Air Fryer Stuffed Salmon – Creamy, Flaky, and Ready in 12 Minutes

Introduction

This Air Fryer Stuffed Salmon brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen in just 12 minutes. After testing multiple filling variations, this method consistently delivers flaky salmon with a creamy, cheesy spinach stuffing that stays moist inside while the salmon cooks to perfection outside.

Perfect Air Fryer Stuffed Salmon Recipe

What makes this recipe special is how the air fryer locks in juiciness while giving the salmon a lightly crisp exterior. The cream cheese-based stuffing stays rich and flavorful without drying out. Unlike oven-baked methods that take longer, the air fryer achieves the same results in nearly half the time.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on preferred
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil spray
  Optional variations: Add crab meat or shrimp to the filling, or substitute goat cheese for tangier flavor.

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket lengthwise in each fillet without cutting through.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, spinach, parmesan, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Stuff each salmon fillet with about 2–3 tablespoons of filling. Don’t overfill to prevent spillage.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange stuffed salmon fillets in a single layer, leaving space between them.
6. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway if your model requires, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temp: 145°F/63°C).
7. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Stuffed Salmon – Creamy, Flaky, and Ready in 12 Minutes

Flaky salmon fillets stuffed with creamy spinach and parmesan, cooked perfectly in the air fryer in just 12 minutes.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Course main dish

Cuisine American, seafood

Servings 4 People

Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp olive oil spray

Instructions

 

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Pat salmon dry, then cut a pocket into each fillet.

Mix cream cheese, spinach, parmesan, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Stuff salmon with 2–3 tbsp filling each.

Spray basket with olive oil and place salmon fillets inside.

Air fry 10–12 minutes until salmon is flaky and reaches 145°F (63°C).

Rest 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Air fryer models vary—adjust cooking time as needed.
• For crispier salmon skin, place fillets skin-side down.
• Store leftovers up to 2 days in the fridge.
• Best reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 32gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 340mgPotassium: 720mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 1mg

Keyword air fryer, cheesy, creamy, easy dinner, salmon, stuffed salmon

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Air Fryer Settings & Tips for Stuffed Salmon

Temperature & Timing Guide

• Standard basket air fryer (5–6 qt): 375°F for 12 minutes.
• Larger oven-style air fryer: 375°F for 10 minutes.
• Thicker salmon fillets: May need an additional 2–3 minutes. Always check doneness with a thermometer.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing.
• Pat salmon dry before cutting to avoid tearing the fillet.
• Avoid overcrowding—leave space for air circulation.
• If your salmon looks pale, add 1–2 minutes for better browning.
• Secure stuffing with toothpicks if fillets are thin or overstuffed.

Serving & Storage for Air Fryer Stuffed Salmon

Best Pairings

• Drizzle with lemon butter sauce for brightness.
• Pair with garlic aioli for richness.
• Try a dill yogurt dip for freshness.
• For spice lovers, a sriracha mayo works beautifully.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Air fryer asparagus (8 minutes at 375°F).
• Garlic butter green beans.
• Roasted baby potatoes (start 10 minutes before the salmon).
• Simple Caesar salad for a lighter option.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended as the cream cheese filling can separate.
• Reheating: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.

Conclusion

This air fryer stuffed salmon delivers a perfectly flaky fish with a creamy spinach-cheese filling in just 12 minutes. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality results at home any night of the week.