Air-Fried Stuffed Salmon: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking stuffed salmon in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this dish. It's a quick and easy method that delivers juicy, flaky salmon with a crispy exterior. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air ensures even cooking, and the addition of various stuffings, such as crab, cream cheese, and spinach, creates a creamy and flavourful dish. With minimal prep and clean-up, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the salmon, but it typically takes around 10 minutes in the air fryer, making it a convenient option for those short on time.

Recipe ingredients

There are several recipes for cooking stuffed salmon in an air fryer. Here is a list of ingredients for some of them:

Crab-stuffed salmon

• Salmon fillets
• Crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
• Cream cheese (or mayonnaise)
• Breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
• Lemon juice and zest
• Parsley
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Spinach and ricotta-stuffed salmon

• Salmon fillets
• Ricotta
• Spinach (fresh or frozen)
• Harissa paste
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Crab, spinach, and cream cheese-stuffed salmon

• Salmon fillets
• Crab meat
• Cream cheese
• Spinach
• Lemon juice
• Fresh dill
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Crab, cream cheese, and mustard-stuffed salmon

• Salmon fillets
• Crab meat
• Cream cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice and zest
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Parsley
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Baked honey-glazed salmon

• Salmon fillets
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Tips

• You can use frozen salmon fillets, but it's best to defrost them completely in the fridge before cooking.
• Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel before stuffing them to remove excess moisture.
• If you want to stuff the salmon with spinach, you can use fresh or frozen.
• If you want to add cheese to your stuffing, you can use mozzarella, feta, or parmesan.
• You can use regular or low-fat cream cheese.
• You can add a few chopped roasted red peppers and diced green onions to your filling.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top of the stuffing before placing the salmon in the air fryer.
• Keep the skin on the salmon while cooking to help keep the fish moist; you can discard it afterward.
• The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the temperature of your air fryer, so adjust accordingly.

Salmon preparation

To prepare your salmon for air frying, start by patting the fillets dry with a paper towel. If you're using frozen salmon, make sure to defrost it completely in the fridge before cooking. Then, brush or spray the fillets with olive oil and season them generously with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or minced fresh garlic cloves to give your salmon an extra flavour boost.

Next, it's time to stuff your salmon. You can create a pocket in each fillet by using a sharp knife to cut a slit in the centre, being careful not to cut all the way through. For a simple yet delicious crab cake-style stuffing, mix crab meat with cream cheese, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley. You can also add a touch of dijon mustard or breadcrumbs for extra flavour and texture. Stuff each fillet generously with the filling, making sure it's overflowing. You can even top the fillets with any remaining stuffing before placing them in the air fryer.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 350°F and 400°F, for at least 5 minutes. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or tinfoil to make cleanup easier. Place the stuffed salmon fillets in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach at least 145°F.

Once your salmon is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your favourite sides. Enjoy the flaky, juicy salmon with its delicious creamy stuffing!

Air fryer settings

Preheating: While not all recipes require preheating the air fryer, doing so for at least 5 minutes can help the salmon start cooking immediately and give it an extra crispy exterior. This step is especially useful if you want your stuffed salmon to have a nice texture contrast.

Temperature: The ideal temperature for cooking stuffed salmon in an air fryer varies across different recipes. Some sources suggest cooking at 350°F until the centre of the salmon is warmed through, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Others recommend a higher temperature of 370°F or even 400°F for 8 minutes or 18-20 minutes, respectively. The variation in temperature settings may depend on factors such as the thickness of the salmon, the type of stuffing, and personal preferences for doneness.

Cooking Time: The cooking time for stuffed salmon in the air fryer generally ranges from 7 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon and the temperature setting. It's important to keep an eye on the salmon to avoid overcooking, as air fryers can vary in performance.

Internal Temperature: To ensure your stuffed salmon is cooked to perfection, aim for an internal temperature of at least 145°F in the thickest part of the fillet. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Alternatively, the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork, and the stuffing is hot and browned.

For frozen salmon: If you're using frozen salmon fillets, it's essential to defrost them completely in the fridge before cooking. This ensures even cooking and a tender texture. Allow sufficient time for the salmon to thaw overnight, and always pat the fillets dry with a paper towel before stuffing to remove excess moisture.

Cooking time

The cooking time for stuffed salmon in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet and the temperature of the air fryer. Most sources recommend cooking the salmon for 10 minutes, but some suggest 7-9 minutes, 8 minutes, or 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.

One source recommends cooking the salmon at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, while another suggests 370°F for 8 minutes. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach at least 165°F, with the thickest part of the salmon fillet reaching an internal temperature of between 125-145°F.

If you are using frozen stuffed salmon fillets, it may take a few minutes longer to cook compared to fresh or thawed fish. It is recommended to defrost frozen salmon fillets in the fridge overnight before cooking.

For stuffed salmon cooked at 190°C, it is recommended to cook for 10 minutes, but this may vary depending on the air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on the salmon while cooking.

One source recommends baking the salmon in an oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, checking with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked through.

Another source suggests cooking the salmon at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, brushing a honey mixture onto the salmon during the last 3 minutes of cooking.

Storage and reheating

Storing and reheating salmon is a delicate process, and it's essential to do it correctly to preserve the fish's flavour and texture. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store and reheat stuffed salmon cooked in an air fryer:

Storage

If you have leftover stuffed salmon, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure the salmon is cooled before sealing the container to prevent moisture buildup. Proper storage ensures the dish stays fresh and tasty, and it can be enjoyed again within 3-4 days. If you have more leftovers than you can consume within a few days, freezing is a good option. Wrap the leftover stuffed salmon tightly in cling film and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly sealed, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

When reheating leftover stuffed salmon, it is crucial to do so gently to maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out. The key is to reheat slowly and at a low temperature. Preheat your air fryer to a low temperature of around 325°F (160°C). You can also use an oven and set it to a similar temperature of about 275°F to 300°F. The salmon should be warmed for about 10-15 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F. Covering the fish with foil while reheating helps contain the fishy smell and prevents the edges from drying out.

Some sources strongly advise against using a microwave to reheat salmon, as it can dry out the fillet and release an unpleasant fishy aroma. However, some people do opt for this method, reheating in short intervals and ensuring the salmon is piping hot throughout.

Alternative Uses for Leftovers

Although reheating salmon can be tricky, there are alternative ways to enjoy leftovers. Many people suggest flaking the leftover salmon and using it as an ingredient in a new dish, such as a salad, hash, or salmon cakes. This way, you can still enjoy the flavour and texture of the salmon without worrying about drying it out.

Frequently asked questions