Air Fryer Salmon Recipe (with maple bacon!)

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This air fryer salmon recipe is a simple dish that can be prepared and cooked in just minutes. It is the perfect meal to make during busy days at home. If you haven't tried cooking your salmon this way, today is the day to start!

Top view of 2 Salmon fillets on a plate topped with bacon

FRESH VS FROZEN SALMON

Salmon that is both fresh and frozen has advantages and things to keep in mind. Here is a look at each of the two:

FRESH SALMON

Compared to frozen salmon, fresh salmon typically has a somewhat greater texture and flavor. This is particularly obvious if the fish was just caught and handled properly. Fresh salmon is an ideal option if you intend to use it right away or within a few days.

Depending on how well it is stored, fresh salmon normally has a short shelf life of only a few days. To prevent spoilage, it must be used right away or cooked. Fresh salmon might not always be available, depending on the time of year and where you live.

FROZEN SALMON

On the other hand, frozen salmon is readily available all year long and can be kept for a long time, you can eat it regardless of whether it is in season or not. Since it is frequently frozen soon after being caught, the nutrients and freshness are preserved.

Even though salmon that has been frozen still tastes great, some people may find a small change in texture or flavor. It's critical to thaw correctly frozen salmon to preserve its quality. It needs to be defrosted in the fridge, which could take several hours or even overnight.

piece of air fried salmon close up view

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN SALMON IS COOKED?

As the salmon cooks, the color of the flesh shifts. Salmon is translucent when raw, and as it cooks, its color intensifies. The flesh should change from being translucently pink or orange to being opaquely pale pink or coral. Examine the salmon carefully with a fork or knife. The flesh of cooked salmon should effortlessly separate into moist layers.

TIPS FOR MAKING SALMON IN THE AIR FRYER

Cooking salmon in the air fryer is easy and can be really convenient. A couple of tips for making crispy air fryer salmon:

1. PREHEAT AIR FRYER

Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes can lessen the salmon from sticking and ensure even cooking.

2. PREPARE THE SALMON

Be sure to pat dry the salmon fillets in order to get a nice crust when cooked.

3. COOKING TIME AND TEMPERATURE

Set the appropriate temperature and cooking time for a perfect cook.

4. AVOID OVERCROWDING

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket for proper air circulation.

5. REST BEFORE SERVING

Allow air-fried salmon to rest for a couple of minutes before serving for best results.

plate of air fried salmon with lemon slices

WHAT TO SERVE WITH FRIED SALMON?

A wide range of sides can be served with fried salmon to enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here's a couple of ideas for you to try:

  1. Weight Watchers Cheesy Cauliflower Rice
  2. Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables
  3. Tex-Mex Pasta
  4. Southwest Couscous Salad
  5. Zucchini Fries

INGREDIENTS

To make this recipe, you are going to need:

  • Salmon Fillet
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Garlic Powder
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Olive Oil
  • Lemon Juice
  • Maple Syrup
  • Green Onions
  • Bacon
  • Maple Syrup
  • Brown Sugar
Air Fryer Salmon Ingredients

HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER SALMON RECIPE

Now that you have gathered all of your ingredients, it is time to make this yummy recipe. Follow the instructions below for the best results!

fried salmon with bacon and garnish

STEP ONE: PREPARE MAPLE SYRUP MIXTURE

Grab a small bowl and combine maple syrup, sugar, and salt. Mix until fully blended together.

maple mixture for bacon

STEP TWO: COOK BACON

Once the mixture is ready, fry the bacon until it is golden brown. Then, pour in the maple syrup and mix to coat the bacon.

pan with maple bacon in it

STEP THREE: SEASON THE SALMON

In a different bowl, place the mustard, oil, lemon juice, and syrup. Add salt and pepper to taste if needed. After that's all mixed, coat the salmon evenly with the seasoning.

seasoning mixture for salmon

STEP FOUR: COOK

Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for 13 to 15 minutes.

2 salmon fillets in the air fryer basket

STEP FOUR: SERVE

When done cooking, crush the bacon and sprinkle the bits on top of air fried salmon. Serve and enjoy!

cooked salmon in the air fryer basket

AIR FRYER SALMON RECIPE CARD

Now that you know all about salmon with maple bacon it is time to print the recipe or save the recipe. You can print off the complete ingredients and instructions for air fryer salmon recipe via the recipe card below. 

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If you make this recipe and LOVE it…please come back and leave a 5-star rating. It would mean so much to me!

5 from 1 vote
plate of air fried salmon with lemon slices
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe (with maple bacon!)
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 

These air fryer salmon recipe is sure to be a family favorite! It's quick, easy, and oh so yummy!

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer recipe, fish, main dish, salmon
Servings: 4 Serving
Calories: 442 kcal
Author: Jamie
Ingredients
For Salmon
For Bacon
  • 3-4 strips Bacon
  • 2 1/2 tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Brown Sugar
Instructions
  1. Fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Combine maple syrup, sugar, salt in a small bowl.

  2. When the bacon is done cooking, crumble it and add to the syrup mixture. Set aside.

  3. In another small bowl, stir mustard, oil, lemon juice, syrup, and if you need salt and pepper.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

  5. Coat the salmon with the marinade.

  6. Place a parchment liner in the preheated air fryer. Place the coated salmon fillets in the air fryer, allowing a little room between each fillet. Cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 13-15 minutes.

  7. Crush the bacon and add over salmon. Add diced green onion to the top of the salmon.

  8. Serve warm.

Recipe Notes

Please note that on the calories it is calculated with the entire amount of oil. Obviously, most of the marinade isn't actually consumed, thus lowering the true calorie count tremendously. It is very hard to calculate when a marinade is used. 🙂

Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe (with maple bacon!)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 442 Calories from Fat 243
% Daily Value*
Fat 27g42%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Trans Fat 0.02g
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g
Monounsaturated Fat 15g
Cholesterol 73mg24%
Sodium 419mg18%
Potassium 684mg20%
Carbohydrates 23g8%
Fiber 0.4g2%
Sugar 20g22%
Protein 25g50%
Vitamin A 87IU2%
Vitamin C 4mg5%
Calcium 53mg5%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. We are not nutritionist and this data was calculated via WP Recipe Maker to the best of our ability. Always check nutrition values yourself based on the ingredients you use.

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