Broiling Salmon In A Power Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and juicy centre with a seared or browned exterior. It is a healthy way to cook salmon, as it requires little to no oil, and the air fryer's even circulation of hot air ensures the salmon is cooked consistently. The air fryer's ability to lock in juices also helps to prevent the salmon from drying out.

How long does it take to cook salmon in an air fryer?

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, which results in tender, flaky fish with seared edges. It takes around 6 to 11 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer.

Steps to cook salmon in an air fryer:

First, cut the salmon fillets into even sizes and preheat your air fryer. You can also buy pre-cut fillets. Removing the skin is not necessary, but you can do so if you prefer.

Then, season the fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add other seasonings like brown sugar, smoked paprika, or chili pepper for extra flavor. Rub the spices into the fish and place the salmon in the air fryer.

Air fry the salmon for 6 to 11 minutes at a temperature of around 390°F to 400°F. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the salmon and your air fryer model, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Finally, check if the salmon is done by flaking it with a fork. If it flakes easily, it's ready to be served!

Tips for cooking salmon in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the seasoned salmon to ensure even cooking and a more crisped edge.
• Use salmon fillets of comparable thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and prevent the salmon from becoming soggy. Cook in batches if needed.
• Check the doneness of the salmon with a fork. The time needed to cook the salmon will depend on its thickness and the model of your air fryer.
• For a crispy skin, pat the salmon skin dry before cooking and brush it with a bit of oil. Cooking at a higher temperature can also help.
• You can cook multiple salmon fillets at once, but make sure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• The internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon should reach 145°F for food safety and optimal doneness.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for salmon?

Yes, you should preheat your air fryer before cooking salmon. Preheating your air fryer helps the salmon develop a nice colour on top and ensures it cooks evenly. Depending on your air fryer model, preheating should take around 3 to 5 minutes at 390°F to 400°F.

Should I marinate the salmon before air frying?

Marination is a great way to add flavour to salmon and ensure it is moist. However, it is not necessary to marinate salmon before air frying it. Air frying salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, which results in tender, flaky fish with a browned, caramelised, or crisped exterior.

If you do choose to marinate your salmon, you can use a variety of seasonings or marinades. For example, you could use a sweet and savoury marinade, a dry rub, or a simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and olive oil. If you are using a marinade, brush it onto the salmon fillets or place them in a bag with the marinade and leave them in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes. You can also add sliced lemons on top of the salmon while it cooks to add a vibrant flavour.

If you are not marinating your salmon, you can simply brush the fillets with butter or olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika before air frying.

Can I use skin-on salmon in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use skin-on salmon in the air fryer. In fact, some sources say that cooking salmon with the skin on yields more moist and flaky results than salmon with the skin removed. The skin also helps the fillet hold together more easily.

If you are looking for crispy skin, you can cook the salmon with the skin side up. However, if you are cooking the salmon to between 120°F and 140°F, you may need to take an extra step to get the skin extra crispy. Once the salmon reaches your desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and carefully remove the skin from the top of the fish. Put the skin back into the air fryer and cook it at 400°F for 2-4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispness.

If you don't want to eat the skin, you can simply remove it after cooking the salmon.

How do I know if the salmon is cooked perfectly?

How to Know if Salmon is Cooked Perfectly in an Air Fryer

There are a few ways to know if your salmon is cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Firstly, the FDA recommends that salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fillet. Therefore, the best way to check is by using an instant-read thermometer. You can remove the salmon from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F and let it rest; the residual heat will continue to cook the salmon to 145°F.

Another way to check is by using a fork to see if the salmon flakes easily. However, this method may not be as accurate as using a thermometer, as the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions