Air-Fried Salmon: Can You Do It?

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy, delicious meal. The air fryer locks in the juices, resulting in tender, flaky, and juicy salmon with a browned, crispy exterior. It typically takes 7-10 minutes to cook, depending on the thickness of the fillet and the temperature of the air fryer.

How to prepare salmon for the air fryer

Preparing salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and delicious piece of fish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare salmon for the air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Fillets

Start by cutting the salmon into even-sized fillets. You can also purchase them pre-cut. Decide whether you want to keep the skin on or remove it. Keeping the skin on can help the fish cook more evenly and hold together better, but it is ultimately a matter of preference.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

There are many seasoning options for salmon. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper or get creative with spices like garlic, paprika, onion powder, or even brown sugar or honey for a touch of sweetness. You can also use a marinade or your favourite dry rub. Don't forget to rub the spices well into the salmon for maximum flavour.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Some recipes recommend preheating to 390°F (200°C) or even lower, depending on your preference for the level of doneness.

Step 4: Place the Salmon in the Air Fryer

Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded and have some space between them. If needed, cook the salmon in batches. For skin-on salmon, place it skin-side down in the basket.

Step 5: Cook the Salmon

Cook the salmon for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. Check the salmon with a fork; it is ready when it flakes easily. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the salmon.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve it immediately. You can squeeze some lemon juice over the salmon for added flavour and serve it with your choice of sides, such as vegetables, rice, or salad. Enjoy your delicious air-fried salmon!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking salmon in an air fryer will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the model of the air fryer. On average, you can expect to cook salmon in an air fryer within 7 to 15 minutes.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 400°F and cooking the salmon for 7 to 9 minutes. Check the salmon with a fork to see if it flakes off easily, and return it to the air fryer for another minute or two if needed.

Other recipes suggest cooking the salmon at 370°F for 14 to 15 minutes, or at 400°F for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

If you are cooking frozen salmon, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. For example, one recipe suggests cooking frozen salmon at 360°F for about 7 minutes, or until thawed, and then adding the sauce and cooking for another 6 to 11 minutes.

It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked perfectly. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F.

Seasoning options

Seasoning your salmon fillets is a great way to add flavor and make your dish even more delicious. Here are some seasoning options to consider for your air fryer salmon:

• Garlic Lemon SeasoningReplace the dijon mustard and soy sauce with freshly squeezed lemon juice, increase the garlic powder to 1 and 1/2 teaspoons, and add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. You can also arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon while it cooks.
• 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 Sauce: Brush the salmon with your favorite 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 Seasoning: Season the salmon with your favorite cajun seasoning or try a spicy salmon seasoning blend.
• Basic Seasoning: For a simple yet tasty option, season your salmon with lemon pepper, salt, pepper, and olive oil. This lets the flavor of the fish shine through.
• Brown Sugar and Soy Sauce Glaze: Combine light brown sugar and soy sauce to create a delicious glaze for your salmon.
• Cajun Blackened Seasoning: Give your salmon a kick with a cajun blackened seasoning blend, such as Cajun's Choice.

Cooking salmon with or without the skin

Cooking salmon with the skin on in an air fryer is a great way to get a crispy skin and a flaky, juicy middle. The skin will slip off easily once the salmon is cooked.

If you want to remove the skin before cooking, you can. However, the skin helps to hold the fillet together and can make the salmon more moist.

To get the skin extra crispy, pat it dry before cooking and brush it with a bit of oil. You can also cook the skin separately after cooking the salmon. Place it back in the air fryer and cook it at 400°F for 3-4 minutes.

Whether you choose to cook the salmon with or without the skin, the cooking time and temperature will be the same. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the salmon for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

What to serve with air fryer salmon

There are several options for what to serve with air fryer salmon. Here are some ideas:

Salad

A fresh salad is a great side dish to serve with salmon. Try a Corn Tomato Avocado Salad or a Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad for a well-balanced meal.

Vegetables

You can pair salmon with any vegetable. Some suggestions include asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, or roasted fingerling potatoes. You can also make Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice or Green Beans with Almonds.

Grains

Rice, couscous, barley, and farro are all excellent accompaniments to salmon. Try Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, or Turmeric Rice Salad.

Frequently asked questions