers safe for cooking salmon?
Yes, air fryers are safe and reduce oil usage, making them a healthier option. Choose models with non-toxic materials, like the Typhur Dome 2, for added peace of mind.
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Summarize:
Choosing the right air fryer for your family is important, you need to know your kitchen space, budget, family size, and whether the smart features work well. The air fryers we have reviewed above have been evaluated by our team after 3 weeks of real-life use for different family sizes, features, and types, and you can be assured of their performance and quality. If you have any questions, you can contact us in the comment section.
