Sharing is caring!

These Air Fryer Salmon Steaks are the perfect weeknight dinner option. The air fryer gives them a crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy and flaky. Plus, it’s ready in just 15 minutes! Serve with your favorite roasted veggies or salad for a complete meal. Give this recipe a try tonight and see how delicious salmon can be from the air fryer.

air-fryer-salmon-steaks-served-with-fresh-shredded-veggies-on-a-white-plate-on-a-srving-tray-with-roses-and-beutiful-candle.
I served my air fryer salmon steaks with a side salad – however, mashed potatoes and a green veggie would also compliment this dish

Salmon steaks are so slept on! I absolutely love making them at home. Lately I have been looking for quick and easy ways to make some of my favorite recipes using my air fryer. My recipe for Air Fryer Salmon Steaks is going to be one of your new favorite Air Fryer Recipes!

I make my air fryer salmon steaks with Old bay Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper , and garlic powder – it gives it a nice flavor. Then I finish it with a top tier lemon butter sauce *insert chefs kiss *

Another great thing about air fryer salmon steaks is that they are a healthy source of protein at just around 208 calories. So, not only are they tasty, but you can feel good about serving them to your family or guests. 

And don’t forget to experiment with different seasonings and marinades for even more delicious variations on this air fryer salmon steak recipe. ​

Ingredients needed.

ingredients-needed-for=this-air-fryer-salmon-steaks-recipe.
  • 2 salmon steaks At least 1 inch thick
  • 2 tsp old bay cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • parsley optional garnish

How to make Salmon Steaks in the Air Fryer?

seasoning-salmon-steaks-with-dry-rub-on-a-purple-round-plate.
Season your salmon steaks
seasoned-salmon-steaks-in-the-air-fryer-basket-ready-to-be-cooked.
Place the salmon steak in the preheated air fryer (my air fryer is a ninja foodi and I could only fit 1 at a time). cook for 14-16 minutes or until fully cooked
removing-the-cooked-salmon-steaks-from-the-air-fryer-basket.
Remove salmon steak from the air fryer and set it aside
salmon-steak-with-lemon-butter-sauce-with-gray-and-white-background.
Melt 2 tbsp butter and add 1 tsp lemon juice then spoon the butter sauce over the salmon steak
melted-butter-with-lemon-juice-sauce-for-the-salmon-steaks.
Garnish the salmon steak with parsley
Air-fried-salmon-steaks-on-a-white-plate-garnished-with-fresh-parsley-and-slices-of-lemon.
Finished product – delicious Air Fryer Salmon Steaks

What can I serve with Air-Fried salmon steaks?

  • Some great options include a fresh salad
  • Roasted vegetables, or quinoa. 
  • You could also serve it with rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. 
  • The salmon steak’s flavor pairs well with citrus-based sauces or pesto as well. 
  • Try topping your salmon steak with avocado slices for some added creaminess and healthy fats.

Serves 2

Recipe variations and add-ons

One of my favorite ways to cook salmon steaks in the air fryer is by marinating them in a blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger before cooking. The marinade adds flavor and helps to create a crispy outer crust on the salmon. Serve with your choice of side dishes for a delicious and healthy meal.

Glam Kitchen Tips

One thing to keep in mind when cooking salmon in an air fryer is the difference between salmon steaks and salmon fillets. Salmon steaks are cut crosswise from the middle of the salmon, resulting in thicker cuts with skin on one side. Salmon fillets, on the other hand, are cut lengthwise along the sides of the salmon, resulting in thinner cuts with skin removed.

Both salmon steaks and fillets can be cooked in an air fryer, but the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cut.

  • Top your cooked salmon steak with some freshly squeezed lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra pop of flavor. Yum! 
  • When warming your leftover air fryer salmon steaks, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top of it, then cover it with a lid if it’s in a container. You can do the same by covering it with heavy-duty foil so that it doesn’t end up all dry in the microwave.

FAQ

How does cooked salmon look? 

Cooked salmon should have an opaque and flaky texture, with a slightly crispy exterior. Be careful not to overcook the salmon as it can become dry and tough.

How to debone salmon steaks?

Place salmon steak on a cutting board with the skin side down. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut along the top of the salmon steak, near the spine, to remove any visible bones. Repeat on the other side until all bones have been removed.

Must I remove the skin before or after cooking the salmon steak in the air fryer?

It’s personal preference, but we recommend removing the skin before cooking for crispier results. Simply use a sharp knife to carefully remove the salmon skin before following the cooking instructions above.

Can I marinate salmon steaks before air frying?

Marinating salmon steaks in your favorite marinade will infuse even more flavor into your salmon steak. Simply marinate for at least 30 minutes before air frying according to the instructions above

Do you flip the salmon steaks in the cooking process?

No need to flip the salmon steaks while cooking in the air fryer. The circulating hot air will cook the salmon evenly on both sides. Simply place them in the air fryer basket and let it do its magic! No flipping is required.

More Salmon Recipes to try

Southern Salmon Cakes Recipe

Air Fryer Salmon Cakes

Teriyaki salmon bites

Air Fryer Salmon Steaks

These Air Fryer Salmon Steaks are the perfect weeknight dinner option. The air fryer gives them a crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy and flaky
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course, seafood
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 386 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 salmon steaks At least 1 inch thick
  • 2 tsp old bay cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • parsley optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • Season both sides of salmon steaks with old bay , lemon pepper , and garlic powder
  • Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 390 degrees
  • Once air fryer has been preheated , place salmon steaks in air fryer and cook for 14-16 minutes or until fully cooked
  • Remove from air fryer and set aside
  • In a small bowl or cup , melt unsalted butter and add lemon juice
  • Spoon lemon butter over salmon steaks and garnish with parsley
  • Serve and enjoy !
Keyword Air Fryer, salmon, seafood, weeknight dinner