Air Frying Cedar Planks: Safe Or Not?

Cooking salmon on a cedar plank in an air fryer is possible, but there are some safety precautions to be aware of. Firstly, it's important to consult the user manual of your specific air fryer model to ensure that using a cedar plank is safe. If done correctly, cooking salmon on a cedar plank can impart a subtle smoky, woody flavour to the fish, enhancing its natural taste. The cedar plank also provides a barrier, preventing the salmon from sticking and promoting even cooking. However, it is important to soak the cedar plank in water for at least an hour before cooking to prevent it from catching fire in the air fryer.

Soaking the cedar plank

• Plan ahead: Before you start cooking, remember to include the time required for soaking the cedar plank, which is typically around one to two hours.
• Choose a suitable container: You can use the basket of the air fryer to soak the plank, ensuring there are no electrical parts in it. Alternatively, opt for a large bowl or your sink.
• Weigh it down: Place the cedar plank in the chosen container and fill it with cool water, making sure the plank is fully submerged. You can use a small bowl or plate to weigh it down.
• Defrost the salmon: While the plank is soaking, work on defrosting your salmon. Keep the fish in its sealed plastic bag to prevent it from getting waterlogged. Place it in a large bowl, cover it with cool tap water, and put a small heavy plate on top to ensure even defrosting. Remember to change the water every 20 to 30 minutes to maintain a cool temperature.
• Pat the plank dry: Once the soaking is complete, remove the plank from the water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
• Preheat the air fryer: After drying the plank, place it back into the air fryer basket and preheat the air fryer to 380° F.
• Prepare the salmon: While the air fryer is preheating, pat the salmon dry with paper towels. You can then rub it with olive oil and season it with your chosen spices, such as Cajun seasoning, chili powder, paprika, or garlic powder.
• Cook the salmon: Place the seasoned salmon, skin-side down, on top of the preheated cedar plank. Cook it for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon and the brand of your air fryer.

Remember to always refer to your user manual to ensure that using a cedar plank is safe for your specific model of the air fryer. Additionally, it is recommended to stay with the air fryer during the cooking process to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Air fryer size

Air fryers come in a range of sizes, from small to extra-large, with capacities from 1.6 quarts to 8 quarts or more. The right size for you will depend on how many people you usually cook for, and how much counter space you have available.

For cooking for one or two people, a small-capacity air fryer of up to 2 quarts is sufficient. This size allows you to roast a few chicken tenders and a side of Brussels sprouts, for example.

For a family of two, a 2- or 3-quart air fryer is recommended. This will enable you to cook approximately six chicken wings or enough vegetables for two people.

For families of three or more, a larger air fryer will be needed to get dinner on the table quickly. A 6-quart air fryer is recommended for a family of three or four, and can even work for a family of six, depending on what you like to cook.

For a family of six, a 7- or 8-quart air fryer should be adequate.

If you regularly host parties of eight or more people, an extra-large basket size or an oven model air fryer is recommended. This size will allow you to cook a whole chicken, a whole pizza, and pounds of finger foods.

It's worth noting that some sources suggest that horizontal space is more important than capacity when it comes to air fryer size. It's also recommended to get the biggest air fryer you can afford and fit in your kitchen, as you may regret buying one that's too small.

Salmon quality

Cooking salmon on a cedar plank in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a delicate, smoky flavor and a moist, flaky texture. Here are some tips to ensure the best salmon quality:

Soaking the Plank

It is crucial to soak the cedar plank in water for at least an hour before cooking. This prevents the plank from catching fire and adds moisture for steaming, infusing the salmon with a subtle cedar aroma. Remember to pat the plank dry with a clean towel before use.

Salmon Fillets

Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets that are preferably wild-caught. Wild-caught salmon tends to be leaner, more flavorful, and contains fewer contaminants. Skin-on fillets are recommended as the skin acts as a barrier, preventing the fish from sticking to the plank.

Seasoning

While the cedar plank provides a unique flavor, you can enhance the salmon's taste with various seasonings. Basic seasonings like kosher salt and black pepper highlight the salmon's inherent taste. You can also use bottled salmon seasoning, homemade chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, or a simple drizzle of olive oil. If you want to add a hint of citrusy brightness, include some lemon zest in your seasoning mix. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley are optional but can add an extra layer of freshness to the dish.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for salmon on a cedar plank in an air fryer is typically around 10-12 minutes at 375-380° F. However, it's important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and the brand of the air fryer. Always check the internal temperature of the salmon, which should be at least 145° F at the thickest part.

Presentation and Storage

For a fun serving presentation, you can serve the cedar plank fish directly on the cedar plank, perhaps with a simple vegetable side dish like green beans or wild rice salad. Leftover cedar plank salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. It is best to serve leftover salmon cold on a salad or in an omelet.

Salmon skin

Firstly, remove the skin from the salmon fillet. You can use fish tweezers or a sharp knife, but it should come away easily with your fingers. Try to leave as much flesh on the fillet as possible, and scrape off any remaining pieces of flesh from the skin.

Pat the skin dry with kitchen paper, then season with salt and pepper. You can add other seasonings, such as smoked paprika, garlic granules, onion granules, or any bottled salmon seasoning.

Spray a thin layer of oil onto the air fryer basket, or use a silicon basket to prevent the skin from sticking. Place the salmon skin in the basket, skin-side up, and add a little more oil or seasoning if desired.

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (392°F) or 425°F, and cook the salmon skin for 9-10 minutes. There is no need to flip the skin. If you are using a lower temperature, you may need to cook the skin for a little longer, checking every 2 minutes to ensure it is not burning.

Once the skin is lightly browned, curled, and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a wire rack to cool. You can serve the salmon skin warm, or let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container for up to 48 hours.

If you are cooking salmon fillets with the skin on, it is recommended to cook them skin-side down. The skin will help to protect the delicate flesh and hold the fish together. It can also be eaten if desired, or easily removed once the fish is cooked.

Air fryer temperature

Air fryers are small but mighty appliances that can cook a variety of foods. They work by using a powerful fan and heating element to circulate hot air around food placed in a basket. This results in crispy, fried food without the need for deep frying in oil.

The temperature and time settings on an air fryer will depend on the model and the function selected. Most air fryers have pre-set functions such as "Air Fry", "Roast", "Bake", "Reheat", "Broil" and "Dehydrate", each with its own suggested temperature and time settings. For example, roasting in an air fryer will typically use a temperature range of 375-425 degrees Fahrenheit, while baking will be at a lower temperature, around 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

When converting a conventional oven recipe to an air fryer, it is recommended to reduce the temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit and cut the cooking time by about 20%. For example, if a recipe calls for a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a conventional oven, you would set your air fryer to around 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in temperature and time settings, so it is always a good idea to refer to the user manual for specific instructions. Additionally, different foods will require different temperatures and cooking times. For example, butternut squash and sweet potatoes typically cook in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes per side.

When cooking with an air fryer, it is important to remember to preheat the appliance, add food in a single layer to ensure even cooking, and monitor the food throughout the cooking process.

Frequently asked questions