Tiffany Haney
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, healthy meal. Depending on the thickness of the fillets, salmon can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 7 minutes, or up to 20 minutes. The air fryer's high-powered convection cooking can crisp the outside of the salmon without drying it out, resulting in a tender and flaky fillet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 7-15 minutes |
| Temperature | 360-400°F |
| Preheat Time | 12 minutes |
| Marinade | Soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, salt, honey, dijon mustard, harissa, lime, za'atar, pesto |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, lemon zest, Greek seasoning, taco seasoning, dill, hot sauce, honey mustard |
| Sides | Green beans, asparagus, roasted fingerling potatoes, rice, salad, guacamole, pico de gallo, slaw, Greek yogurt sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning and marinade
A simple and classic option is to season your salmon with salt and pepper. This basic combination lets the natural flavour of the salmon shine through while enhancing it with a touch of savouriness and spice.
If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, you can try a Cajun seasoning. Cajun seasoning adds a bold, spicy flavour to the salmon and gives it a nice golden colour. You can also create your own garlic herb seasoning by mixing dried oregano and thyme, which will give your salmon a delicious herby aroma.
For a tangy and savoury option, you can marinate your salmon in a mixture of soy sauce, dijon mustard, brown sugar, and minced garlic. This marinade will give your salmon a beautiful caramelisation and a sweet and savoury taste. Another option for a marinade is to use a combination of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This marinade will add colour and flavour to your salmon, and the olive oil will help keep it moist.
When it comes to cooking your seasoned or marinated salmon in the air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure your salmon is dry before adding any seasoning or marinade, as this will help it cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture. You can also line your air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, but if you want crispy skin on your salmon, simply grease the grates and place the salmon directly on them.
Lastly, the cooking time for your air fryer salmon will depend on the thickness of the fillets and your desired doneness. For thinner pieces, 7-8 minutes should be sufficient, while thicker pieces may need 9-12 minutes. Always check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon with an instant-read thermometer; per the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for air fryer salmon can vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook salmon fillets at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on their thickness. For thinner fillets, 7 to 8 minutes should be sufficient, while thicker fillets may require 9 to 10 minutes. If the fillets are particularly thick, an extra minute or two may be necessary.
It is important to note that air fryers can vary in temperature and fan power, so adjustments may be needed to find the ideal setting for cooking salmon. Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 360 or 390 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking the salmon for 10 to 12 minutes.
The doneness of the salmon can be checked by using an instant-read thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the fillet. The salmon is done when it is flaky and cooked through, with browning at the edges.
Additionally, the cooking time can be influenced by the use of a marinade or seasoning. It is recommended to baste the salmon with marinade halfway through the cooking process and continue cooking until done.
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Cooking with skin on or off
Cooking salmon with the skin on or off is a matter of personal preference. However, there are some benefits and drawbacks to both methods.
Cooking salmon with the skin on can help the fillet hold together more easily, and it may yield moister and flakier results. It can also be a good option if you want to serve the salmon with the skin on and let your guests peel it away themselves. Additionally, cooking with the skin on can help you achieve crispy skin, which is a texture that many people enjoy. To get crispy skin, place the salmon skin-side up in the air fryer.
On the other hand, cooking salmon with the skin off can be preferable if you want to avoid the skin altogether or if you want to cook the skin separately to achieve a crispier texture. Removing the skin before cooking can also make it easier to cut the salmon into individual portions.
When cooking salmon in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to cook it at a temperature of 400°F for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. If you are using frozen salmon, it is best to thaw it before cooking, and you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Overall, whether you choose to cook your air fryer salmon with the skin on or off is up to your personal preference and the desired texture of your final dish.
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Cooking from frozen
You can cook salmon from frozen in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. There is no need to defrost the salmon first—simply take it straight from the freezer and place it in the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
To cook salmon in an air fryer from frozen, first preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket or tray and cook for 7 minutes. While the salmon is cooking, prepare a seasoning blend. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or create a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne. For a smoky flavour, add paprika.
After 7 minutes, remove the salmon from the air fryer and brush the seasoning blend over the fillets. Place the salmon back into the air fryer and cook for another 6 to 9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can check if the salmon is cooked by gently scraping it with a fork. The salmon should flake easily and be crisp and slightly browned around the edges.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer salmon is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Salads
Salmon and salad are a classic combination. You can serve the salmon on top of a bed of greens, such as arugula, spinach, or mixed salad leaves. For something more substantial, try a grain-based salad like Lebanese rice, Mediterranean couscous, or quinoa. If you're feeling creative, add some fruit or vegetables to the mix, such as cucumbers, green apples, tomatoes, or avocado.
Rice and Grains
Rice is a simple yet delicious side dish for air fryer salmon. Try serving it with white rice, fluffy steamed rice, or even rice bowls. Other grains that pair well with salmon include couscous, barley, farro, and Lebanese rice.
Vegetables
Asparagus and salmon are a well-known pairing, but you can also try other vegetables such as sautéed snow peas, Brussels sprouts, or roasted fingerling potatoes. If you're short on time, you can cook some vegetables right in the air fryer alongside the salmon!
Tacos and Sandwiches
For a more casual meal, flake the air fryer salmon and serve it in tacos or lettuce wraps. You can also use the salmon to make a sandwich, perhaps with some melted butter and a squeeze of lemon.
Glazes and Sauces
To add some extra flavour to your air fryer salmon, consider brushing it with a glaze or sauce. A simple combination of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika will do the trick, but you can also get creative with teriyaki sauce, smoked paprika, brown sugar, or hot honey.
Herbs and Spices
A sprinkle of fresh herbs can take your air fryer salmon to the next level. Try pairing it with some dill, parsley, or chives. A squeeze of lemon juice will also brighten up the dish.
With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy air fryer salmon in a variety of ways, each one more delicious than the last!
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time for air fryer salmon varies depending on the thickness of the fillets and the temperature of the air fryer. On average, salmon fillets take 7-12 minutes to cook at 360-400°F.
It is recommended to set your air fryer to 400°F when cooking salmon. However, some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 360-390°F.
The best way to know when salmon is done 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. Alternatively, you can fork test your salmon—it is ready when it flakes easily.
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