Air-Fried Salmon: A Quick, Crispy, And Healthy Treat

Air fryer salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook salmon. It's ready in under 15 minutes and results in a tender, flaky, and flavourful piece of fish. The air fryer gives the salmon a crusty, golden exterior while keeping the inside juicy and buttery. The air fryer also ensures the salmon is cooked evenly and prevents it from drying out.

To make air fryer salmon, simply season the salmon fillets with your choice of spices and a touch of oil, then place them in the air fryer for around 10 minutes. You can also glaze the salmon with a sauce, such as sweet chilli sauce or honey soy sauce, for extra flavour.

Choosing your salmon: Fresh or frozen?

When it comes to choosing your salmon, you may be wondering whether to opt for fresh or frozen. Here are some factors to consider:

Fresh Salmon

From my experience, fresh salmon is best bought from a local fishmonger. However, I understand that not everyone has access to a local fish shop. If this is the case for you, don't worry—frozen salmon is also a great option.

Frozen Salmon

If you're unsure about the quality of the fresh fish available to you, frozen salmon is a fantastic alternative. Frozen salmon is typically flash-frozen on the boat right after it's caught, which helps preserve its freshness. This means that frozen salmon can sometimes even be fresher than the "fresh" fish you find at the supermarket, which has usually been previously frozen anyway.

Benefits of Frozen Salmon

• Convenience: You can cook frozen salmon without defrosting it first, making it a quick and easy option for busy weeknights.
• Nutrient Preservation: Freezing helps to lock in nutrients, including protein, fat, and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A and D.
• Food Safety: Freezing halts bacterial growth, giving your frozen salmon a longer shelf life than fresh salmon.
• Versatility: Frozen salmon fillets can be cooked as-is or used in a variety of recipes, such as casseroles, pasta dishes, or salmon patties.

Tips for Choosing Frozen Salmon

• Look for individually wrapped fillets to easily grab the amount you need and to prevent ice build-up and freezer burn.
• Check the thickness of the fillets. Thicker fillets, ideally about 1 to 1.5 inches, are better for air frying as they are less likely to dry out.
• Opt for frozen farm-raised Atlantic salmon, which has a higher fat content and is less likely to dry out during cooking.

In conclusion, both fresh and frozen salmon can be delicious and nutritious options. If you have access to high-quality fresh salmon from a trusted source, go for it! Otherwise, don't be afraid to reach for frozen salmon—just remember to check the ingredients and choose thick fillets for the best results.

Prepping the salmon: Drying, seasoning, and glazing

The first step in preparing your salmon is to pat it dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the fish. If your salmon has skin, you can choose to keep it on or remove it. Leaving the skin on can help the salmon hold together better during cooking and yield moister results, but it's a matter of preference. If you do decide to remove the skin, it's easier to do so before cutting the salmon into cubes or fillets.

Once your salmon is dry, it's time to season it. You can use a variety of seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and chili powder. Mix your chosen spices in a small bowl and then rub them onto the salmon, making sure to coat all sides evenly. You can also add a touch of oil to help the seasonings stick and prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket.

For an extra flavour boost, you can also glaze the salmon with a sauce or marinade. A simple glaze can be made by mixing together ingredients like brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, soy sauce, and spices. Spread the glaze over the salmon before placing it in the air fryer.

Cooking the salmon: Timing and temperature

The cooking time for the salmon will depend on the thickness of the salmon pieces and the model of the air fryer. The best way to check if the salmon is done is to use a fork to see if it flakes off easily. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F in the thickest part of the salmon.

For 6-ounce salmon fillets, the cooking time in my air fryer was 6 minutes. Depending on the make and model, you may need to cook it a little longer. For example, for salmon fillets that are around 1 inch thick, you will need to cook them for 8 to 9 minutes.

If you are cooking frozen salmon, there is no need to thaw it first. Simply increase the cooking time by 2 minutes.

The ideal temperature to cook the salmon in the air fryer is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will give the salmon a crusty, crisped exterior while keeping the inside juicy and buttery.

It is important not to overcook the salmon, as this will result in dry fish. To prevent overcooking, check the salmon a few times towards the end of the cooking process.

If you are using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145 degrees F when it is done. However, you can also tell when salmon is cooked by its colour. Raw salmon is translucent and reddish, while cooked salmon is opaque pink.

Customising the salmon: Sauces and spices

Customising the salmon with sauces and spices is a great way to elevate your air-fried salmon dish. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spices and Seasonings:

• Garlic Powder: This adds a nice punch of flavour to the salmon. You can also use fresh minced garlic for a more intense taste.
• Paprika: Paprika gives the salmon a beautiful browned colour and adds a little heat.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning the salmon with salt and pepper helps bring out its natural flavour.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs enhances the taste of the salmon.
• Chilli Powder: Brings some heat to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Sauces:

• Dijon Mustard: Tangy and zippy, Dijon mustard pairs well with the brown sugar and soy sauce. It also helps keep the salmon moist.
• Brown Sugar or Honey: Adds a perfect amount of sweetness and helps the salmon caramelise.
• Soy Sauce: A salty, umami bomb that coats the salmon in scrumptious flavour.
• Lemon Juice: For a bright, citrusy note, replace the Dijon mustard and soy sauce with lemon juice.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savoury glaze.
• Tartar Sauce: A classic condiment for fried seafood, tartar sauce adds a creamy, tangy twist.

Storing the salmon: Refrigerating and freezing

Salmon is a great meal prep item for the week. You can store it in the fridge or freezer and enjoy it later. Here's how to do it:

Refrigerating Salmon:

If you have leftover salmon, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to place the salmon in an airtight container or seal it well to prevent odours from escaping.

Freezing Salmon:

You can also freeze salmon for later use. Before freezing, ensure the salmon is completely cooled. Place the salmon on parchment paper in a storage container to prevent it from sticking to the sides.

When it comes to reheating salmon, it can be tricky as it's already cooked. The key is to reheat it slowly, either in the air fryer, microwave, or oven, to prevent it from drying out. For best results, thaw frozen salmon in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently asked questions