This salmon collar air fryer recipe is quick and easy to make with a simple and delicious lemon garlic marinade. The collars are marinated briefly before air frying golden brown in under 15 minutes, so you can enjoy a truly restaurant-quality dinner even on a busy weeknight!

Fish collar is something i cook regularly, try my halibut collar, tuna collar, salmon collars recipe or salmon wings recipe!

Salmon is a wonderfully versatile protein - both because there are so many delicious different cuts of meat, and because there are a seemingly infinite number of ways to prepare the fish. In this easy salmon collar air fryer recipe, we cook one of the most delectable yet underrated pieces of the fish using one of our favorite cooking methods. It's a winning combination that you are going to love, too!

Located just behind the gills, salmon collars are sweet and succulent pieces of meat that practically melt in your mouth. There is already lots of tantalizing flavor here, so we marinate them in a simple but vibrant blend of lemon, garlic, and olive oil. This classic combo perfectly tenderizes the salmon in only 30 minutes of marinating time, and brightens the lightly sweet and fishy flavor of the meat.

Then step back and let the air fryer work its magic! I love that air frying is practically effortless and really lets the food shine. There's no deep frying, pan searing, or oven baking needed: The air fryer circulates hot air and uses the tiny bit of remaining oil from the marinade to cook the fish perfectly golden brown with lightly crispy edges in under 15 minutes.

That's right, from start to finish you need less than 1 hour and barely any effort to make a dish that rivals any entree from an elegant seafood restaurant! Pellet grill smoked salmon is another great salmon recipe for you to try if you have a smoker.

Recipe ingredients

Salmon collars. Fresh or previously frozen and thawed. Before cooking, clean the collar by gently rinsing under cold water and patting dry with a towel.

Lemons. This recipe calls for both fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest punch of citrus flavor.

Garlic cloves. An earthy and pungent aromatic that adds enhances the fish without overpowering the delicate flesh of the salmon.

Olive oil. Perfect for a deeply rich and flavorful marinade. Use high quality oil for the best taste.

Salt and pepper. A bit of each brings out the natural deliciousness of the fish and complimentary ingredients.

Fresh herbs. Garnish the salmon collar after air frying with your choice of fresh chopped parsley or dill, if you like.

How to cook salmon collar in air fryer

Start by making the marinade in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon, add zest from the lemon peel, ensuring to avoid the bitter white part. Mince 2-3 cloves of garlic, depending on your taste, and add them to the bowl. Pour in couple tablespoons of olive oil and mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

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seasoned raw salmon collars in the bowl before cooking

Next, take a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag and place the salmon collars inside. Pour the lemon garlic mixture over them, turning to ensure they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for 20-30 minutes.

About 5 minutes before the marinating time is up, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. This ensures it reaches the right temperature for even cooking.

Once preheated, carefully place the marinated salmon collars in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer to avoid overlapping. Close the air fryer and cook the collars for 10-12 minutes, until they are golden brown and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

seasoned raw salmon collars in air fryer

After cooking, let the salmon collars rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the collars moist and flavorful. Enjoy your air fryer salmon collars with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage suggestions

To store leftover salmon collars, let them cool to room temperature and then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 2 days.

For reheating, place the salmon collars in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes, until they are heated through and regain some crispiness. Avoid using a microwave as it can make them soggy.

three salmon collars in air fryer with lemon and chives on top

Frequently asked questions

What part of salmon is the collar?

The collar is essentially the collarbone on a fish. It's a 2-3 inch section right behind the gills, and includes the small fins and part of the delectable fatty salmon belly.

What does fish collar taste like?

Salmon collar meat is unbelievably moist and luscious. The garlic and lemon marinade infuses every bite with a nice, lightly sweet and sharp flavor. And the richness of the belly fat is a pure delight!

Are salmon collars good for you?

Yes, salmon is very good for you! Collars are fattier than fillets, but are still rich with protein and healthy fatty acids. Bonus: Cooking salmon collar in the air fryer keeps the calories on the low(er) side compared to pan frying on the stovetop.

Do you turn salmon over in air fryer?

No, you do not need to turn the salmon collars when cooking in an air fryer... Just pop them in the basket, set the timer, and step back!

How do you cook salmon in an air fryer without it sticking?

You can line the air fryer basket with a square of parchment paper. This will keep the fish from sticking, and makes cleanup MUCH easier.

But do not place the piece of paper in the basket until after the fryer is preheated and you are ready to put the fish in as well. Otherwise, without any weight on the parchment you run the risk of the paper blowing upwards and catching fire on the heating element.

Lemon Garlic Salmon Collar in Air Fryer

Yield: 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Additional Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Ingredients

3-4 Salmon collars, cleaned and patted dry (or 2 bigger ones)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
Zest of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and olive oil. Stir well to combine.
Place the salmon collars in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the lemon garlic mixture over the salmon, making sure each collar is well coated. Allow them to marinate for about 20-30 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
Once preheated, place the marinated salmon collars in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren't overlapping. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon collars are golden brown and fully cooked.

Notes

To store leftover salmon collars, let them cool to room temperature and then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 612Total Fat: 42gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 31gCholesterol: 143mgSodium: 290mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 51g