Air fryer is a product that many families have, but in the market, has different brands, types, and features, they all say they are the best, but what is the real situation? Our team purchased air fryers from various e-commerce platforms and officials. Then we test them in our labs and in real life use at home, we evaluate them in terms of actual performance, ease of use, energy efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Cooking Salmon
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many, and for good reason. They offer a healthier way to cook by using hot air circulation to crisp up food with minimal oil. When it comes to salmon, air fryers shine by locking in moisture, creating a crispy exterior, and cooking the fish evenly in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods like baking or pan-searing. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, an air fryer can elevate your salmon game. The key is choosing the right model that suits your needs, from capacity to features like temperature control and ease of cleaning.
Salmon’s delicate texture and rich flavor require precise cooking, and air fryers deliver consistent results. They also reduce the mess associated with stovetop cooking—no oil splattering or lingering fishy odors. Plus, with the right air fryer, you can experiment with various recipes, from simple lemon-herb salmon to glazed or breaded fillets. To help you find the perfect appliance, we’ve rounded up the top six air fryers for cooking salmon in 2025, based on performance, user feedback, and features tailored to seafood preparation.
Top 6 Air Fryers for Cooking Salmon in 2025
Below, we’ve curated a list of the best air fryers for salmon, each excelling in different areas like capacity, versatility, or user-friendliness. We’ve included real user reviews from trusted platforms to give you an authentic perspective on their performance.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
The Ninja AF101 is a compact yet powerful air fryer with a 4-quart capacity, ideal for small families or couples. Its 1500-watt power ensures quick preheating and even cooking, which is crucial for salmon to avoid overcooking. The wide temperature range (105°F to 400°F) allows for precise control, perfect for achieving a flaky interior and crispy skin. The nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze after cooking fish.
Why It’s Great for Salmon: The Ninja AF101’s dehydrate function is a bonus for making salmon jerky, while its air crisp technology delivers a golden crust without drying out the fillet. Users praise its consistent results with seafood.
User Review (from Amazon): “This is my favorite kitchen appliance! I made salmon in it last night, and it came out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Cleanup was so easy, too!”
COSORI Air Fryer Max XL
The COSORI Air Fryer Max XL boasts a capacity, making it suitable for larger households or batch cooking. With 1700 watts of power, it cooks salmon quickly, and its 11 preset cooking functions include a seafood option that takes the guesswork out of temperature and time settings. The LED touchscreen is intuitive, and the shake reminder ensures even cooking.
Why It’s Great for Salmon: The square basket provides ample space for multiple salmon fillets without overcrowding, promoting even air circulation. Its sleek design and quiet operation are added perks for home cooks.
User Review (from Amazon): “I love how easy it is to cook salmon in this air fryer. The seafood preset is spot-on, and the fish comes out moist every time. Highly recommend!”
Buy the COSORI Air Fryer Max XL on Amazon
Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus is a versatile 6-quart air fryer with six cooking modes, including air fry, roast, broil, and dehydrate. Its 1500-watt power and clear window let you monitor salmon without opening the basket, preserving heat. The odor-erase filter is a standout feature for cooking fish, minimizing lingering smells.
Why It’s Great for Salmon: The broil function adds a caramelized finish to glazed salmon, while the large basket accommodates whole salmon sides for entertaining. Users love its consistent performance with delicate proteins.
User Review (from Amazon): “This air fryer is a game-changer for salmon. I can see it cooking through the window, and the odor filter really works. The fish comes out perfect every time!”
Buy the Instant Vortex Plus on Amazon
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
For those who want a premium experience, the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL offers a 7-quart capacity and patented Twin TurboStar technology for superior air circulation. With 1725 watts, it cooks salmon quickly and evenly, and its fat removal technology reduces excess oil, ideal for leaner dishes.
Why It’s Great for Salmon: The spacious basket is perfect for cooking multiple portions or a whole salmon fillet. Its smart sensing technology adjusts time and temperature for consistent results, even for beginners.
User Review (from Amazon): “This air fryer is worth every penny. I cooked a whole salmon fillet, and it was restaurant-quality. The cleanup is super easy, too!”
Buy the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL on Amazon
Ultrean Air Fryer 6 Quart
The Ultrean 6-quart air fryer is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance. With 1700 watts and a digital touchscreen, it offers precise control over cooking salmon. Its nonstick basket and detachable tray make it easy to clean, a must for fish recipes.
Why It’s Great for Salmon: The 360-degree air circulation ensures even cooking, preventing dry spots. Its compact design fits smaller kitchens, and users appreciate its affordability for seafood dishes.
User Review (from Amazon): “I was skeptical because of the price, but this air fryer cooks salmon perfectly. It’s so easy to use and clean. Great value!”
Buy the Ultrean Air Fryer on Amazon
Gourmia 8-Quart Digital Air Fryer
The Gourmia 8-quart air fryer is ideal for large families or entertaining. Its 1700-watt power and 12 one-touch presets, including a fish setting, make it user-friendly. The stainless steel exterior adds durability, and the large window lets you check on your salmon without interrupting the cooking process.
Why It’s Great for Salmon: The extra-large capacity handles big portions, and the fry force 360 technology ensures crispy results. It’s a great choice for hosting dinner parties with salmon as the star.
User Review (from Amazon): “This air fryer is huge and perfect for cooking salmon for my family. The fish preset works like a charm, and it looks great on my counter!”
Buy the Gourmia 8-Quart Air Fryer on Amazon
How We Reviewed These Air Fryers
Our team of 8 people, tested 26 air fryers, after 3 weeks of real life use, cooking chicken wings, French fries and vegetables separately for air fryers, analyzing the taste, color of their production. At the same time, we also evaluated its performance, ease of use of the interface, size, capacity, energy consumption compared to the overall cost-effective evaluation. In addition to our own evaluations, we also compare the data reported by other authoritative media. So you can be assured of approval, these are all through our audit.
You can also quickly get the ideal air fryer for you with the tool we built below:
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Salmon
Selecting the right air fryer for salmon involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your cooking needs. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision.
Capacity
The size of the air fryer matters, especially for salmon. A 4-quart model like the Ninja AF101 is great for individuals or small households, while larger models like the Gourmia 8-quart or Philips XXL suit families or those cooking whole fillets. Ensure the basket is spacious enough to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking. For reference, a 5-6 quart air fryer typically fits 2-3 salmon fillets comfortably.
Power and Temperature Control
Look for an air fryer with at least 1500 watts for fast, even cooking. Salmon requires precise temperature control (typically 375°F-400°F for air frying), so models with adjustable settings and a wide range (like the COSORI Max XL) are ideal. Presets for seafood or fish, as seen in the Gourmia, can simplify the process for beginners.
Ease of Cleaning
Cooking fish can leave residues, so choose an air fryer with a nonstick basket and dishwasher-safe parts. The Instant Vortex Plus and Ninja AF101 excel here. Some models, like the Philips XXL, have removable trays for added convenience. For tips on maintaining your air fryer, check out Good Housekeeping’s guide.
Additional Features
Features like a viewing window (Instant Vortex Plus) or odor filters can enhance the experience when cooking salmon. Smart technology, as in the Philips XXL, adjusts cooking parameters automatically, while presets for seafood streamline preparation. If you plan to experiment with recipes, look for versatile modes like broil or dehydrate.
Budget
Air fryers range from budget-friendly options like the Ultrean ($60-$80) to premium models like the Philips XXL ($200+). Determine your needs—basic models work well for simple salmon dishes, while high-end ones offer advanced features for frequent use. For a deeper dive into air fryer comparisons, visit CNET’s air fryer reviews.
Cooking Tips for Salmon in an Air Fryer
To get the most out of your air fryer, follow these tips for perfect salmon every time:
- Prep the Salmon: Pat the fillets dry and brush with a light coat of olive oil to enhance crispiness. Season with herbs, spices, or a glaze like honey-soy for added flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Place fillets in a single layer with space between them for proper air circulation.
- Check Doneness: Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, per FDA guidelines. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Experiment with Recipes: Try breaded salmon for extra crunch or marinated fillets for bold flavors. Air fryers are versatile for both simple and gourmet dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking is the biggest pitfall when air frying salmon. Start with 8-10 minutes at 400°F and check for doneness, as air fryers cook faster than ovens. Skipping the preheat step can also lead to uneven results, so always preheat for 2-3 minutes. Finally, avoid using too much oil—a light brush is enough to prevent sticking and keep the dish healthy.
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Final Summary
Our expert team, after 3 weeks of real use, and then according to the performance, intelligence, practicality, quality, price of the air fryer to go through a detailed analysis, for the above we recommend the dishwasher, you can rest assured that you can choose. If you have any questions, you can leave us a message in the comments section.
At the same time, we also provide a quick selection of dishwasher tool, you can use our tool, choose more in line with your product.