Cedar Plank Air Fryer Cooking: Is It Possible?

Cooking salmon on a cedar plank in an air fryer is possible and can be done safely if you follow a few simple steps. Cedar planks impart a subtle smoky, woody flavour to the fish, enhancing its natural taste. Before cooking, the plank should be soaked in water for at least an hour to prevent it from catching fire in the air fryer and to create steam to infuse the fish with a distinctive cedar aroma. The air fryer should be preheated to 375–400° F (190° C) for 3–5 minutes. The salmon fillets should be seasoned and placed skin-side down on the soaked plank. The cook time is around 10–12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking.

Soak the plank for at least an hour to prevent fire and add flavour

Soaking your cedar plank is an essential step in preparing your air fryer salmon. Not only does it infuse your fish with a delicious smoky flavour, but it also ensures the plank doesn't catch fire during cooking.

To start, gather a large bowl or container that can fit your cedar plank and fill it with cool water. Fully submerge the plank in the water and weigh it down with a small bowl or plate to ensure it stays submerged. Allow the plank to soak for at least one hour, and up to two hours if you have the time. This soaking process infuses the plank with moisture, which will then be released as steam when exposed to heat, infusing your salmon with that sought-after cedar flavour.

While your plank is soaking, it's a great time to prepare your salmon. If your salmon is frozen, you can place it in the sink to defrost alongside the cedar plank. Be sure to keep the salmon in its sealed plastic bag to prevent waterlogging. Place a small heavy plate on top of the fish to keep it submerged, and change out the water every 20 to 30 minutes to maintain a cool temperature.

Once your plank has finished soaking, remove it from the water and pat it dry with a clean towel. You can now preheat your air fryer with the cedar plank inside, ready for cooking.

By soaking your cedar plank for at least an hour, you'll not only enhance the flavour of your salmon but also reduce the risk of fire during cooking, ensuring a safe and tasty meal.

Check your air fryer size to ensure the plank fits

When preparing to cook cedar plank salmon in an air fryer, it is essential to check your air fryer size to ensure the plank fits. This step is crucial for a few reasons. Firstly, you want to make sure that the plank doesn't touch the sides or top of your air fryer, as this could be a fire hazard. Secondly, you want to ensure proper air circulation inside the air fryer during cooking.

To check if your cedar plank fits, simply measure the dimensions of your air fryer basket and compare them to the size of the plank. If the plank is too big, you may need to trim it down to size. You can use a saw or strong kitchen shears to cut the plank to the appropriate size. It is recommended to cut the plank slightly smaller than the basket to allow for adequate air circulation.

Additionally, when purchasing or selecting a cedar plank, it is a good idea to opt for a thicker, higher-quality plank. Thinner planks may be more likely to overheat and pose a safety hazard. A good-quality, thicker plank will also impart a more robust smoky flavour to your salmon.

When in doubt, always refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines regarding the use of cedar planks. Some models may have different recommendations or restrictions, so it's essential to consult the manual to ensure a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.

Use wild-caught salmon for a leaner, more flavoursome dish

Yes, you can cook cedar plank salmon in an air fryer. This method gives the salmon a smoky flavour and ensures the fish is moist and flaky. However, it's important to check your user manual to ensure it's safe for your specific model. You should also never leave the air fryer unattended when cooking with a cedar plank, and always unplug it when not in use.

Wild-caught salmon has a rich flavour and is leaner than farmed salmon, with a firmer texture and a higher proportion of omega-3. It is also quicker to cook.

When cooking wild salmon, it's important not to overcook it as it is less fatty. Try wrapping it in foil, dousing it in olive oil, or using a marinade to prevent it from drying out. You can also add some butter, oil, or lard while cooking to add some extra fat.

• Ginger-lime cooked salmon poke bowl with kimchi
• Baked salmon with everything spice crust
• Easy miso-maple broiled coho salmon
• Pan-fried salmon, celeriac purée, mushrooms, garlic, and tarragon
• Smoked salmon tartare with potato rosti, pickled shallot, and dill emulsion
• Crispy salmon fillet, winter vegetable salad, ginger, and sesame dressing

Opt for skin-on fillets to prevent the fish from sticking to the plank

When cooking fish in an air fryer, it's common for it to break apart or stick to the cooking surface. To prevent this, opt for skin-on fillets. The skin provides a barrier that helps protect the delicate fish and holds it together.

Before cooking, rinse the fillets under cold water to remove any surface impurities, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Next, season the fillets with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy twist.

If you're cooking the fish on a cedar plank, it's important to soak the plank in water for one to two hours beforehand. This will prevent it from catching fire in the air fryer. After soaking, place the cedar plank in the air fryer basket and preheat the air fryer to 380°F.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the fish fillets skin-side down on the cedar plank. You can also oil the skin to help prevent sticking. Depending on the thickness of the fillets, cook the fish for 10-12 minutes at 380°F.

When the fish is done, the skin will slip off easily. Serve the fish directly on the cedar plank for a fun presentation.

Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step to ensure even cooking and the best results for your food. It's important to note that not all air fryers are the same, and some models may have specific instructions or requirements for preheating. Therefore, always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions.

Check the Manual

Firstly, consult your air fryer's manual to see if preheating is recommended for your model. Some air fryers have a preheat setting, while others require manual preheating. By checking the manual, you can determine the best approach for your particular air fryer.

Set the Temperature

If your air fryer has a preheat setting, select that option and set the desired temperature. If there is no preheat setting, you can manually preheat the air fryer by selecting the air fry setting and adjusting the temperature accordingly.

Timing

Allow your air fryer to preheat for 2-5 minutes, depending on the model and size. Smaller air fryers typically require 2-3 minutes, while larger models may need up to 5 minutes. This step ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature before you add your food.

Food Placement

Once the preheat timer has elapsed, it's time to place your food inside the air fryer. It's important to arrange your food in a single layer, handling the basket carefully as it will be hot. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding, which can affect the overall cooking time and crispiness of your food.

When to Preheat

Now let's explore some scenarios where preheating your air fryer is beneficial:

• Speeding up cooking time: Preheating can reduce the average cooking time by a few minutes, which can be advantageous when you're in a hurry.
• Achieving extra crispiness: Preheating is ideal when you want your food to have that signature crispiness. It's especially recommended for dishes like French fries, chicken wings, and thinly cut meats.
• Cooking frozen or precooked foods: Preheating can help ensure even cooking and quicker results when dealing with frozen or refrigerated foods. It eliminates sogginess and ensures your leftovers are heated thoroughly.
• Baking: Preheating is essential for baking treats like cakes, donuts, and cookies. It helps avoid underbaked goods by allowing your dough or batter to start cooking immediately at an even temperature.

When Not to Preheat

There are also a few scenarios where preheating your air fryer may not be necessary or recommended:

• Cooking thick cuts of meat: For larger slabs of meat, it's best not to preheat the air fryer. This is because the outside of the meat may burn before the inside is cooked thoroughly. Placing the meat in the air fryer before turning it on can help ensure even cooking.
• Retaining moisture: If you're cooking foods that you want to remain moist, such as raw vegetables or sponge cakes, preheating may not be the best option. In these cases, using a traditional oven may be a better choice.
• Manual instructions: Always follow the instructions in your air fryer's manual. If the manual specifically instructs against preheating, it's important to heed those guidelines to avoid any potential issues or safety hazards.

Frequently asked questions