Air-Fried Salmon: A Healthy, Tasty Treat?

Cooking stuffed salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. It's a versatile dish that can be made with various fillings, such as cream cheese, spinach, crab meat, or herbs, and can be served with sides like mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a simple garden salad. The air fryer ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior while keeping the salmon moist and juicy on the inside. With a short cook time of around 10 minutes, it's an excellent option for busy weeknights or a simple yet impressive dish for special occasions.

How to make stuffed salmon in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make stuffed salmon in an air fryer:

• Salmon fillets (with skin on)
• Cream cheese
• Spinach (frozen or fresh)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon juice
• Garlic (optional)
• Dill (optional)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Fillets

Pat the salmon fillets dry and rub some olive oil on them. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Make slits in the fillets lengthwise, ensuring you don't cut too deeply so that the salmon breaks.

Step 2: Make the Filling

If using frozen spinach, defrost it in the microwave and then squeeze out any excess liquid. If using fresh spinach, sauté it with a splash of water until wilted and then drain.

In a separate bowl, mix the spinach with cream cheese, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Get the cream cheese nice and fluffy!

Step 3: Stuff the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets flesh-side up and gently slice them down the centre, lengthways. Stuff the filling into the cuts, placing about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each salmon fillet. Drizzle with oil and seal the ends with a toothpick, if needed.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 400°F. Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, flipping halfway through the cooking time.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve with your choice of sides. Enjoy!

Tips

• It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for at least 5 minutes before adding the salmon.
• Don't overstuff the salmon, as it could burst during cooking.
• The salmon is cooked when it is no longer pink and has a crisp exterior. It should also be able to flake easily with a fork.
• You can use tinned foil in the air fryer to save on washing up!

What to serve with stuffed salmon

There are many options for what to serve with stuffed salmon. Here are some ideas:

• Salads: A simple garden salad or a Greek green bean salad are great options to serve alongside stuffed salmon. You could also try a colourful asparagus salad or a Mediterranean chickpea salad.
• Vegetables: Try roasted vegetables, such as roasted asparagus or sugar snap peas. You could also serve the salmon with greens, such as steamed and scorched greens or spinach.
• Carbohydrates: Stuffed salmon pairs well with potato, rice, or pasta. Try mashed potatoes, saffron rice, or garlicky mashed sweet potatoes.
• Other: You could serve the salmon with a side of creamed spinach or spinach salad. Alternatively, you could make salmon-stuffed potatoes or peppers.

How to store and reheat leftover stuffed salmon

To store leftover stuffed salmon, wrap the fish within two hours of cooking it. If you leave the fish out for longer than two hours, bacteria can start to grow. You can use an airtight container, foil, or plastic wrap to store the salmon. If you're storing the fish in the refrigerator, it should be consumed within three days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Make sure to label the container with the date and what type of salmon it is.

When reheating leftover stuffed salmon, it's best to avoid the microwave, as it tends to dry out the fish and release a strong fishy aroma. Instead, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven or air fryer to a low temperature (around 325°F or 160°C). Place the salmon in the oven or air fryer basket and cover it loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning and drying out. Reheat the salmon for about 5-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F. You can also add a splash of water to help retain moisture.

Variations on stuffed salmon

There are several variations on stuffed salmon that can be cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

Crab-Stuffed Salmon

This variation involves stuffing the salmon with a filling made from crab meat, breadcrumbs, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, lemon juice, fresh parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This combination creates a flavorful, tender, and crispy stuffing that pairs well with the flaky salmon.

Ricotta, Spinach, and Harissa-Stuffed Salmon

This variation features a creamy and spicy filling made with ricotta cheese, frozen spinach, and harissa paste. The ricotta adds a velvety texture, while the spinach provides essential nutrients and a subtle earthy flavor. The harissa paste, a North African chili pepper paste, gives a bold and smoky kick to the dish.

Crab Meat and Cream Cheese-Stuffed Salmon

For a seafood-infused twist, this variation combines crab meat with creamy and tangy cream cheese, adding a touch of fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

Feta Cheese and Spinach-Stuffed Salmon

This variation explores Mediterranean flavors by combining feta cheese and sautéed spinach. The crumbly and tangy feta cheese pairs harmoniously with the earthy notes of spinach, while toasted pine nuts add a crunchy texture and depth of flavor.

Cream Cheese and Artichoke-Stuffed Salmon

For a creamy and wholesome twist, this variation uses softened cream cheese, finely chopped artichoke hearts, garlic, and a hint of lemon zest. The artichoke's tender texture and slightly nutty flavor complement the creaminess of the cheese, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat.

These are just a few ideas, but feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to create your own unique stuffed salmon variations!

The benefits of cooking with an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to deep frying. Here are some benefits of cooking with an air fryer:

Quick and convenient

Air fryers are a convenient option for cooking, as they don't require a long preheating time like a conventional oven. They also cook food faster than an oven or microwave, making them ideal for quick and easy meals.

Healthier option

Air fryers use little to no oil, which significantly reduces the amount of oil absorbed into food compared to deep frying. This leads to fewer calories and less inflammation, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Air frying is particularly beneficial for starchy foods like potatoes, as it increases the levels of slowly digestible starch, which may have a slightly lower impact on blood sugar.

Crispy and tasty

Air fryers create a crispy, golden-brown coating on food, similar to deep-fried dishes, without the need for excess oil. This makes it a great option for dishes like french fries, chicken, and onion rings.

Easy to use and clean

Air fryers are simple to use and require minimal cleanup compared to deep frying. They are also versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes, including roasted vegetables, chicken, and reheating frozen foods.

Space-saving

While air fryers do take up some counter space, they are generally smaller than a conventional oven. This makes them a good option for households with limited kitchen space.

Frequently asked questions