Air-Frying Salmon: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Cooking salmon fillets in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and flavorful way to prepare salmon. It is possible to cook salmon fillets in an air fryer in under 10 minutes, and the method is flexible, allowing for a variety of seasonings and marinades. The air fryer also produces moist and tender salmon with a flaky center and crispy edges. The cook time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 6 to 11 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer.

Seasoning and marinade

If you have more time, you can marinate your salmon in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. A marinade of brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, dijon mustard, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder will give your salmon a sweet and tangy flavour. You can also add some olive oil to this mixture to help the seasoning stick and keep the salmon moist.

When you're ready to cook the salmon, take it out of the marinade and place it in the air fryer, skin-side down. If you're cooking more than two fillets, you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer. Set your air fryer to 350-400°F and cook for 7-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. For thinner fillets, 7-8 minutes should be enough, while thicker fillets may need up to 10 minutes. It's important not to overcook your salmon, as this will dry it out. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F, or 135°F if you like your salmon medium-rare.

Once your salmon is cooked, it's ready to serve! You can peel off the skin before serving, or leave it on and let your guests do it themselves. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice will add a nice tangy finish to your dish. Enjoy!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for salmon fillets in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the thickness of the fillets, the temperature, and the size of the air fryer. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the seasoned salmon, as this allows the salmon to cook evenly and speeds up the cooking time. However, some sources claim that preheating is unnecessary.

For a thinner piece of salmon fillet, the cooking time is generally around 7 to 8 minutes. It is recommended to baste the salmon with more marinade at the halfway mark and then continue cooking. If the salmon fillet is thicker, the cooking time increases to 9 to 11 minutes. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model.

The ideal temperature for cooking salmon fillets in an air fryer ranges from 350°F to 400°F. Some sources recommend cooking at 390°F for 10 minutes, while others suggest 370°F for 14 to 15 minutes. It is worth noting that cooking at a lower temperature, such as 350°F, may be preferable if using a glaze to prevent burning.

It is important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can affect the hot air circulation and prevent the salmon from crisping. Cooking the salmon in batches may be necessary, especially if the fillets are thicker or if they have varying thicknesses. Checking the salmon with a fork is a good way to ensure it is cooked to your desired doneness.

Additionally, the cooking time may need to be adjusted if using frozen salmon fillets. It is recommended to thaw the salmon before cooking, and then cook for about 7 minutes at 360°F until thawed. After that, the salmon can be cooked for an additional 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Skin on or skinless

Whether you choose to cook your salmon fillet with the skin on or off is a matter of personal preference. However, there are some benefits and drawbacks to each method.

Cooking salmon with the skin on helps the fish retain moisture and protects it from overcooking. The skin also helps cook the fish more evenly and completely, trapping the juices better and yielding a more tender fillet. The air fryer can also produce crispy skin, which some people enjoy. If you don't like the skin, you can remove it after cooking. However, the skin may stick to the air fryer basket, making cleanup more difficult.

If you choose to cook your salmon without the skin, you will need to grease the air fryer basket to prevent the fillet from sticking. You can use olive oil or another flavourless oil, or even melted butter. However, be aware that some oils, like extra virgin olive oil, may burn in the high heat of the air fryer.

Whether you cook your salmon with the skin on or off, you should always pat the fillets dry before cooking to ensure there is no excess moisture. You should also season the salmon, either with a simple combination of salt and pepper, or a more complex spice rub.

Cooking from frozen

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to cook salmon without having to defrost it first.

To cook frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F (180-200°C). Remove any excess ice from the fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Brush the fillets with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Season the fillets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the seasoned fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets. For thinner fillets, cook for 7-8 minutes. For thicker fillets, cook for 9-12 minutes. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 135-145°F (57-63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.

You can also add lemon slices and fresh herbs like thyme or dill to the air fryer basket for extra flavor.

Some people prefer to thaw their frozen salmon fillets before cooking, but this is not necessary. Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a convenient and fast way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal.

What to serve with salmon

Salmon fillets cooked in an air fryer are quick, easy, and super flavorful. The best side dishes to serve with salmon are those that can be prepared while the salmon cooks and deliver plenty of flavor without outshining the fish.

Basics like rice, vegetables, or salad work well with salmon. For example, a fresh salad such as a corn, tomato, and avocado salad or a cauliflower tabbouleh salad. Or, if you prefer grains, rice, couscous, barley, and farro are all good options. You could try Lebanese rice or Mediterranean couscous salad. If you want to cook your vegetables in the air fryer, you can prepare them while the salmon cooks. Asparagus, squash, and carrots are all good options.

If you're looking for something a little more hearty, you could try pasta. A creamy pasta side dish or pasta primavera makes for a hearty meal when paired with salmon. The addition of prepared pesto sauce brings herbaceous flavor. You could also try a light and fresh pasta salad with fresh herbs, green beans, and a lemon vinaigrette.

If you want to stick to more simple sides, roasted potatoes or a potato salad with lots of fresh herbs are always a good option.

Frequently asked questions