Air Fryer Salmon: Baking Without An Oven

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this popular fish. The air fryer's hot air circulation ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior, while keeping the interior moist and tender.

To cook salmon in an air fryer, start by selecting fresh, high-quality salmon fillets that are firm, moist, and shiny. You can opt for skin-on or skinless fillets. Rinse the fillets and pat them dry before seasoning.

For seasoning, you can keep it simple with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, or get creative with herbs and spices like dill, thyme, garlic powder, or paprika. After seasoning, preheat your air fryer oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease the air fryer basket or tray.

Place the seasoned salmon fillets inside, ensuring they don't overlap, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

For an extra crispy exterior, lightly coat the salmon with oil before cooking, and consider increasing the temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last few minutes.

With its quick cooking time and ability to produce a delicious, crispy, and moist salmon, the air fryer is an excellent choice for preparing this nutritious dish.

Seasoning and marinade

The great thing about cooking salmon in an air fryer is that you can use any seasoning or marinade you like. You can keep it simple with salt and pepper, or get creative with a variety of spices and ingredients. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Garlic Lemon: Replace the Dijon mustard and soy sauce with freshly squeezed lemon juice, increase the garlic powder, and add some kosher salt. Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon while cooking.
• Honey Garlic: Use honey, garlic powder, and season with salt. Omit the soy sauce and ginger.
• Teriyaki: Brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce before cooking.
• Spicy Salmon: Season with Cajun seasoning or try a spicy salmon recipe.
• Honey Mustard: Mix honey, mustard, and a little olive oil for a sweet and tangy glaze.
• Maple Syrup and Mustard: Combine maple syrup and mustard for a sweet and tangy glaze.
• Dry Rub: Mix paprika, brown sugar, a pinch of cayenne, and any other spices you like. Rub generously on the salmon before cooking.
• Cajun Kick: Season the salmon with Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Infused: Top the salmon with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme before cooking for a fragrant and earthy flavour.

When seasoning your salmon, don't be afraid to experiment and combine different spices and ingredients to find your perfect flavour profile. Just remember to pat the salmon dry before adding any seasonings or marinades, and always preheat your air fryer for the best results.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for salmon in an air fryer oven can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and your preferred doneness. On average, you can expect the salmon to be cooked within 7 to 15 minutes. For thinner fillets, a cooking time of 7 to 9 minutes is usually sufficient. For thicker fillets, you may need to adjust the time accordingly, adding a minute or two. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer oven to 400°F (200°C) before placing the salmon inside.

To achieve a crispy exterior, you can lightly coat the salmon with a thin layer of oil before placing it in the air fryer. Additionally, increasing the temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last few minutes of cooking can further enhance the crispiness. However, it is crucial not to overcook the salmon, as it may become dry.

The best way to determine if the salmon is cooked to perfection is by using an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C). Alternatively, you can use a fork to check for doneness. When the salmon is cooked, it will easily flake apart with a fork.

It is also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer oven you have, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the salmon and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How to store leftovers

To store leftovers of salmon cooked in a power air fryer oven, you should wrap the fish as soon as it has begun to cool. It should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours. A shallow casserole dish or container with a cover is the best vessel for storing fish.

Salmon leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than three days. It is important to reheat the leftovers to a safe internal temperature to destroy potential pathogens. When reheating, use a food thermometer to ensure the fish has reached an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are reheating the salmon in the oven, a greased pan will prevent sticking. Baking the leftovers at the same temperature and time as the original recipe is optimal.

You can also freeze cooked salmon. To do this, place it in an airtight container, label it with the date, and use it within six months.

Fresh vs frozen salmon

Yes, you can bake salmon in a power air fryer oven. Here's a simple recipe for it:

Air Fryer Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of ground ginger (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and season lightly on both sides with salt and pepper.
• Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil for easy cleanup. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (this should take about 3 minutes).
• In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger (if using). Spoon this mixture over the salmon fillets.
• Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
• Cook the salmon for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. For fillets that are around 1 inch thick, 8 to 9 minutes should be enough.
• Check the salmon with an instant-read thermometer. It's done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Transfer the salmon to a serving plate and enjoy while it's hot!

Now, for the topic of fresh vs frozen salmon:

When it comes to choosing between fresh and frozen salmon, there are several factors to consider. While many people assume that fresh seafood is inherently superior, that is not always the case. In fact, high-quality frozen salmon can often be just as nutritious, tasty, and even fresher than its "fresh" counterpart.

The Case for Frozen Salmon:

The main advantage of frozen salmon is that it can be flash-frozen shortly after being caught, preserving its texture, taste, and freshness. This method of quick freezing at extremely low temperatures prevents the formation of large ice crystals, which can damage the cell walls of the fish and give it a mushy texture. Frozen salmon is also more convenient, as it can be stored in your freezer until you're ready to cook it, reducing the risk of spoilage.

The Case for Fresh Salmon:

On the other hand, fresh salmon can offer the benefit of being locally sourced and never having been frozen. If you live near a body of water, your local fishmonger may offer never-been-frozen, locally caught salmon. This type of salmon is at its peak of freshness the day it's caught, but it's important to note that its quality can deteriorate quickly after that.

The Complexities of "Fresh" Fish:

The term "fresh" fish is often misleading. Unless you're purchasing salmon straight from the boat or a trusted local source, the "fresh" salmon at your grocery store is likely previously frozen fish that has been thawed for display. This process of thawing and refreezing can negatively impact the texture and quality of the fish.

Tips for Choosing:

When deciding between fresh and frozen salmon, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Source: If you have access to a trusted local fishmonger who can provide truly fresh, never-been-frozen salmon, that may be your best option.
• Quality: Look for signs of freshness, such as a slight shine on the fish, clear eyes, and no foul odour. Avoid dry-looking or discoloured fish.
• Convenience: Consider your cooking plans. Fresh salmon should be cooked within a few days of purchase to avoid spoilage, while frozen salmon can be stored in your freezer until you're ready to use it.
• Thawing: If you choose frozen salmon, be sure to thaw it properly by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or under cool running water. Avoid thawing it in warm water or at room temperature.

In summary, while fresh salmon can be a great option if it's truly fresh and locally sourced, high-quality frozen salmon can often be just as good, if not better, in terms of taste, texture, and convenience.

Air fryer basket

An air fryer basket is an essential component of an air fryer, a popular kitchen appliance used for frying, baking, roasting, and more. Air fryers come in two main styles: basket-style and toaster oven-style. The basket-style air fryer has a handled basket that slides in and out, similar to a deep fryer, allowing you to shake the contents for even cooking. This style of air fryer often includes multiple baskets for cooking different foods at different temperatures.

When purchasing an air fryer basket, it's important to consider the size and compatibility with your air fryer. They come in various capacities, such as 5.2QT, 5.5QT, 6QT, and 10QT, so you'll need to ensure it fits your air fryer model. Additionally, some baskets offer special features like detachable handles or stackable designs for dehydrating foods.

Frequently asked questions