Using Cedar Planks In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Cooking salmon on a cedar plank in an air fryer is possible, but should be done with caution. It is important to always check your air fryer's user manual to ensure that it is safe to use a cedar plank with your specific model. If done correctly, cooking salmon on a cedar plank can impart a subtle smoky, woody flavour to the fish, enhancing its natural taste. The heat from the plank helps the fish to gently steam inside, resulting in a moist, flaky salmon.

Soaking the cedar plank

When soaking the cedar plank, it's important to weigh it down with a small bowl or plate to ensure it stays fully submerged. You can use a variety of containers for soaking, such as a large bowl, the sink, or even the air fryer basket itself (as long as there are no electrical parts in the basket). If you're short on space or containers, you can also soak the plank in the same water as your frozen salmon. Just make sure to keep the salmon in its sealed plastic bag so it doesn't get waterlogged, and change out the water regularly to keep it cool.

While the cedar plank is soaking, you can prepare the salmon by patting it dry with paper towels and then seasoning it with oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. You can also use this time to preheat your air fryer to 375-380°F (190-193°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Once the plank is done soaking, be sure to pat it dry with a clean towel before placing it in the air fryer basket. Then, lay the seasoned salmon fillets, skin-side down, on the soaked plank. Set the cook time for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness. For food safety, the internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.

Salmon prep

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon wedges
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Paprika (optional)
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Steps

• Cut the salmon fillets into even sizes.
• Season each fillet with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
• Place the salmon in the air fryer.
• Air fry for 7-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.
• Check for doneness with a fork—the salmon should flake easily.
• Serve with lemon wedges.

Tips

• Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the salmon gets crispy.
• For best results, use skin-on fillets as the skin prevents the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• If desired, add other seasonings or marinades to the salmon before cooking.

Air fryer settings

Before using a cedar plank in your air fryer, it is important to check your user manual to ensure it is safe to do so. Some air fryers may not be suitable for this method, so it is always best to check first. In addition, you should ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated by opening windows or using other aeration methods, as there will be some smoke produced.

When preparing your cedar plank, it is important to get the right size. Most cedar planks are ready-made, so you will need to check that the one you have fits the measurements of your air fryer basket. If not, you may need to trim it down to size. It is also important to ensure the plank is smooth, with no splinters, so use sandpaper if necessary to give it a smooth finish before placing it in the air fryer.

The cedar plank should be soaked in water for at least an hour before cooking. This will prevent it from catching fire in the air fryer and will also create steam, infusing the food with that distinctive cedar aroma. Do not soak the plank for too long, as you would for a grill. An hour is sufficient for an air fryer, as there are no direct flames, so it is not as prone to burning.

Once your plank is ready, you can preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend a temperature of around 375-400°F (190°C). Place the soaked cedar plank in the air fryer and preheat for around 3-5 minutes.

After preheating, you can place your seasoned food on the plank and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the food is cooked to your liking. For salmon, it is recommended to cook until the fish easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

It is important to note that all air fryers are different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly depending on your specific model. Always refer to your user manual for the most accurate information.

Cooking time

It is important to note that the cooking time may need adjustment based on the specific model of the air fryer. It is always a good idea to refer to the user manual to ensure that using a cedar plank is safe for your particular air fryer model.

Additionally, the size of the cedar plank should be considered. It is crucial to ensure that the plank fits inside the air fryer basket. If it doesn't, you may need to trim it or purchase a plank specifically designed for your air fryer's size.

Before cooking, the cedar plank should be soaked in water for at least an hour, and preferably two hours, to prevent it from catching fire and to add moisture for steaming. This step is crucial for food safety and enhancing the flavor of the salmon.

When preparing the salmon, it is recommended to pat the fillets dry with a paper towel before drizzling olive oil and seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Fresh herbs such as dill or parsley can also be added for extra flavor.

After seasoning, the salmon fillets are placed on the soaked cedar plank, skin-side down, and then carefully transferred into the air fryer basket.

Once the cooking time has elapsed, use a spatula to lift the salmon fillets off the plank, leaving the skin behind. The salmon can be garnished with additional herbs or lemon wedges and served immediately.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary, so it is advisable to keep a close eye on the salmon to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Serving suggestions

While cooking salmon on a cedar plank in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, always soak the cedar plank in water for at least an hour before cooking. This is important for two reasons: it prevents the plank from catching fire and it adds moisture, creating a steamy environment that infuses the salmon with a distinctive cedar aroma. Secondly, check your air fryer size and ensure that the cedar plank fits in the basket. You may need to trim the plank or purchase one designed specifically for your air fryer model.

When it comes to serving, there are several options to consider. For a fun presentation, you can serve the salmon directly on the cedar plank, especially if you're serving it as an appetizer. This makes for an interesting visual and aromatic experience for your guests. If you're looking for side dishes to accompany the salmon, consider simple vegetables like air fryer green beans, wild rice salad, potatoes fondants, or oven-roasted vegetables. A nice sauce, such as chimichurri, can also enhance the flavour of the salmon.

If you have any leftover cedar plank salmon, it's important to store it properly. Let the salmon cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Leftover salmon can be enjoyed cold on a salad or added to an omelette for breakfast.

Additionally, while some people reuse cedar planks, it's generally recommended to use a new one each time for optimal flavour. If you do choose to reuse a plank, make sure to clean it thoroughly and check for any signs of wear or charring.

In conclusion, cooking salmon on a cedar plank in an air fryer adds a subtle smoky, woody flavour to the dish. By following the tips mentioned above and being mindful of safety precautions, you can create a delicious and unique dining experience for yourself and your guests.

Frequently asked questions