Air-Fried Salmon: Perfect Timing And Temperature

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a healthy, tasty meal on the table in under 15 minutes. The air fryer method results in salmon with a tender, flaky centre and a beautifully browned crust.

The air fryer temperature for salmon should be around 400°F (200°C). Depending on the thickness of the fillets and the type of air fryer, the cooking time will vary between 6 and 11 minutes.

Seasoning and prep

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets (with or without skin)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Dijon mustard (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Parsley or dill (optional)

Method

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
• Brush or rub the salmon fillets with olive oil.
• Sprinkle or rub the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
• If using, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard onto the salmon fillets.
• If using, rub or sprinkle the salmon fillets with garlic powder and paprika.
• If using, add a touch of brown sugar to the salmon fillets for a subtle sweetness.
• Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if your fillets have skin.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for salmon in an air fryer will depend on the weight and thickness of the fillets, as well as the type of air fryer you have. However, on average, you can expect to cook salmon in an air fryer for around 6 to 11 minutes at a temperature of 400°F (200°C).

For 6-ounce fillets, you can expect a cooking time of around 6 to 9 minutes. However, if your fillets are thicker, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer. It is important to keep an eye on the salmon while it is cooking, as you don't want to overcook it. The best way to check for doneness is to use a fork to see if the salmon flakes easily.

Some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes before adding the salmon, while others suggest that preheating is not necessary.

It is also recommended to cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can affect the cooking time and the overall texture of the salmon.

To ensure your salmon is cooked perfectly, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Tips for Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer

• Choose even-sized salmon fillets for even cooking.
• Pat the salmon dry before adding any seasonings, as this will help the seasonings stick better.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the salmon in batches if needed.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon.
• Add parchment paper or air fryer liners to the base of the air fryer for easy cleanup.
• If using skin-on salmon fillets, place them skin-side down in the air fryer. There is no need to flip the salmon during cooking.
• You can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, but you may need to increase the cooking time by a minute or two.

Doneness check

The best way to check if your salmon is cooked is to use a fork to see if the fish flakes easily. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the salmon. If you don't have a thermometer, you can also check the doneness of the salmon by cutting into the thickest part of the fish to make sure it is opaque and flakes easily.

When checking the doneness of your salmon, it is important to remember that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the model of your air fryer. As such, it is always better to slightly undercook the salmon and add more time as needed, rather than accidentally overcooking it.

Additionally, if you are cooking frozen salmon, it is important to note that the cooking time may need to be increased by a few minutes.

Storage and reheating

Leftover salmon can be just as delicious as the first time, as long as you know the right way to store and reheat it.

Storing Salmon

If you have leftover salmon, let it cool down to room temperature. This will help prevent any bacteria from forming. Once it has cooled, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place the wrapped salmon in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag and store it in the fridge. It's best to eat leftover salmon within 1-2 days to ensure optimal taste and freshness.

If you don't plan on eating the leftover salmon within a couple of days, you can freeze it. Wrap the salmon tightly and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen salmon will stay fresh for 2-3 months.

Reheating Salmon

There are several ways to reheat salmon, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common methods:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature (275°F to 300°F). Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method yields evenly heated salmon with a tender texture.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until heated through. This method gives you a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.
• Microwave: Place the salmon in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Be careful not to overheat the salmon, as it can dry out quickly.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 375°F. Place the salmon in the basket, skin-side down, and cook for 3-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. This method is great for those who want a crispy exterior without using oil.
• Steaming: Bring a pot of water to a simmer and place the salmon in a steamer basket or on a plate above the water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This gentle method helps retain moisture and prevent overcooking.

No matter which method you choose, there are some common mistakes to avoid when reheating salmon:

• Overheating: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F but does not exceed it.
• Using too much heat: This can cause the salmon to cook too quickly on the outside while remaining cold inside.
• Not covering the salmon: Covering the salmon with a damp paper towel or foil helps prevent it from drying out and retains moisture.
• Overcrowding the cooking vessel: Leave enough space around the salmon to allow for even reheating.
• Not letting the salmon come to room temperature before reheating: This can affect how evenly the salmon cooks.
• Reheating multiple times: Repeatedly reheating salmon can degrade its quality and flavour.

By following these storage and reheating tips, you can ensure that your leftover salmon stays fresh, safe, and delicious.

Sides and serving suggestions

There are plenty of side dishes that go well with air-fried salmon. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Vegetables: You can cook vegetables right in the air fryer alongside the salmon. Try asparagus, green beans, air fryer Brussels sprouts, air fryer broccoli, or cilantro lime cauliflower rice.
• Salad: A fresh salad is a great way to round out the meal. Try a corn, tomato, and avocado salad, or a cauliflower tabbouleh salad.
• Grains: Rice, couscous, barley, or farro make excellent accompaniments to salmon. Try serving it with Lebanese rice, Mediterranean couscous salad, or turmeric rice salad.
• Starch: Mashed potatoes or roasted lemon honey asparagus are great starch options to serve with salmon.
• Whole grains: Add some fiber and healthy carbohydrates to your meal with a serving of brown rice.
• Roasted vegetables: Try roasted fingerling potatoes or sautéed Brussels sprouts.

Tips for serving

• Salmon is best served fresh out of the air fryer, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, use your air fryer to keep the salmon crispy. Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Don't cover the salmon while reheating, as this can make it dry.

Frequently asked questions