Reheating Salmon: Air Fryer Magic In Minutes

Reheating salmon is an art, and it can be tricky to get it just right. The good news is that it is possible to make leftover salmon taste as good as the first time. The best methods to reheat salmon include an air fryer, grill, microwave, stovetop, or steaming, all at relatively low heat. Salmon is a delicate fish, so it dries out quickly and can become hard if reheated on high heat.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C)

Preheating your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) is a crucial step when reheating salmon. This ensures the appliance reaches the optimal temperature for cooking, guaranteeing your leftover salmon is heated evenly and efficiently.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your salmon. If your salmon has skin, consider placing it skin-side down on a plate or in a microwave-safe dish. You can also get creative with seasonings and herbs at this stage, sprinkling your favourite flavours over the salmon fillets.

Preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature is essential for achieving the desired crispiness and ensuring your salmon is cooked evenly and thoroughly. This step also allows you to prepare your salmon properly, adding any desired seasonings or oils to enhance the flavour and texture.

Once the air fryer has preheated, you can carefully place your salmon inside, setting the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and cooking for 3-5 minutes. It's important to keep a close eye on your salmon to prevent overcooking, as the exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets and the model of your air fryer.

The preheating stage is vital for ensuring your salmon is cooked to perfection, locking in moisture, and maintaining the delicate flavour and texture of this versatile fish.

Prepare the salmon with olive oil, water and seasonings

Preparing the salmon with olive oil, water, and seasonings is a crucial step in ensuring that your reheated salmon is moist, flavourful, and tender. Here's a detailed guide:

Firstly, gather your ingredients and tools. You'll need leftover salmon fillets, preferably at room temperature. Olive oil will be used to enhance the crispiness of the salmon skin and add flavour. You can also add a small amount of water to the air fryer to help maintain moisture. For seasonings and herbs, choose your favourites such as garlic powder, lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper.

Now, let's get the salmon ready. If your salmon has skin, place it skin-side down on a plate or in a microwave-safe dish. If you desire crispy skin, a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray will do the trick. Drizzle or brush olive oil onto the salmon and sprinkle your chosen seasonings and herbs over the fillets. This step is where you can get creative and experiment with different flavours.

After seasoning, take a sheet of aluminium foil and gently wrap it around the salmon, creating a packet. Ensure the foil is sealed but loose enough to allow hot air to circulate and keep the salmon moist during reheating.

Once your air fryer is preheated, carefully place the foil-wrapped salmon inside. Make sure to position the salmon in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Now, you're ready to reheat!

Place the basket with the salmon into the preheated air fryer and set the timer. Reheating should take around 3-5 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and the model of your air fryer.

While the salmon is reheating, you can prepare a side dish or sauce to accompany your meal. Remember, the key to successful reheating is to warm the salmon without overcooking it, so it's important to monitor the process closely.

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two before serving. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavourful bite.

Finally, serve your reheated salmon with your chosen sides and enjoy! Your salmon should now be moist, tender, and full of flavour, thanks to the combination of olive oil, water, and seasonings.

Wrap the salmon in foil

Wrapping the salmon in foil is a great way to retain moisture when reheating in the air fryer. This method can also be used in the oven or on the grill.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your salmon will cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

If your salmon has skin, place it skin-side down on a plate or microwave-safe dish. If you want crispy skin, you can add a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 3: Season the Salmon (Optional)

This is where you can get creative! Season your salmon with your choice of herbs and spices. Popular options include garlic powder, lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Wrap the Salmon in Foil

Take a sheet of aluminum foil and gently wrap it around the salmon, creating a packet. Ensure the foil is sealed but leave a bit of space to allow hot air to circulate. This wrapping method will help keep the salmon moist.

Step 5: Place the Salmon in the Air Fryer

Once your air fryer has preheated, carefully place the foil-wrapped salmon inside the basket. Make sure to place it in a single layer, not stacked with other items.

Step 6: Set the Air Fryer Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook the salmon for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as the exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon and your air fryer model. You want to warm the salmon without overcooking it.

Step 7: Check the Temperature (Optional)

For precision, use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should reach 125-130°F (52-54°C) to ensure it is safe to eat and perfectly reheated.

Step 8: Let the Salmon Rest

Once your salmon reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two before unwrapping. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Before serving, you can add freshness by garnishing your reheated salmon with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or your favorite sauce. Then, savor the delicious results of your air fryer reheating efforts!

Place the salmon in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your salmon is seasoned, wrapped in foil, and ready to go, it's time to place the salmon in the air fryer basket. Position the foil-wrapped salmon in a single layer, ensuring it's not stacked on top of other items. Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and let the salmon cook for 3-5 minutes.

The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the specific model of your air fryer, so keep a close eye on it. The goal is to warm the salmon without overcooking it. You want to make sure the salmon is heated through without losing its juicy, tender texture.

If you're using an instant-read or meat thermometer, the internal temperature of the salmon should reach 125-130°F (52-54°C) to ensure it's safe to eat and perfectly reheated. Once the desired temperature is reached, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.

Check the internal temperature of the salmon

Checking the internal temperature of the salmon is a crucial step to ensure it is safe to eat and optimally cooked. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F. Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to check this. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet for an accurate reading.

When reheating salmon in an air fryer, aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F. This ensures the salmon is safe to eat and perfectly reheated.

If you are cooking salmon in the air fryer, the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer. As a guide, a 6-ounce salmon fillet will take around 6 minutes to cook at 200°C/400°F. However, it is always best to check the internal temperature to be sure.

When reheating salmon, it is important not to overcook it. Quick reheats are best, so keep the time short and sweet. For example, when reheating in an air fryer, cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Frequently asked questions