Air Fryer Salmon And Potatoes: A Quick, Tasty Treat

Cooking salmon and potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy, tasty meal. The salmon is cooked to perfection, with a flaky centre and a tender, moist texture. The potatoes emerge from the air fryer crispy on the outside and creamy and tender on the inside. This method of cooking salmon and potatoes is also low-calorie and fuss-free, requiring minimal preparation and clean-up.

Salmon and potato cooking times

The cooking time for salmon and potatoes in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the salmon pieces and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to use a thick, fresh fillet of salmon with the skin on. The skin protects the fish while it cooks and is easy to remove before serving. However, thinner fillets of salmon will need slightly less cooking time.

Before cooking the salmon, it is important to preheat the air fryer to 400°F. The salmon should then be cooked for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer. For example, fillets around 1 inch will need 8 to 9 minutes. To check if the salmon is cooked, use a fork to see if it flakes off easily. It is important not to overcook the salmon, as it will become dry.

For the potatoes, baby potatoes work well in this recipe. They do not need to be peeled, just cut in half and seasoned before cooking. To cook the potatoes, place them in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 180°C for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, toss in some thyme, spread the potatoes back into a single layer, and cook for another 10 minutes.

The total cooking time for the salmon and potatoes in the air fryer will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the model of the air fryer. However, the salmon and potatoes should be ready in around 20 to 30 minutes.

Preparing the salmon

Next, prepare the seasoning for the salmon. A simple seasoning blend could include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon. You can also add olive oil to the salmon to help the seasoning stick and keep the fish moist. If you want to get creative, you can try a sweet and savory marinade, a honey or maple glaze, or a spicy honey drizzle.

Once the salmon is seasoned, it is ready to be placed in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking, and arrange the salmon fillets in the basket, ensuring they are not touching to prevent moisture from affecting the cooking process. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it should take around 6 to 11 minutes for the salmon to be cooked to perfection.

Check the salmon with a fork to determine if it is done to your liking. The salmon should be moist, tender, and flaky when cooked correctly. It is important not to overcook the salmon, as it can dry out. Once cooked, serve the salmon with your choice of sides and enjoy!

Preparing the potatoes

Once you have your potatoes, give them a good wash to remove any dirt or debris. If you're using baby potatoes, simply cut them in half; there's no need to peel them. If you're using larger potatoes, you might want to cut them into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with a small amount of oil olive oil, avocado oil, or another high-heat neutral oil. This will help them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Now it's time to season the potatoes. You can keep it simple with just salt and black pepper, or get creative with other seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or herbs like thyme. Give the potatoes a good mix to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

If you're cooking the potatoes separately from the salmon, preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, open the air fryer and give the potatoes a good toss to ensure even cooking. Spread them back into a single layer and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.

If you're cooking the potatoes and salmon together, follow the recipe's timing instructions, ensuring that the potatoes are added to the air fryer first and the salmon is added later, as potatoes generally take longer to cook.

Seasoning and flavour combinations

When it comes to seasoning and flavour combinations, you can get creative and adapt the dish to suit your own tastes. For example, if you want to use a different fish, you can replace salmon with cod or tuna. You can also switch up the seasonings and veggies to your liking.

For the salmon, a simple seasoning of salt and pepper works well, but you can also add garlic powder, paprika, lemon pepper, or lemon salt for extra flavour. Some recipes suggest a combination of olive oil, garlic, mustard, brown sugar, thyme, and lemon juice for a sweet and savoury taste. If you want a spicier kick, you can use Cajun seasoning or a combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce.

For the potatoes, a basic seasoning of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder will do the trick. You can also add Italian herbs, paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil or butter for extra flavour and crispiness.

When cooking salmon and potatoes together in an air fryer, it's recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Then, layer the salmon and potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for around 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and flavour combinations to find your perfect taste!

Nutritional value

Yes, you can cook salmon and potatoes together in an air fryer. This can be a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a meal.

Salmon is a fatty fish that is a nutritional powerhouse, providing several health benefits. It is a good source of protein, selenium, phosphorus, B vitamins, and vitamin B12. It is also rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can decrease inflammation and support brain health. The nutritional value of salmon can vary depending on the variety, with farmed salmon containing more calories and healthy fats, and wild-caught salmon being higher in protein.

Potatoes are a versatile root vegetable and a staple food in many households. They are a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and plant-based protein. They also contain vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6. The cooking method can affect the nutritional content of potatoes, with boiling causing water-soluble nutrients like vitamin C and potassium to leach out, and frying increasing the fat content. However, baking or roasting potatoes, as in the air fryer recipe, can retain more of their nutrients.

Frequently asked questions