Tillie Doyle
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. The air fryer can cook salmon in as little as six minutes, resulting in a tender, flaky texture and a crispy exterior. It is a versatile cooking method, as salmon cooked in an air fryer can be paired with a variety of side dishes, including vegetables, rice, and salads. The high-powered convection cooking of the air fryer allows for even cooking and a crispy texture without drying out the fish. This makes it a convenient and tasty way to prepare salmon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 360°F-400°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking temperature | 390°F-400°F |
| Cooking time | 6-12 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 135°F-145°F |
| Rest time | A few minutes |
| Salmon | Fresh or frozen |
| Salmon type | King, coho, sockeye, or steelhead trout |
| Salmon skin | Skin-on or skinless |
| Salmon size | Evenly-sized |
| Salmon quantity | 2 fillets at a time |
| Salmon preparation | Pat dry with paper towels |
| Salmon seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, dried oregano, dried thyme, olive oil, avocado oil, melted butter, Dijon mustard, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, honey soy sauce |
| Basket preparation | Cooking spray, foil, or parchment paper |
| Basket quantity | Do not overcrowd |
| Basket layers | Single layer with spacing between fillets |
| Sides | Salad, rice, couscous, barley, farro, roasted /steamed /air-fried vegetables, hush puppies, red potatoes, garlic bread, crescent rolls, asparagus, sweet potatoes, instant pot fluffy rice, steamed vegetables, air fryer brussels sprouts, air fryer asparagus, air fryer broccoli, corn tomato avocado salad, cauliflower tabbouleh salad, Lebanese rice, Mediterranean couscous salad, turmeric rice salad, roasted fingerling potatoes, sauteed brussels sprouts, arugula salad, Asian noodle salad, instant pot brown rice, green beans, carrots |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and that the skin turns out crispy. The ideal temperature for cooking salmon in an air fryer is around 390–400°F (198–204°C). Depending on your air fryer, it should take about 5 minutes to preheat.
Before preheating, you should prepare your salmon fillets. Pat them dry with a paper towel, as moisture will prevent the salmon from crisping up. If your salmon has skin, it is recommended to cook it skin-side down. The skin will help the fish cook more evenly and will also make it easier to remove from the air fryer. It will also add a crunchy texture to your dish if you enjoy eating salmon skin.
You can also brush the fillets with oil or melted butter before sprinkling on your chosen seasonings. This will help the seasonings stick to the fish and prevent it from drying out. Olive oil, avocado oil, and unsalted butter are all good options.
Once your salmon fillets are prepared, you can place them in the air fryer and set it to preheat. Make sure you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the hot air from circulating properly. If you are cooking more salmon than can fit comfortably in a single layer with spacing between each fillet, you will need to cook the salmon in batches.
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Season the salmon
Seasoning is a key step in cooking salmon in an air fryer. The right combination of spices and herbs can take your salmon to the next level. Here are some tips and ideas to help you season your salmon to perfection:
Pat the Salmon Dry: Before you begin seasoning, it's important to pat the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel. Removing excess moisture will help the oil and seasonings stick better, resulting in a crispier exterior.
Brush with Oil or Butter: After patting the salmon dry, brush the fillets with a thin coat of olive oil or melted butter. This step is optional but recommended as it helps the seasonings adhere to the salmon and prevents it from drying out during cooking. Avocado oil or any other cooking oil of your choice can also be used.
Classic Seasoning: For a simple yet delicious option, combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the salmon fillets, ensuring an even coating. You can adjust the amounts of each spice according to your taste preferences.
Lemon Pepper: If you're looking for a bright and zesty twist, swap out the paprika for lemon pepper seasoning. This combination will add a tangy citrus note to your salmon. Don't forget to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked salmon before serving!
Cajun-Style: For those who enjoy a little spice, Cajun seasoning is a great option. Use a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, adjusting the amount to your preferred spice level. Remember to consider the salt content of the Cajun seasoning and reduce the added salt accordingly.
Garlic Herb: Bring a touch of herbiness to your salmon by adding dried oregano and dried thyme. Half a teaspoon of each should be enough to impart a subtle herbal flavor without overwhelming the natural taste of the salmon.
Maple Dijon: For a sweet and savory combination, mix Dijon mustard with maple syrup. Brush this mixture onto the salmon before air frying. The mustard adds moisture and a flavor boost, while the maple syrup provides a delightful touch of sweetness.
Brown Sugar or Honey: Speaking of sweetness, a light sprinkle of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey can take your salmon to the next level. These sweeteners help the salmon caramelize, resulting in a crispy exterior and a subtle hint of sweetness.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your perfect flavor profile. You can also try adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro after cooking for an extra burst of flavor. Remember to season according to your taste preferences, and you'll be well on your way to becoming an air fryer salmon pro!
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Cook the salmon
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. The method works for both fresh and frozen salmon, and you can use skin-on or skinless fillets.
First, preheat your air fryer to 390–400°F (198–204°C). If you're cooking frozen salmon, you may preheat to 360°F (182°C) and cook for around four minutes to thaw the fish before proceeding with the recipe.
While the air fryer is preheating, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is important because moisture will prevent the fish from crisping up. If your salmon has skin, place it skin-side down in the air fryer basket or on a tray. If you're using skinless fillets, grease the air fryer basket or tray to prevent sticking.
Brush the salmon with olive oil or melted butter, then season. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works well, but you can also experiment with other combinations like lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic herb, maple Dijon, or teriyaki glaze. If you're using frozen salmon, drizzle the soy/mustard mixture over the fillets after thawing and before proceeding with the rest of the cooking time.
Place the salmon in the air fryer, leaving space between each fillet to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the thickness of your fillets, cook the salmon for 8–12 minutes at 390–400°F (198–204°C). The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or 135°F (57°C) if you prefer it medium-rare.
Let the salmon rest before serving. You can serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a side of vegetables, rice, or salad.
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Check the salmon is cooked
Checking that your salmon is cooked is a crucial step in the cooking process. The last thing you want is to serve undercooked salmon, which can be dangerous for your health.
The first thing to note is that the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the model of your air fryer. Fillets that are around 1 inch thick will take 8 to 9 minutes to cook. If your fillets are extra thick, you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.
The best way to check that your salmon is cooked is to use a fork to see if it flakes easily. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. The salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
If the salmon is not cooked after the recommended cooking time, you can return it to the air fryer for another minute or two, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Once your salmon is cooked, you can serve it with the skin on, allowing your guests to peel it away themselves. The cooked salmon will flake off easily with a fork.
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Serve with sides
There are a variety of side dishes you can serve with your air-fried salmon.
If you're looking for something light and healthy, steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, carrots, broccoli, or roasted vegetables like cauliflower are great options. You can also air fry some vegetables with the salmon, such as Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, asparagus, or broccoli.
If you want something more hearty, you can try making air fryer hush puppies, red potatoes, garlic bread, or crescent rolls.
Grains like rice, couscous, barley, and farro are also good options. Try Lebanese rice, Mediterranean couscous salad, or turmeric rice salad for a more flavorful dish.
For a classic pairing, serve your salmon with asparagus. You can prepare it grilled, roasted, or even air-fried. Other vegetables that go well with salmon include roasted fingerling potatoes, sautéed Brussels sprouts, or roasted carrots.
If you're looking for a more unique side dish, an Asian noodle salad or instant pot brown rice can add some variety to your meal.
Don't forget that leftover salmon can be used in a variety of ways! Flake it over a salad, tacos, or spread it on a bagel with cream cheese for a tasty next-day lunch.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking salmon in an air fryer takes 6 to 12 minutes, depending on the weight of the fillets and the model of the air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F to 400°F.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush the fillets with olive oil or melted butter, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and place the frozen salmon skin-side down. Cook for about 4 minutes to thaw, then follow the rest of the recipe as you would with fresh salmon.
