Air-Fried Salmon: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a convenient and efficient way to cook salmon, yielding a crispy exterior and a flaky, tender interior. The cooking time is short, typically between 7 to 10 minutes, and the cleanup is minimal. Seasonings can be customised to suit individual tastes, and the salmon pairs well with various side dishes, such as salads, grains, and roasted vegetables.

How to cook salmon in an air fryer

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, which results in seared edges and a tender, flaky centre. It's also low-calorie and low-carb.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce

Method

• Cut the salmon fillets into even sizes.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Rub each fillet with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
• Place the salmon in the air fryer and cook for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
• Check the salmon is cooked by flaking it with a fork.
• Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

Tips

• Make sure the salmon fillets are of a similar thickness so they cook evenly.
• Preheat your air fryer for more even cooking and a crispier edge.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket as this can prevent the salmon from cooking evenly and crisping.

Seasoning suggestions

There are many ways to season your salmon fillets before air frying them. Here are some suggestions:

• Garlic Lemon Seasoning: Replace the Dijon mustard and soy sauce in the recipe with 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Increase the garlic powder to 1 1/2 teaspoons and add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon while cooking.
• Honey Garlic Seasoning: Use 2 tablespoons of honey, 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and omit the soy sauce and ginger. Season the cooked salmon with an extra pinch of salt.
• Teriyaki Seasoning: Brush the salmon with your favourite teriyaki sauce before cooking.
• Salmon Marinade: Use soy sauce for salt and umami, honey or pure maple syrup for sweetness, and Dijon mustard for balance and zip.
• Spicy Salmon Seasoning: Season the salmon with your favourite Cajun seasoning, or try a spicy salmon recipe like Buffalo Salmon.
• Simple Seasoning: Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, mixed herbs, and garlic granules. Rub each fillet with a little olive oil and roll in the seasoning to coat.

What to serve with air fryer salmon

There are many side dishes that can accompany air-fried salmon. Here are some ideas:

• Salad: A fresh salad is a great choice to go with salmon. Try a Corn Tomato Avocado Salad or a Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad for a well-balanced meal.
• Grains: Rice, couscous, barley, and farro are all excellent options to serve with salmon for a filling meal. Try it with Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, or Turmeric Rice Salad.
• Vegetables: You can cook whatever vegetable you're serving with the salmon right in the air fryer. It goes great with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice and Green Beans with Almonds.
• Asparagus: Asparagus and salmon are a classic pairing. While the salmon is in the air fryer, prepare some Grilled Asparagus, Roasted Asparagus, or Air Fryer Asparagus.
• Other Vegetables: You can pair any veggie with salmon. For a comfort-food dinner, try Roasted Fingerling Potatoes. For something green, Sauteed Brussels Sprouts are excellent.
• Salad: Salad is an ideal side dish with salmon. Asian Noodle Salad would pair perfectly for something different, or keep it classic with a green Arugula Salad.

Recipe tips and tricks

• Keep the skin on: Cooking the salmon with the skin on helps the fillet hold together and results in a moister and flakier texture. You can easily remove the skin after cooking.
• Don't wrap the salmon: Wrapping the salmon in foil is unnecessary and will make it harder to achieve a crispy texture.
• No need to flip: Thanks to the even heat circulation of the air fryer, there is no need to flip the salmon during cooking.
• Try it with frozen salmon: You can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer by preheating the appliance to a lower temperature (around 360°F) and cooking for about 7 minutes to thaw the salmon, then proceeding with the recipe.
• Make it bite-sized: Cutting the salmon into cubes ensures even cooking and maximum crispness.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: For even cooking and proper air circulation, arrange the salmon in a single layer, leaving space between each fillet or cube. You may need to cook the salmon in batches.
• Check for doneness: The best way to check if your salmon is done is by using an instant-read thermometer. According to the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part. You can also use a fork to gently flake the thickest part; if it flakes easily, it's done.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and speeds up the process.
• Pat the salmon dry: Moisture is the enemy of a crispy exterior. Use paper towels to pat the salmon dry before seasoning and cooking.
• Use cooking spray or brush with oil: Lightly coating the salmon with cooking spray or brushing it with a thin layer of oil will enhance the colour and crispness of the exterior.
• Don't overcook: Salmon dries out quickly, so keep a close eye on it and check it a few times towards the end of cooking. Remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of around 135°F, as the residual heat will continue to cook it to the desired temperature.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can bake air fryer salmon in the oven instead of an air fryer. However, the exterior won't be as crispy. For best results, it is recommended to put the sheet pan on an oven rack that is closer to the top/heating element.

Yes, but the result will be less sweet and less caramelized.

Yes, but the salmon will be missing some of the golden, crisp exterior.

Some sauces that work well with air fryer salmon include basil sauce, romesco, tzatziki, honey mustard, aji verde, an avocado-based sauce, and gochujang sauce.

Where can I buy thick boneless skinless salmon fillets?

Thick boneless skinless salmon fillets can be found at Target, Trader Joe's, Cub Foods, and Kowalski's.

Yes, but it is recommended to completely thaw the salmon first and then cut it as directed. Make sure to pat it with paper towels to ensure the spices stick well.

Yes, you can use salmon with skin. Cubing the salmon is preferable so that it eats more like salmon bites, and you can just pop them right into your mouth. If you prefer a single fillet of salmon with skin on the bottom, you can use the same spices and cook it skin-side down in the air fryer, increasing the cook time to about 9 minutes.

Technically, cooked salmon will be good in the fridge for about 3 days, but it tastes best within 24 hours. It is recommended to eat leftover salmon cold as reheating it will dry it out further.

Should I marinate the salmon?

It is preferable not to marinate the salmon for this recipe as the cornstarch doesn't do well with a longer marinating time.

No flipping is necessary as the air fryer will crisp and golden the exterior on all sides.

Frequently asked questions