Cook Salmon Belly in the Air Fryer for perfectly crispy skin and a rich, melt-in-your-mouth center. It’s the easiest way to cook this underrated cut.
Salmon belly doesn’t need much to taste good. For this recipe, we’re keeping it simple. Just salt and pepper.
I brush it with a simple teriyaki glaze at the end to balance the richness, then finish with a sprinkle of furikake.
But honestly, it’s good enough on its own. Spoon it over a big bowl of rice and that’s dinner.
Is Salmon Belly Healthy?
Yes, salmon belly is healthy, especially in moderation. While it does contain more fat than other cuts, much of that fat comes from omega-3 fatty acids.
How to Cook Salmon Belly
I cook salmon belly in the air fryer at high heat so the skin gets super crispy. It only takes 8 minutes.
Air Fryer Salmon Belly
Follow these steps for tender, buttery salmon belly every time.
1. Prep the salmon belly. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Arrange in the air fryer basket. Place the salmon belly in a single layer, making sure the pieces do not touch.
3. Air fry until crisp. Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes, then increase the temperature to 450°F and cook for 2 more minutes, or use the max crisp setting for the final 2 minutes.
Simple Teriyaki Glaze
4. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, and honey and stir until smooth.
5. Brush with glaze and garnish. Brush the glaze over the cooked salmon belly, then sprinkle with furikake if using. Serve immediately.
Tips for Crispy Salmon Belly
Getting the skin crispy is easier than you think.
- Pat the salmon belly dry to remove excess moisture before cooking. This helps the skin crisp up.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Leave space between each piece and cook in batches if needed so the air can circulate properly.
- Use the max crisp setting at the end. If your air fryer has a max crisp option, turn it on for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
What to Serve with Salmon Belly
Because salmon belly is so buttery and rich, simple and fresh sides work best.
- Steamed Rice. Always my go-to for protein. It soaks up the teriyaki glaze and balances the richness perfectly.
- Garlic Noodles. Buttery noodles complement the fatty salmon without overpowering it.
- Cucumber Salad. Something fresh and crisp cuts through the richness.
Storage and Reheating
To Store: Let the salmon belly cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave it for 30 to 60 seconds, but it won’t be as crisp.
FAQs
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Easy Salmon Belly Recipe (Air Fryer)
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds salmon belly
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- ½ tablespoon honey or to taste
- Furikake seasoning
Instructions
- Pat the salmon belly dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon belly in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch.
- Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes. Increase the temperature to 450°F and cook for 2 more minutes, or use the max crisp setting for the final 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the teriyaki glaze. Combine soy sauce, mirin, and honey in a small bowl. Stir until well mixed.
- Brush the glaze over the cooked salmon belly. Garnish with furikake, if using. Serve and enjoy!
