Air Fryer Foil-Wrapped Salmon: Do's And Don'ts

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, tender, flaky, and juicy fillet. But can you wrap the salmon in foil?

The answer is yes, you can wrap salmon in foil in an air fryer. Wrapping the salmon in foil seals in the moisture and flavour, and makes clean-up a breeze. However, it is not necessary, and some recipes recommend against it as it can prevent the salmon from crisping up.

Should you wrap salmon in foil in an air fryer?

Wrapping salmon in foil before placing it in an air fryer is a common practice and yields good results. It is a convenient method for cooking salmon, as it helps to contain the flavour and moisture of the fish. The foil also makes cleaning up after cooking much easier.

However, it is not necessary to wrap salmon in foil when cooking it in an air fryer, and doing so may prevent the fish from crisping up. If you prefer your salmon with a crispy exterior, it is better to cook it without foil.

If you do choose to wrap the salmon in foil, it is important to ensure that the foil is large enough to completely envelope the salmon. You should also be sure not to oil the foil if you want to be able to remove the cooked salmon from the skin after cooking.

Whether you choose to cook your salmon with or without foil, the air fryer is an excellent appliance for cooking salmon, as it results in a moist and tender fillet with a blush of crispness on top. It is also a quick and easy method, with most recipes taking less than 20 minutes to cook.

What are the benefits of cooking salmon in an air fryer?

There are several benefits to cooking salmon in an air fryer. Here are some of the most notable advantages:

Speed and Efficiency:

Air fryers excel at cooking salmon quickly and efficiently. The high-powered convection cooking allows you to achieve perfectly cooked salmon in a short amount of time, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or when you're short on time.

Easy Cleanup:

Air fryers require minimal cleanup compared to traditional cooking methods. The use of aluminum foil or parchment paper liners in the air fryer basket makes cleanup even easier, as it catches any drippings or residue from the salmon.

Moist and Tender Texture:

Cooking salmon in an air fryer helps retain moisture, resulting in a moist and tender texture. The foil packet method mentioned in some sources further enhances this benefit by sealing in the moisture and flavor, ensuring that your salmon turns out juicy and flaky every time.

Crispy Exterior:

Air fryers are known for their ability to create a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist. This is especially true for salmon, as the air fryer gives it a delicate crispness on top while maintaining the tender flakiness inside.

Versatility:

Air fryer salmon is highly versatile when it comes to seasonings and flavors. You can experiment with various seasonings, marinades, and glazes to create different flavor profiles. Whether you prefer a sweet and savory maple-mustard glaze, a spicy Cajun rub, or a classic combination of garlic and paprika, the air fryer brings out the flavors beautifully.

Convenience:

Air fryers are convenient appliances, especially for those who have difficulty standing for long periods. They require minimal preparation, and the cooking process is mostly hands-free. Additionally, the ability to cook salmon from frozen is a significant advantage, eliminating the need for thawing beforehand.

Healthy Option:

Air fryers allow you to cook salmon with minimal added fat, making it a healthier cooking option. The hot air circulation cooks the salmon without drying it out, resulting in a delicious and nutritious meal.

Overall, cooking salmon in an air fryer offers numerous benefits, including speed, convenience, easy cleanup, and the ability to create a moist, tender, and flavorful dish with a crispy exterior. It's a versatile and healthy cooking method that simplifies the process of preparing salmon while delivering delicious results.

What temperature and how long should you cook salmon in an air fryer?

Yes, you can wrap salmon in foil in an air fryer. This is a great way to seal in moisture and flavour, and it makes for an easy clean-up.

Temperature and Cooking Time

The ideal temperature for cooking salmon in an air fryer is 400°F. Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and your air fryer, but generally, it should take between 6 to 15 minutes.

How to Tell if Salmon is Cooked

The best way to tell if your salmon is cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer. According to the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fillet. If you don't have a thermometer, you can also check by flaking the salmon with a fork—it should flake easily when cooked.

Tips for Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer for best results.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—make sure there's enough space for air to circulate around the salmon.
• Try to use salmon fillets that are of even thickness for even cooking.
• If you're cooking frozen salmon, wrap it in foil and cook first at 400°F for 7 minutes, then unwrap and cook for another 6-11 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
• You can add vegetables to the foil packet for a complete meal.

What are some side dishes that go well with salmon?

There are a variety of side dishes that go well with salmon, including roasted vegetables, salads, and grains. Here are some specific examples:

Roasted Vegetables:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussel sprouts
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes

Salads:

• Arugula salad
• Cucumber salad
• Kale salad
• Quinoa salad
• Spinach salad

Grains:

• Barley risotto
• Brown rice
• Couscous
• Farro
• Pearl barley
• Quinoa
• Rice

What are some seasoning options for salmon?

When it comes to seasoning salmon, there are endless flavour combinations that work well with the fish. Here are some seasoning options to consider:

• Blackened seasoning: Brush the salmon with olive oil, then sprinkle liberally with your favourite blackened seasoning.
• Everything seasoning: Brush the salmon with olive oil, then sprinkle with everything seasoning.
• Teriyaki: Brush the salmon with store-bought teriyaki sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a sweet and sticky glaze.
• Maple-Dijon: Whisk together 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 1 grated garlic clove. Brush the glaze onto the salmon in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Apricot, Peach, or Orange Glazed: Whisk together 1/4 cup of your chosen fruit preserves with 1 tablespoon of water or white balsamic vinegar. Brush the glaze onto the salmon in the last 4-5 minutes of cooking.
• Garlic Lemon: Replace the Dijon mustard and soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, increase the garlic powder to 1.5 teaspoons, and add 0.5 teaspoons of kosher salt. Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon while cooking.
• Honey Garlic: Use 2 tablespoons of honey, 0.75 teaspoons of garlic powder, and omit the soy sauce and ginger. Season the cooked salmon with an extra pinch of salt.
• Spicy Salmon: Season the salmon with your favourite Cajun seasoning or try a seasoning blend from a Spicy Salmon or Buffalo Salmon recipe.

Frequently asked questions