Air-Fried Salmon Fillet: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a flaky centre and a seared or crispy exterior. The average cooking time is 10 minutes, but this can vary depending on the thickness of the fillet and the type of air fryer used. The salmon can be seasoned with a variety of spices, such as garlic, paprika, salt and pepper, and brushed with olive oil to enhance the flavour and browning. It is recommended to cut the fillets into even sizes and preheat the air fryer for the best results.

Seasoning and spices

Choosing Spices and Seasonings:

• A blend of spices and seasonings can be used to create a flavourful crust on your salmon. Common options include paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can eyeball the measurements and be generous with the amounts for a more intense flavour.
• For a tangy and zesty profile, consider using Dijon mustard. It keeps the salmon moist and adds a unique tanginess. You can use stone-ground mustard for added texture or even honey mustard for a touch of sweetness.
• To enhance the savoury notes, soy sauce is an excellent choice. It adds a salty, umami flavour that coats the salmon beautifully.
• For a subtle touch of warmth and spice, include a pinch of ground ginger. It pairs exceptionally well with soy sauce.
• If you're a fan of garlic, don't hold back! It's a classic complement to seafood and can be used generously.
• For a citrusy twist, incorporate lemon juice or arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon while cooking.
• If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with Cajun seasoning, teriyaki sauce, or a spicy salmon seasoning blend.

Preparing and Applying the Seasonings:

• Before applying any seasonings, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the spices adhere better and promotes even cooking.
• If using a wet ingredient like mustard or soy sauce, spread it evenly in a thin layer on the salmon first. This creates a delicious base for the dry spices to stick to.
• When applying dry spices, you can simply sprinkle or eyeball the measurements. Start with salt and pepper, then be generous with garlic powder and paprika for a well-rounded flavour profile.
• For extra moisture and to prevent the salmon from drying out, finish with a quick spray of olive oil or avocado oil on top before air frying.
• If you're using frozen salmon, ensure that it's completely thawed and pat it dry before applying the seasonings.

Storage and Leftovers:

• If you have leftover salmon, it can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For freezing, allow the salmon to cool completely, then place it on parchment paper in a storage container to prevent sticking. Reheating can be tricky, so aim for low and slow temperatures to prevent drying out the salmon.

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. On average, you can expect the salmon to be cooked within 7-11 minutes at a temperature of 400°F (200°C). However, it's important to keep an eye on the salmon to prevent overcooking, as the exact time may vary between air fryers.

For smaller or thinner pieces of salmon, a cooking time of 6-8 minutes is usually sufficient. For thicker fillets, you may need to cook for up to 15 minutes, checking the salmon regularly to avoid overcooking. It's always better to slightly undercook the salmon and then add more time as needed.

To check if the salmon is done, use a fork to see if it flakes easily. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon, which should reach 145°F (63°C) for food safety.

When cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer, it is recommended to defrost the salmon first and then cut it into the desired size. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the frozen fillets, so it's important to adjust the time accordingly.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer before adding the salmon, while others indicate that preheating is not necessary. However, preheating can help the salmon cook more evenly and speed up the cooking process.

It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. If needed, cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Pre-heating the air fryer

While the air fryer is pre-heating, you can prepare the salmon fillets. Pat them dry with a paper towel, which will help the seasoning stick better. You can also cut the fillets into even sizes, but this is not necessary if they are already a similar thickness. If you are cooking frozen salmon, make sure to run the fillets under cold water to remove any frost or ice crystals, and then pat them dry.

Once the salmon is prepared and the air fryer is pre-heated, you can move on to the next step of seasoning the salmon.

Cooking from frozen

If you're cooking salmon from frozen, there's no need to defrost it first—simply take it out of the freezer and get cooking! This is a convenient way to cook a delicious, healthy meal in under 15 minutes.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes.
• Lightly spray the fryer basket with oil.
• Place the frozen salmon fillet (skin-side down) directly into the basket. Air fry at 390°F (199°C) for 9 minutes.
• Open the basket and spray the salmon fillet with a thin layer of oil. Season with a few sprinkles of salt directly onto the fillet. Air fry at the same temperature for another 7 to 8 minutes.
• According to the FDA, salmon is considered done when the thickest part of the fillet reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (62.7°C). However, for moister salmon fillets, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C).

You can also add a sauce to your salmon. Try a tangy dijon mustard, a sweet and salty teriyaki, or a spicy gochujang sauce.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air fryer salmon fillets. Here are some suggestions:

Salad

A fresh salad is a great side dish to accompany the salmon. Try a Corn Tomato Avocado Salad or a Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad for a well-balanced meal.

Grains

Rice, couscous, barley, and farro make excellent accompaniments to salmon for a filling and nutritious meal. Try it with Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, or Turmeric Rice Salad.

Vegetables

You can cook whatever vegetable you like with salmon in the air fryer. Some options include Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice and Green Beans with Almonds.

Asparagus

Asparagus and salmon are a classic pairing. Prepare some grilled or roasted asparagus while the salmon is cooking in the air fryer.

Other Vegetables

You can also pair salmon with other vegetables such as roasted fingerling potatoes, sautéed Brussels sprouts, or air fryer broccoli.

Whole Grains

Add some fibre and healthy carbohydrates to the meal by serving the salmon with a side of whole grains like brown rice or quinoa.

Salmon Salad

Flake the leftover cooked salmon and serve it in a sandwich, in lettuce wraps, or over greens or quinoa.

Frequently asked questions