Air-Fried Cedar Plank Salmon: A Healthy, Tasty Treat

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get perfect, tender, and juicy salmon. But can you cook it on a cedar plank in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Cedar plank salmon is a healthy and delicious way to cook salmon that gives the fish a full-flavored smokiness. The heat from the plank helps the fish steam gently inside, resulting in moist and flaky salmon. The planks are easily found at grocery stores or on Amazon, and the recipe is simple to follow.

Cedar plank salmon cooking time and temperature

Cedar plank salmon is a healthy and delicious seafood dish that can be cooked in an air fryer with great results. The cooking time and temperature for cedar plank salmon in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the fish and the brand of the air fryer. On average, the fish will cook in about 12 minutes at 360º F to 380° F. It is important to note that the air fryer should be preheated, and the salmon should be placed skin-side-down on the cedar plank.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to use salmon fillets that are somewhat even in size. Depending on the size of the air fryer, thicker fillets may need to be cooked in batches. The exact cooking time can range from 3-5 minutes for thinner fillets to up to 12 minutes for thicker cuts. It is important not to overcook the salmon, as this can affect its texture and flavor.

The cedar plank should be soaked before cooking, as this helps to infuse the fish with the flavor of cedar and creates a smoky effect. The moisture from the soaked plank also helps to gently steam the fish, resulting in moist and flaky salmon. It is important to use a good quality cedar plank that is not too thin, as thin planks can overheat and be a safety hazard.

To check if the salmon is cooked, gently press open a thick part of the fillet with a fork. The salmon should have an even light pink color and should flake apart easily. Alternatively, an instant-read thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature, which should be 145° F according to the FDA.

Cooking salmon on a cedar plank in an air fryer is a simple and convenient method that yields restaurant-quality results. The cedar plank adds a full-flavored smokiness to the fish and makes cleanup easier, as there is no fishy smell or pan to scrub. Overall, air-fried cedar plank salmon is a tasty and healthy option for a quick weeknight dinner.

How to prevent salmon from sticking to the cedar plank

Yes, you can cook cedar plank salmon in an air fryer. The cedar plank infuses the fish with a smoky flavour and the heat from the plank helps the fish steam gently inside, resulting in a moist and flaky salmon.

To prevent salmon from sticking to the cedar plank, there are a few methods you can try:

• Soak the cedar plank for one to two hours before placing it in the air fryer. This will help prevent the plank from catching fire and improve food safety.
• Place the salmon fillets skin-side-down on the cedar plank. The skin acts as a natural barrier to prevent the fish from sticking to the plank.
• Oil the salmon skin. This will create an additional layer to prevent the fish from sticking.
• Use parchment paper. Placing a sheet of parchment paper between the cedar plank and the salmon will prevent the fish from sticking. Parchment paper has a non-stick coating that withstands high heat and prevents food from adhering to it.
• Use cooking spray or a neutral-flavoured oil. Coating the salmon with cooking spray or oil will prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket or cedar plank.

Remember to always use a good quality cedar plank that fits properly in your air fryer basket. Thin planks can be dangerous as they may overheat.

The benefits of cooking salmon on a cedar plank

Cooking salmon on a cedar plank has been a popular method for hundreds of years, especially in the Pacific Northwest and in Scandinavian and Finnish cuisines. This cooking technique offers several benefits and is a great way to prepare salmon.

One of the main advantages of cooking salmon on a cedar plank is the unique flavour it imparts to the fish. As the plank heats up, the moisture from the soaked wood rises and infuses the salmon with a fresh, woody, wild flavour that is difficult to achieve using other cooking methods. The natural aromatic oils from the cedar are transferred to the fish, giving it a distinctive, smoky taste.

Cedar plank cooking is also an effective way to control the cooking process. The plank acts as a protective barrier between the fish and the direct heat source, helping to prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill or overcooking. This results in a moist, flaky, and tender salmon with a nice browning and crispy exterior. The cedar plank also makes clean-up easier, as there is no pan to scrub, and the fishy smell is minimised.

Additionally, cooking salmon on a cedar plank is a healthy technique. It allows you to cook without oil, as the plank prevents the fish from sticking to the grill grates. This makes it a great option for those seeking a nutritious meal without added fats.

Finally, the cedar plank method is simple and convenient. With a little prep work, such as soaking the plank and seasoning the salmon, you can easily achieve restaurant-quality results at home. This technique delivers tasty and delicious salmon that is cooked just right, making it a great choice for those who want to showcase the quality of the fish.

How to prepare the cedar plank

Cedar planks can be found at grocery stores or on Amazon, especially during the summer grilling months. When selecting a cedar plank, it is important to choose a good-quality, thicker plank as thin planks are more likely to overheat and be a safety hazard.

Before using the cedar plank, it is recommended to soak it in water for one to two hours. This can be done in the air fryer basket, ensuring there are no electrical parts in it, or in a large bowl or sink. Weigh the plank down with a small bowl or plate to keep it fully submerged. Soaking the plank helps to prevent it from catching fire and adds moisture, infusing the salmon with a smoky cedar flavour as it cooks. After soaking, pat the plank dry with a clean towel.

It is important to ensure that the cedar plank fits in the basket of your air fryer. If it is too large, you may need to cut it down to size.

While the air fryer preheats, prepare the salmon by patting it dry with paper towels. You can then oil and season the salmon to your taste. Place the salmon, skin-side down, on the cedar plank. The skin acts as a barrier to prevent the fish from sticking to the plank, and it can be eaten if desired.

Once the salmon is on the plank, it is ready to be cooked in the air fryer.

Seasoning and marinating the salmon

Firstly, it is important to pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This step helps the seasoning stick to the fish and ensures a crispy exterior. Next, brush the fillets with a layer of olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter. You can also add mustard to the salmon fillets, spreading about half a tablespoon to one teaspoon evenly across each fillet. This will add a tangy flavour and help keep the fish moist.

Now it's time to add the seasonings. A simple yet classic combination is salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add smoked paprika for a smoky flavour or swap the paprika for Cajun seasoning if you like it spicy. Don't be afraid to experiment with other seasonings, such as dried oregano, dried thyme, or chilli powder. You can even try a sweet glaze, like maple syrup, honey, or teriyaki sauce.

If you're feeling creative, try a unique pairing like salmon with lemon. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the seasoned fillets, or brush on a lemon pepper seasoning for a bright, zesty flavour. You can also try a Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, or hot sauce as a dipping sauce on the side.

Once you've seasoned the salmon to your liking, place the fillets skin-side down on the cedar plank or in the air fryer basket, and you're ready to start cooking!

Frequently asked questions