Air-Fried Salmon: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Cooking raw salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The air fryer cooks salmon with a flaky, tender texture and a crispy exterior. It is also versatile, allowing you to cook the salmon with or without the skin, and to use a variety of seasonings and marinades. The cooking time is typically under 15 minutes, and the cleanup is easy.

Seasoning and marinade options

Salmon is a versatile fish that pairs well with a variety of seasonings and marinades. Here are some options to consider when cooking salmon in an air fryer:

Seasoning Options:

• A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is a classic choice. You can also add olive oil or butter to help the seasoning stick and keep the salmon moist.
• For a bolder flavour, try using Cajun seasoning or swapping out the paprika for smoked paprika and adding brown sugar for a sweet and smoky taste.
• If you prefer a more herby flavour, add some dried oregano and thyme.
• For a spicy kick, sprinkle on some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, or use a spicy salmon seasoning blend.
• A zesty option is to season the salmon with lemon pepper, or serve it with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Marinade Options:

• A sweet and savoury glaze can be made by mixing brown sugar, soy sauce, and honey.
• For an Asian-inspired flavour, try marinating the salmon in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
• A tangy and flavourful option is to brush the salmon with a mixture of Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and olive oil.
• For a more classic approach, brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce or barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
• If you're looking for a creamy option, try a marinade of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill or parsley.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for salmon in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the thickness of the salmon fillets, the power of the air fryer, and personal preference for doneness. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon, which should reach 145°F (63°C) for well-done and 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.

For frozen salmon, preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, follow the cooking instructions for fresh salmon.

For fresh salmon fillets, preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 8 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. It is recommended to cook the salmon skin-side down and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. The salmon is done when it can be easily flaked with a fork and is opaque in the center.

It is worth noting that some recipes suggest cooking the salmon at a lower temperature of 350°F (177°C) for 3 to 5 minutes, especially when using a glaze or marinade to prevent burning. However, this may result in a less crispy exterior.

To ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking, it is recommended to check the salmon around the 8-minute mark and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, it is generally advised to avoid flipping the salmon during the cooking process, as it cooks evenly without flipping due to the constant heat circulation in the air fryer.

Cooking with frozen salmon

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy, delicious meal. The best part is that you don't need to defrost the salmon before cooking, making it perfect for those last-minute dinners. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cook frozen salmon to flaky, tender perfection.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Salmon

Preheat your air fryer to 360-390 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your frozen salmon fillets. It is recommended to use fillets that are around 1 inch thick, as they will cook more evenly and retain moisture better. If your fillets have skin, it's generally better to cook them skin-side down. This prevents the salmon from overcooking and makes it easier to peel away the skin after cooking.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil, avocado oil, melted butter, or cooking spray. This helps the seasoning stick and keeps the salmon moist. For seasoning, you can keep it simple with salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, or dried herbs. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, or even grate some zest on top for a citrusy twist.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer and cook for 7 minutes. While the salmon is cooking, you can mix together a more complex seasoning blend.

Step 4: Add Additional Seasoning and Cook Further

After the initial 7 minutes, take the salmon out and sprinkle the spice blend generously over the fillets. Place the salmon back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 6-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for well-done, or 125-135 degrees for a more medium, tender texture. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature. The salmon should be opaque in color and easily flake when gently pressed with a fork.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your air-fried frozen salmon with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Don't forget to squeeze some lemon juice on top for a burst of freshness!

With these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy meal of air-fried frozen salmon any night of the week. It's a convenient, foolproof way to prepare salmon, resulting in tender, flaky fish every time.

How to check if the salmon is cooked

Checking if your salmon is cooked is a crucial step in the cooking process. The last thing you want is to serve undercooked or overcooked salmon. Here are some ways to ensure your salmon is cooked to perfection:

Checking with a Fork

One way to check if your salmon is cooked is by using a fork. Open the air fryer basket and insert a fork into the thickest part of the salmon fillet. If the salmon is cooked, it should flake off easily. This method is simple and direct, allowing you to test the doneness of the salmon without removing it from the air fryer.

Checking with an Instant-Read Thermometer

Another way to ensure your salmon is cooked is by using an instant-read thermometer. This method is more precise and follows guidelines from the FDA. According to the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fish. If you prefer your salmon medium-rare, you can remove it from the air fryer at 135°F and let it rest for a few minutes. The residual heat will bring it up to temperature, resulting in a moist and flaky texture.

Visual Inspection

While not as precise as the other methods, visual inspection can give you a good idea of whether your salmon is done. Keep an eye on the salmon as it cooks, and check it at around the 8-minute mark to prevent overcooking or burning. You can also adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Thicker fillets may need an extra minute or two, while thinner fillets may cook faster.

Cooking in Batches

If you're cooking multiple salmon fillets, especially if they vary in size or thickness, it's a good idea to cook them in batches. Start with the thicker or larger fillets, and cook them together. Then, if needed, you can cook the thinner or smaller fillets together in the second batch. This ensures that all the fillets cook evenly and reach the desired level of doneness.

What to serve with salmon

Salmon is a versatile dish that can be paired with many different sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried salmon:

Vegetables

Salmon and vegetables are a classic combination. Asparagus is a popular choice, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as grilled, roasted, or air-fried. Other vegetable options include roasted carrots in a honey-garlic butter sauce, grilled squash, or Brussels sprouts slaw. For a healthier option, serve a salad, such as a crunchy broccoli salad, a kale salad with feta and walnuts, or a vitamin C-rich asparagus, pea, and egg salad.

Starch

If you're looking for a more substantial side, starches such as rice or potatoes go well with salmon. Try a potato salad with fresh herbs, or roasted potatoes with melted Parmesan. For a more unique starch option, make a giant couscous and tomato salad, or a creamy orzo pasta with spinach and Parmesan.

Pasta

Pasta is another option to serve with salmon. A light and fresh pasta salad with green beans and a lemon vinaigrette would pair well with the fish. Or, for an Asian-inspired dish, try garlic noodles with oyster sauce, fish sauce, and soy sauce.

Sauce

To add a little extra flavour to your salmon, consider serving it with a sauce or glaze. A classic pairing is tartar sauce, but salmon also goes well with Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, or hot sauce. For a sweeter option, try a maple dijon glaze, a teriyaki glaze, or a spicy honey drizzle.

Other

Finally, there are a few other side dish options that don't fit neatly into the above categories. For a healthy grain option, serve quinoa or cauliflower with a red pepper, olive, and caper salsa. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try buttery wilted greens or caramelized cabbage.

Frequently asked questions