Air-Fried Salmon: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Cooking salmon fillets in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a delicious meal. It is possible to cook salmon fillets with or without skin in an air fryer, with some recipes recommending keeping the skin on to help the fish hold together. The cooking time for salmon in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness of the fillets, but on average, it takes around 10 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer. The air fryer is a convenient way to cook salmon, as it requires minimal preparation and no flipping or turning during cooking.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for salmon fillets in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the thickness of the fillets, the power of the air fryer, and personal preference for doneness.

Most sources recommend cooking salmon fillets in an air fryer preheated to 400°F (200°C). However, some suggest lower temperatures of 350°F or 390°F. The cooking time generally ranges from 7 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the desired doneness. Thinner fillets, around 1 inch thick, will cook faster, typically in 7 to 9 minutes. Thicker fillets may require additional time, up to 11 or even 14 minutes. It is important to keep in mind that air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking time, so it is advisable to keep an eye on the salmon during the cooking process to prevent overcooking.

When cooking frozen salmon fillets, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 360°F or 400°F and cook for about 7 minutes to thaw the salmon before proceeding with the regular cooking time. It is also suggested to pat the frozen fillets dry with paper towels before cooking.

To check if the salmon fillets are cooked to your desired doneness, you can use a fork to gently flake the salmon. For a more precise measurement, an instant-read thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the salmon. The recommended internal temperature for fully cooked salmon is 145°F (63°C), while a temperature of 135°F indicates a medium level of doneness.

Marinades and seasonings

Marinades

A good marinade can add a burst of flavour to your salmon. It is recommended to marinate the salmon fillets for a short period of time, as too much time in the marinade can make the fish mushy. A quick glaze right before cooking is often enough to enhance the taste. You can use a variety of ingredients to create a marinade, such as soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, ginger, and garlic powder.

For example, you can mix brown sugar, Dijon mustard, oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger in a bowl. Then, spoon the mixture over the salmon fillets, gently rubbing it in until they are fully coated. The brown sugar will caramelize during cooking, giving your salmon a beautiful colour and a touch of sweetness.

Seasonings

Seasonings are a simple yet effective way to enhance the flavour of your salmon. You can use a variety of dried herbs and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fresh herbs can also be added after cooking to give your salmon a fresh and vibrant taste.

For instance, you can brush the salmon fillets with melted butter or olive oil, and then sprinkle on a generous amount of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This classic combination of seasonings will create a delicious and flavourful crust on your salmon.

Additionally, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over your cooked salmon. It pairs exceptionally well with salmon and can brighten up the dish. You can also serve it with lemon wedges on the side, allowing each person to adjust the flavour to their preference.

Remember, when it comes to seasonings and marinades, feel free to experiment and adjust to your taste preferences. You can also try different combinations of herbs, spices, and ingredients to find your perfect flavour profile.

Crispy skin

Cooking salmon fillets in an air fryer is a great way to achieve crispy skin while keeping the inside tender and flaky. The high heat and air circulation of the air fryer allow the skin to crisp up nicely without drying out the fish. Here are some tips and guidelines for achieving the perfect crispy skin on your salmon fillet using an air fryer:

Preparation:

Before cooking, it is important to pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Removing any moisture will help ensure a crispier skin. You can use fresh or frozen salmon, but if using frozen, it is recommended to thaw it first. Place the salmon on a plate or bowl, preferably lined with paper towels to absorb any water, and leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

Oil and Seasoning:

After patting the salmon dry, drizzle a small amount of oil olive oil, avocado oil, or another preferred oil over the fillet. Use your fingers or a brush to gently coat the salmon evenly. This step will help the seasoning stick to the fish and enhance the crispiness. For seasoning, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add additional dried herbs and spices. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, rosemary, herbs de Provence, or Chinese five-spice.

Cooking:

Place the salmon fillet in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. This position exposes the skin to the circulating hot air, helping it crisp up. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the salmon for 7 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. Thinner fillets will take around 6 to 8 minutes, while thicker ones may need up to 10 to 12 minutes. Check the salmon periodically to avoid overcooking, and use a fork to test if it flakes easily, indicating doneness.

Customization:

Feel free to experiment with different glazes, marinades, or sauces to add extra flavor to your salmon. You can also cook vegetables right in the air fryer alongside the salmon, such as asparagus, green beans, or cauliflower rice, for a complete and flavorful meal.

Final Thoughts:

Cooking salmon fillets in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to achieve crispy skin. The key steps are patting the salmon dry, using a small amount of oil, placing the fillet skin-side up, and cooking at the right temperature and time depending on its thickness. With these tips, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, crispy-skinned salmon any time!

Frozen vs fresh salmon

You can cook salmon fillets in an air fryer, and it's super quick and easy. The air fryer method is also versatile, allowing you to cook the salmon fillets from fresh or frozen.

There are advantages to using both frozen and fresh salmon fillets. Fresh salmon is often considered to taste 'fresher' than frozen salmon. However, frozen salmon is a convenient alternative, as it doesn't require defrosting before cooking in the air fryer. This makes it a great option for last-minute dinners.

It's worth noting that the "fresh" salmon you buy at the supermarket has usually been previously frozen, so you need to eat it pretty quickly. On the other hand, you can keep salmon in your freezer for up to six months before it starts to lose its quality.

Cooking Instructions

To cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 360-390 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen salmon fillets, skin side down, directly into the air fryer basket. Cook for 7 minutes, or until defrosted. Then, brush the defrosted salmon with your chosen marinade and cook for another 6-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

To cook fresh salmon, follow a similar process but increase the cooking time to 7-11 minutes, again depending on the thickness of the fillets. It's important to ensure that the salmon is cooked evenly, so try not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. You can also cook the salmon in batches if needed.

Seasoning and Serving

There are many seasoning options to choose from when cooking salmon in an air fryer. A simple combination of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper works well. You can also add lemon juice for extra flavour. Other seasoning blends include soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, dijon mustard, olive oil or avocado oil, and fresh or dried herbs like thyme, dill, parsley, or cilantro.

Salmon cooked in an air fryer goes well with a variety of side dishes. You can serve it with rice, quinoa, couscous, barley, farro, or grains. It also pairs well with vegetables like asparagus, baby carrots, green beans, or a fresh salad.

Sides and serving suggestions

There are numerous side and serving suggestions for air fryer salmon fillet.

Salads are a popular choice. A spinach salad with cucumbers, green apple, tomatoes, and sweet potato is one option. An arugula salad, a peach and arugula salad, or an Asian noodle salad are also refreshing choices. You can also flake the salmon and add it to a salad, along with greens or a grain bowl.

Rice is another common pairing. White rice, cilantro lime cauliflower rice, instant pot fluffy rice, and steamed rice are all options to consider. You can also top the rice with nori (furikake).

For a more comforting meal, roasted fingerling potatoes or roasted broccoli are excellent choices.

If you're looking for something green, sautéed green beans, green beans with almonds, or sautéed Brussels sprouts are all tasty options.

Other vegetable options include asparagus, sautéed summer squash with olives, and cilantro lime cauliflower.

You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, herbs, or melted butter to your salmon for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions