Air Fryer Foil-Wrapped Salmon: A Quick, Easy Treat

Salmon is a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, and cooking it in an air fryer is one of the most convenient and tasty methods. Air fryers are known for their speed and ease of use, and they can produce salmon that is tender, flaky, and cooked to perfection in just a few minutes. Cooking salmon in an air fryer can be done with or without foil, depending on your preference for a crispy texture or a juicier fillet.

Seasoning salmon for cooking in an air fryer

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. The air fryer is a convenient and versatile appliance that can cook salmon to perfection in just a few minutes.

When it comes to seasoning salmon for cooking in an air fryer, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Simple Seasoning:

A basic seasoning for salmon cooked in an air fryer includes salt, pepper, and a brushing of olive oil. You can also add a slice of lime or lemon to the fillets for extra flavor. This simple combination of seasonings enhances the natural flavor of the salmon without overwhelming it.

Garlic and Herb:

For those who enjoy the flavor of garlic, a mixture of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper can be a delicious option. You can also add some dried oregano and thyme for an herby twist. This combination of seasonings gives the salmon a savory and slightly spicy flavor.

Maple Dijon:

For a touch of sweetness, you can create a maple Dijon glaze by mixing Dijon mustard with maple syrup. Brush this mixture onto the salmon before air frying. This seasoning option adds a balance of sweet and tangy flavors to the salmon.

Spicy Honey:

If you prefer your food with a kick, consider drizzling the cooked salmon with hot honey. This combination of sweet and spicy will tantalize your taste buds.

Teriyaki Glaze:

Brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to add a savory and slightly sweet glaze to the fish.

Smoky BBQ:

For a smoky flavor, swap out regular paprika for smoked paprika and add a touch of brown sugar. This seasoning option is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and smoky barbecue flavor.

When seasoning salmon for the air fryer, it is important to remember that you can adjust the measurements to your taste preferences. Additionally, you can always add extra ingredients, such as chopped vegetables, to create a complete meal in the air fryer.

How to wrap salmon in foil for an air fryer

Yes, you can cook salmon in foil in an air fryer. Cooking salmon in foil seals in the moisture and flavour.

Firstly, prep the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and a brushing of olive oil. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and dried dill. Then, top each fillet with a slice of lime or lemon for extra flavour.

Next, place the fillets in a square of aluminium foil. Ensure that the foil is large enough to completely envelope the salmon. Seal the foil around the fillets, leaving some space around them for the juices to heat up and flavour the fish.

Now, place the foil-wrapped salmon in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the salmon for 12-15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the fillets.

Once the cooking time is over, carefully remove the foil packets from the air fryer basket and open them up. Your salmon is now ready to be served!

You can also add chopped vegetables to the foil packet before cooking to create a complete meal.

Air fryer temperature and time for cooking salmon in foil

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious, healthy meal in minutes. The air fryer seals in the moisture and flavour of the fish, resulting in a tender, flaky centre with seared edges.

When cooking salmon in foil, it is recommended to prep the salmon with salt, pepper, and a brushing of olive oil. You can also add a slice of lime or lemon for extra flavour. Then, place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, on squares of aluminium foil that are large enough to completely envelope the fish. Seal the foil around the fillets and place them in the air fryer basket.

For fresh salmon, preheat the air fryer to 390°F for about 5 minutes. Then, cook the salmon for 10 minutes. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F, and the fish should easily flake with a fork.

For frozen salmon, preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Place the salmon on aluminium foil in the air fryer and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, brush the salmon with oil, increase the temperature to 400°F, and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the thickest part of the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the model of the air fryer.

How to clean up after cooking salmon in an air fryer

To clean up after cooking salmon in an air fryer, you should first remove the salmon from the air fryer basket. If you have cooked the salmon on a bed of foil, simply take the foil out of the basket and dispose of it. If you have not used foil, use paper towels to wipe away any remaining oil or salmon residue from the air fryer basket.

It is important to clean your air fryer after each use to prevent a build-up of grease and food particles, which can impact the taste of your food and the performance of your air fryer. Be sure to unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.

Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior and interior of the air fryer, including the heating element and fan. If there are any stubborn stains or burnt-on food particles, you can use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub them away. Avoid using abrasive cleaning pads or harsh chemicals, as these may damage the non-stick coating on the air fryer basket.

For a more thorough clean, you can remove the air fryer basket and place it in the dishwasher if it is dishwasher-safe. Alternatively, you can wash the basket by hand using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Ensure that you dry the basket thoroughly before returning it to the air fryer.

What to serve with salmon cooked in an air fryer

You can cook salmon in foil in an air fryer. Cooking salmon in foil seals in the moisture and flavour. To cook, prep the salmon with salt, pepper, and a brushing of olive oil. Top each fillet with a slice of lime. Place the fillets in a square of aluminium foil, enough to completely envelop the salmon. Seal the foil around the fillets and place in the air fryer basket.

Now, what to serve with the salmon? Here are some ideas:

• Salads: Spinach salad with cucumbers, green apple, tomatoes and sweet potato, or a corn, tomato, and avocado salad.
• Rice: White rice, Lebanese rice, or turmeric rice salad.
• Noodles: An Asian noodle salad.
• Grains: Couscous, barley, farro, or quinoa.
• Vegetables: Green beans, roasted fingerling potatoes, sauteed brussels sprouts, or roasted carrots. Asparagus is a classic pairing with salmon, but you could also try broccoli or frozen bananas.
• Fruit: Chopped fruit or bananas.

Frequently asked questions