Air-Fried Salmon: Any Lingering Smells?

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy and tender fillet. The method is also said to contain the fishy smell, which can be an issue when cooking salmon on a stovetop. However, some people have reported increased smoking when cooking salmon at 400°F (200°C), which is the recommended temperature for air-fried salmon. This can be reduced by cooking the salmon on a piece of foil, although this may impact the crispness of the skin.

Air fryer salmon recipes

Air-fried salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky centre and a crispy exterior. It is also a healthier alternative to pan-fried salmon, which creates a lot of smoke and a strong fishy smell. Here are some tips and recipes to help you get started with cooking salmon in an air fryer.

Tips:

• Preheat the air fryer to 390°F-400°F (200°C).
• Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Moisture will make the fish soggy.
• Brush the fillets with oil or melted butter. This will help the seasoning stick to the fish.
• Season the salmon with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and/or lemon pepper.
• Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.
• Check the salmon with a fork to ensure it is cooked to your liking. The internal temperature should be 145°F (135°F for medium).
• Serve with fresh lemon, herbs, or tartar sauce.

Recipes:

Maple-Mustard Glaze:

Brush the salmon with maple syrup and mustard for a sticky-sweet flavour.

Honey-Dijon Glaze:

Combine honey, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce for a sweet and savoury dish.

Asian-Style:

Glaze the salmon with an Asian-style sauce before air frying until the skin is crispy and caramelized.

Storing and Reheating:

Salmon can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use. When reheating, do so slowly to prevent the salmon from drying out.

Air fryer salmon cooking times and temperatures

Air fryers are a great way to cook salmon, producing moist and delicious results with minimal prep work and no strong fishy smell. The cooking time and temperature for salmon in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the model of the air fryer.

As a general rule, salmon fillets should be cooked in the air fryer for 7 to 12 minutes at temperatures ranging from 180°C to 410°F (the highest setting on most air fryers). For example, one source recommends cooking salmon fillets at 390°F for 10 minutes, with a quality check at 8 minutes. Another source suggests cooking at 180°C for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the fillets.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Thicker fillets may require additional cooking time, ranging from one to two minutes. To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to use salmon fillets of comparable thickness and to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can affect the circulation of hot air.

Some sources recommend preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the salmon, while others suggest that preheating is not necessary. It is generally advised to cook salmon without flipping it, as flipping can increase the risk of breaking up the fish. Cooking salmon skin-side down can help achieve crispier skin.

To enhance the flavour of the salmon, it is recommended to season the fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or other herbs and spices. Additionally, brushing the salmon with oil before cooking can help prevent sticking and improve crisping.

Air fryer salmon seasoning

Air fryers are a great way to cook salmon, as they produce a crispy exterior and tender interior without creating a strong fishy smell. The air fryer's temperature and time controls also mean there is little chance of overcooking the fish.

When it comes to seasoning, there are many options to choose from, and you can get creative with whatever seasonings you have lying around. Here are some ideas for air fryer salmon seasoning:

Cajun-Style

Add some heat and bold flavour to your salmon with Cajun seasoning. You can either use a pre-made Cajun seasoning or make your own by mixing garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If using a pre-made Cajun seasoning, be sure to adjust the amount of salt added.

Garlic Herb

For a simple, herby twist, add dried oregano and dried thyme to your salmon. You can also add other dried herbs such as dill or parsley, which pair well with salmon.

Maple Dijon

This glaze option provides a sticky-sweet flavour to your salmon. Mix Dijon mustard with maple syrup and brush it onto the salmon before air frying. You can also try other glaze options, such as honey-dijon or teriyaki sauce.

Smoky BBQ

For a sweet and smoky flavour, swap out the regular paprika for smoked paprika and add brown sugar. You can also brush the salmon with barbecue sauce before air frying.

Spicy Honey

Add a touch of heat and sweetness to your salmon by drizzling it with hot honey after cooking. You can also try other sweet and spicy combinations, such as honey-dijon glaze or a spicy maple glaze.

Lemon Pepper

For a bright, zesty flavour, use lemon pepper seasoning instead of regular pepper. You can also add lemon wedges to your salmon after cooking or serve it with a slice of lemon on the side.

When seasoning your salmon, don't be afraid to experiment and combine different spices and flavours. You can also try different types of salmon, such as king, coho, or sockeye, or even use steelhead trout. Just remember to pat your salmon fillets dry before adding any seasonings and to cook them skin-side down in the air fryer. Enjoy your perfectly seasoned air fryer salmon!

Air fryer salmon flipping

Air fryers are a great way to cook salmon, with many people preferring it to grilling or pan-frying. It's quick, simple, and there's very little smoke or smell to worry about. Plus, you don't have to worry about flipping your salmon halfway through cooking!

The first step to cooking salmon in an air fryer is to preheat it. While some sources say preheating is not required, others recommend preheating to 390°F (200°C) for around 5 minutes to ensure crispy edges. If you're cooking your salmon from frozen, you'll also need to defrost it first, which you can do by cooking it skin-side down at 400°F for 7-9 minutes.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to prepare your salmon. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture, which can make the fish soggy. Then, brush the fillets with oil, such as avocado oil, olive oil, or melted butter. You can also add some seasoning at this stage—salt and pepper are a must, but you can also add garlic powder, paprika, or any other spices you like.

Now it's time to cook your salmon. Place the seasoned fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 7-10 minutes at 390°F (200°C) or 400°F, depending on your preference. You don't need to flip the salmon while it's cooking—the air fryer will cook it evenly all the way through. Check the salmon with a fork to make sure it's cooked to your liking, and remove it from the air fryer when it's done.

Finally, serve your salmon with a squeeze of lemon and some fresh herbs, or any other garnishes you like. And that's it! Perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside salmon, made in less than 15 minutes with minimal mess and no flipping required.

Air fryer salmon smell reduction

Air fryers are a great way to cook salmon, producing a crispy skin and a flaky, juicy interior. The method is also quick, simple, and healthy. However, cooking salmon in an air fryer can produce a strong fishy smell, and some smoke. Here are some tips to reduce the smell when cooking salmon in an air fryer:

• Pre-heat your air fryer: Pre-heating your air fryer to the desired temperature will ensure adequate heat to cook the salmon, reducing the risk of overcooking or burning, which can cause a stronger smell.
• Oil the rack: Before placing the salmon in the air fryer, brush the rack with a small amount of cooking oil, such as canola or avocado oil. This will prevent the fish from sticking and make it easier to remove afterward.
• Use foil: Placing a piece of foil lightly sprayed with cooking oil at the bottom of the air fryer can catch any oil drippings, reducing smoke and minimizing the spread of odors.
• Temperature control: Cooking salmon at a lower temperature may result in reduced browning and flavor, but it can also minimize smoking and, therefore, reduce the spread of odors.
• Thin cuts: Using thinner cuts of salmon will reduce the overall cooking time, reducing the amount of time the air fryer is running and the smell is spreading.
• Ventilation: Ensure the room is well-ventilated by opening windows or turning on exhaust fans to help dissipate the smell more quickly.
• Clean up promptly: Clean the air fryer and surrounding surfaces promptly after cooking to prevent the lingering of any odors.

By following these tips, you can reduce the smell associated with cooking salmon in an air fryer and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal with minimal odor.

Frequently asked questions