One of my favorite things to cook for dinner is fish, and it’s always so juicy and delicious when done in the air fryer. But, if you’re like me and made too much, you’ve probably got some leftovers. Well, I’m here to help with how to reheat salmon in the air fryer so you’ll be able to enjoy your fish as a leftover the second time around.
Sometimes I purposefully make extra so that I can reheat my salmon the next day. It makes a great lunch option, and I’m grateful to not have to do much prep or cooking!
katie’s tip
If you’re in the mood for a new fish recipe, cook Mahi Mahi in the air fryer, and make my spicy, crunchy panko breaded fish tacos!
Why You Should Reheat Salmon in the Air Fryer
- Faster than an oven
- Delivers less rubbery or soggy fish than a microwave
- Retains more moisture – doesn’t dry your salmon out too much
Of course, there are multiple ways you could reheat your salmon. However, I find that the air fryer offers the best of both worlds in terms of speed, taste, and the texture of the fish versus other methods.
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How Many Times Can You Reheat Salmon?
Salmon should only be reheated once. After that, it becomes very dry, and the consistency isn’t desirable.
Only take out as much as you’ll want to eat in a single sitting, and leave the rest in an airtight container in your fridge or freezer. As it is, leftover salmon should generally be consumed in 3-4 days, as it tends to not keep as long as other meats.
How to Reheat Salmon in the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, following your manufacturer’s instructions
- Take out as much leftover salmon as you’d like to reheat
- Place cold salmon in the preheated air fryer basket (place the salmon skin side down if you’re using skin-on fish). You can spray with a mist of olive oil or melted butter if you’d like to add moisture or adhere extra seasonings
- Air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes
- Check the internal temperature of the salmon, which should be at least 165 degrees inside
- Return and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes if temperature isn’t high enough
- Transfer to a dish and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Reheat Cooked Salmon in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can reheat cooked salmon in the air fryer. It’s a quick method that helps maintain a crisp exterior while gently warming the inside to maintain tenderness.
What Is the Best Way to Reheat Salmon?
The best way to reheat salmon is in the air fryer or oven at a low to moderate temperature to avoid drying it out. Brushing with a bit of oil or butter can also help to retain moisture.
How to Eat Leftover Cooked Salmon?
Leftover salmon can be enjoyed in salads, flaked into pasta or grain bowls, added to scrambled eggs, or made into salmon cakes. Its flavor and texture hold up well in both reheated and chilled dishes.
Tips For the Best Reheated Salmon
- When it comes to checking the temperature of the fish, I recommend a long-stemmed meat thermometer so you don’t accidentally burn your hand on the side of the air fryer basket. I’ve had a Hamilton Beach model forever, but this Taylor meat thermometer is pretty similar if you need one. I love mine!
- My cooking times are based on a Ninja air fryer and approximately 6-ounce leftover salmon fillets. Times can vary between appliances and based on the exact size and thickness of your fish piece, so you may need to adjust slightly
Serving Tips
- Add reheated salmon to a wrap, sandwich, or salad (green or pasta) for an easy way to repurpose it!
- Feel free to add sauce, dressing, or a squeeze of lemon juice after reheating, to add flavor and a little extra moisture to compensate for whatever was lost during reheating. I usually check the flavor and sometimes add some salt and pepper as needed, too
Final Thoughts
An air fryer is one of the best ways to reheat cooked salmon. It’s fast, easy, and gives you a tasty bite of fish that isn’t dried out too much and is still safe to eat! If you have the skin on, you’ll get a nice crispy exterior, too!
Whenever I cook salmon, I always make extra so that I can reheat it and enjoy the flavor for lunch the next day. It’s always great, and makes things easier on those busy afternoons!
Still searching for a good salmon recipe to start? See my tasty options above, or head on over to my best Chefman air fryer recipes to try for another delicious option!
Reheat Salmon in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 6 oz leftover cooked salmon portion
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
- Place cold, pre-cooked salmon in air fryer basket6 oz leftover cooked salmon portion
- Reheat for 5 minutes or until salmon reaches 165°F
- Carefully remove from basket with spatula (or similar)
Notes
- If you have multiple pieces of fish, leave space between them in the air fryer for even cooking
- For breaded fish, add a spritz of oil before cooking for a crispier reheat
- Unbreaded fish does not require oil, but feel free to add additional seasoning, if desired (garlic powder, paprika, or dill are great choices)
- This method generally doesn’t require flipping during cooking. However, if you have a very thick piece of fish or a breaded coating, flipping halfway through cooking will help it cook more evenly
- Do not reheat your salmon more than once (it gets dry and tough)
- Nutritional values vary based on variety of salmon, actual size of portion, and any sauces or seasonings previously applied. Please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
