Air Fryer Baked Salmon: Healthy, Quick, And Delicious?

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and succulent piece of fish. It is also a healthy option, as cooking salmon in an air fryer allows you to enjoy its health benefits without added oil or fat. The air fryer browns the fish wonderfully, giving it a restaurant-quality finish.

How to get the perfect level of crispiness

The air fryer is a great way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky centre and a crispy exterior. Here are some tips to ensure you get the perfect level of crispiness:

Choose the Right Cooking Mode

Air fryer mode is best for achieving a crispy exterior. This mode uses rapid hot air circulation, mimicking a frying effect without the use of oil. If you prefer a more evenly cooked salmon with a less crispy result, you can use the bake mode, which has less intense air circulation.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 390°F to 400°F is essential for getting crispy edges. This step ensures that your air fryer reaches the desired temperature before adding the salmon, promoting even cooking and crisping.

Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before adding any seasonings or marinades. Removing excess moisture will help the salmon crisp up during cooking. You can also brush the fillets with melted butter or olive oil before seasoning to add flavour and promote crisping.

Season Generously

Season the salmon generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or your preferred blend of spices. You can also add a thin layer of Dijon mustard to the salmon before seasoning for added moisture and flavour. Don't be afraid to be heavy-handed with the seasonings, as this will enhance the flavour and crisping of the salmon.

Cook Skin-Side Down

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer. Cooking skin-side down helps protect the fish and makes it easier to remove from the air fryer basket. The skin will also crisp up, creating a crunchy bonus to enjoy or discard as desired.

Avoid Overcrowding

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by cooking only two fillets at a time. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures even cooking. Cooking fewer fillets at a time may require multiple batches, but it is worth it for the perfect crispiness.

Check for Doneness

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the model of your air fryer. On average, salmon will take 7-11 minutes to cook in an air fryer. Check the salmon with a fork to see if it flakes easily, indicating doneness. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 135°F to 145°F for medium to well-done salmon.

Don't Overcook

Salmon can dry out quickly, so it's important to keep an eye on the timer and avoid overcooking. Slightly undercooking the salmon and then adding more time as needed is better than accidentally overcooking it. Remember that the salmon will continue to cook for a bit after being removed from the air fryer due to carryover cooking.

The best temperature to cook at

The best temperature to cook salmon in an air fryer is 400°F. This high temperature helps achieve salmon that is flaky and tender, with a slight crust on top from the higher heat. If you air fry it at a lower temperature for longer, the tasty caramelization on top doesn't form.

Depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the exact air fryer model, the cooking time will vary. On average, expect the air fryer salmon to be cooked within 7-11 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it flakes off easily with a fork.

How to avoid overcooking the salmon

To avoid overcooking the salmon, there are a few things to keep in mind when using an air fryer. Firstly, it is important to not wrap the salmon in foil as this can make it harder to get a crispy texture. It is also unnecessary to flip the salmon while it is cooking.

The size and thickness of the salmon fillet will impact the cooking time. Therefore, it is important to check on the salmon regularly, especially around the 8-minute mark, to prevent overcooking. It is always better to slightly undercook the salmon and then add more time if needed, rather than accidentally overcooking it. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the salmon. According to the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part. However, for moist and flaky salmon, it is recommended to remove it from the heat around 135 degrees Fahrenheit and let it rest, allowing the residual heat to finish the cooking process.

To check if the salmon is done without a thermometer, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and gently press down. If the salmon is cooked, it will flake and separate easily.

The best type of salmon to use

When it comes to choosing the best type of salmon to use in your air fryer, there are a few options to consider. The first is whether you prefer fresh or frozen salmon. Fresh salmon is typically considered the best option, especially if it's sourced from a local fishmonger. However, if fresh salmon is not easily accessible, frozen salmon is a great alternative. Frozen salmon is usually flash-frozen right after being caught, preserving its freshness.

Once you've decided between fresh or frozen, you can choose the specific type of salmon you'd like to use. Some popular options include king, coho, or sockeye salmon. You could also use steelhead trout, which is a delicious alternative to salmon.

When purchasing salmon, it's important to look for fillets with similar thicknesses to ensure even cooking. This is especially important when using an air fryer, as the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

In terms of preparation, it's generally recommended to pat the salmon fillets dry before adding any seasonings or sauces. This helps the seasonings stick better and can also contribute to a crispier final product.

Overall, the best type of salmon to use in your air fryer will depend on your personal preferences and what is available to you. However, by choosing fresh or frozen salmon and selecting a specific type such as king, coho, or sockeye, you can ensure a delicious and successful air-fried salmon dish.

How to store and reheat your salmon

Knowing how to store and reheat your salmon is essential to enjoying your leftovers without compromising taste and texture. Here are some tips to help you do it right:

Storing Salmon:

• Let the cooked salmon cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps your fish in optimal condition.
• Wrap the salmon: Use plastic wrap or aluminium foil to seal the salmon snugly, ensuring no gaps are left for air to enter.
• Refrigerate: Place the wrapped salmon in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag and store it in the fridge. It's best to consume leftover salmon within 1-3 days to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you don't plan on eating the leftover salmon right away, consider freezing it. Wrap it tightly and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay fresh for 2-3 months.
• Label and date: Don't forget to label your container or bag with the date of storage. This way, you'll know when it's time to enjoy your salmon again.

Reheating Salmon:

• Avoid high temperatures: Reheating salmon at high temperatures can dry it out. Instead, opt for low to moderate temperatures of around 275°F to 300°F.
• Avoid the microwave: While convenient, microwaves tend to dry out the salmon and release strong fishy aromas.
• Cover the salmon: Loosely cover the salmon with foil when reheating to prevent the edges from drying out and to reduce cooking smells.
• Reheat gently: Whether in the oven, on the stovetop, or in an air fryer, reheat the salmon gently until it's warmed through. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes in the oven or 5-7 minutes in an air fryer.
• Add moisture: A splash of water, broth, or a squeeze of lemon juice can help keep the salmon moist during reheating.
• Check the internal temperature: Ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of at least 125°F to 145°F to prevent food poisoning.
• Don't overdo it: It's best to consume reheated salmon within a day or two. While you can reheat it multiple times, doing so increases the risk of bacterial growth.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your leftover salmon safely, maintaining its flavour and texture.

Frequently asked questions