How Long to Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer (UK Times by Brand)
- TEMP
- 180-200°C
- TIME
- 8-14 MIN
- CORE
- OPAQUE & FLAKES
The FSA does not give a numeric core temperature for fish on this page; it says fish is done when the flesh turns opaque (no longer transparent) and separates easily with a fork.
Manufacturer charts for salmon fillet range from 180 to 200°C for 8 to 14 minutes, a tighter spread than most meats on this site. The Fryer Guide lists every brand's exact figure below instead of averaging them, because salmon is judged done by how it looks and flakes rather than a single core temperature.
Based on 4 manufacturer sources. Figures last checked 27 September 2026. See the full list of manuals and articles used on this site on the about and methodology page.
What each brand's guide says
| Brand | Temp | Time | Shake | Amount | Model | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja | 200°C | 12-14 min | Yes | 4 fillets (520g) | AF400UK (Foodi MAX Dual Zone) | Ninja Quick start guide, p.11 |
| Ninja | 200°C | 10-14 min | not stated | not given | AF400UK / AF100UK | Ninja Brand chart |
| Instant | 180°C | 8-12 min | not stated | not given | Instant Vortex range (UK, brand-level chart) | Instant Brand chart |
What each source actually says
- Ninja (AF400UK (Foodi MAX Dual Zone)): Chart row, page 11: Salmon fillets 4 (520g) 200°C 12-14 mins source
- Ninja (AF400UK / AF100UK): Chart row: Salmon 180°C oven 10-15 min vs Ninja Air Fryer 200°C 10-14 min source
- Instant (Instant Vortex range (UK, brand-level chart)): Chart row: Salmon Fillet 180°C 8-12 minutes Bake source
Fresh vs frozen
Salter's grill chart gives a separate frozen fillet time: 10 to 13 minutes on its HIGH setting for four frozen fillets, flipped halfway through, with no °C given. The rest of the figures above are for fresh salmon fillet.
Source: Salter AeroGrill Pro EK5106, Recipe booklet, p.5.
Size and thickness adjustments
Ninja's chart is based on four fillets totalling 520g (130g each).
Browning and doneness
The FSA does not give a numeric core temperature for fish; it says fish is done when the flesh turns opaque, no longer transparent, and separates easily with a fork. Use that check for salmon rather than a thermometer reading.
Where brands disagree
Instant's Bake-function figure (180°C, 8 to 12 minutes) is the lowest temperature on this page; every other manual sourced here uses 200°C. If you use Instant's lower setting, check the fish visually rather than assuming the shorter Ninja time will apply.
From the oven instead?
If you have an oven time and temperature and want the air fryer equivalent, use the oven to air fryer converter.
Frequently asked questions
- What temperature should salmon be cooked at in an air fryer?
- Most sourced figures use 200°C; Instant's Bake function is the exception at 180°C. Times run from 8 to 14 minutes.
- How do I know when salmon is done without a thermometer?
- The FSA says fish is done when the flesh turns opaque and separates easily with a fork; no numeric temperature is given for fish.
- How long do frozen salmon fillets take?
- Salter's grill chart gives 10 to 13 minutes on its HIGH setting for four frozen fillets, flipped halfway through.
- Does salmon need turning halfway through cooking?
- Ninja's chart carries a general note to shake or toss food often for best results, with no salmon-specific instruction. Salter's frozen grill chart says to flip the fillets halfway through.
Also see: Fish fingers