Air Fryer Salmon Steaks

There’s something about salmon steaks that feels a little fancier than fillets — but don’t let that fool you. This Air Fryer Salmon Steak recipe is honestly one of the easiest weeknight meals I’ve been making lately. It comes together in about 20 minutes, uses simple pantry staples, and gives you moist, tender salmon with beautifully crisp edges.

I started making this on a whim one evening after spotting some fresh salmon steaks at the store, and now it’s one of my go-to air fryer recipes. Even my family asks for it by name — and let’s be real, that doesn’t happen often on a busy Tuesday night. 😂

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon Steak Recipe

• Quick & easy: Only 10 minutes in the air fryer.
• Minimal cleanup: No greasy pans or oven to preheat.
• Flavor-packed: A quick marinade with soy sauce, Dijon, and smoked paprika does all the heavy lifting.
• Great for meal prep: Serve fresh, or save for wraps, bowls, and salads.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this recipe — and the best part is, you probably already have most of it in your kitchen:

• Salmon steaks: Bone-in steaks work great. If frozen, thaw before using.
• Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasoning stick. You can also use avocado oil or canola oil.
• Soy sauce: For that salty, umami base. Swap with tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free or keto.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth. Yellow mustard works in a pinch, but Dijon really shines here.
• Garlic powder: Earthy and savory — a must.
• Smoked paprika: Adds warmth and color. Regular paprika is fine too.
• Sugar: Just a little bit to balance the bold flavors.
• Salt & black pepper: Always.

How to Cook Salmon Steaks in the Air Fryer

Step 1 – Pat dry & season
Use paper towels to pat the salmon steaks dry on both sides. Season lightly with salt and pepper and set aside for a few minutes.

Step 2 – Make the marinade
In a small bowl, mix together:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step 3 – Marinate
Brush the salmon steaks with the marinade on both sides. If you’ve got a few extra minutes, let them sit in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. Totally optional, but helps the flavor soak in.

Step 4 – Air fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil, then add the salmon steaks in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd!
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness — the salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temp of 135–145°F.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t skip drying the salmon. It helps the skin get crispier and the seasoning stick better.
• Avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed so the hot air can circulate evenly.
• Let them rest. Just a couple of minutes after air frying helps lock in the juices.

Easy Variations to Try

Change up the flavors with these quick swaps:

• Maple-soy glaze: Swap sugar with maple syrup and brush extra on at the end.
• Garlic herb: Add dried thyme and oregano to the marinade.
• Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or brush with hot honey after cooking.
• Lemon pepper: A sprinkle of lemon zest and black pepper goes a long way!

Serving Ideas

This air fryer salmon steak is super versatile. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

• With grains: Serve over white rice, couscous, or quinoa.
• With roasted veggies: Try roasted potatoes, asparagus, or air-fried green beans.
• In a bowl: Flake it over a salad or grain bowl with some avocado and a drizzle of tahini.
• With salad: Tomato cucumber salad, mango slaw, or a simple green mix all work beautifully.

Storage, Reheating & Freezing

• Store: Cool and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warm. Don’t microwave — it dries out the salmon!
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

If you try this Air Fryer Salmon Steaks recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment or snap a pic and tag me — it always makes my day to see your kitchen wins.