Emilie Meyer
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy, tasty meal. The intense circulation of hot air inside air fryers is remarkably good at cooking delicate seafood quickly, so the edges crisp before the fish dries out. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the salmon fillet and the desired level of doneness, but generally, it takes around 10 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 7-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet |
| Temperature | 390-400°F |
| Preheat temperature | 360-400°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 145°F (135°F for medium) |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon |
| Marinade | Soy sauce, ginger honey, teriyaki sauce, BBQ sauce, hot honey |
| Clean-up | Hand wash or dishwasher |
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What You'll Learn
How to get the perfect crispy edges
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get the perfect crispy edges. The high-powered convection cooking can crisp the outsides without drying them out, resulting in a tender, flaky centre.
To get the perfect crispy edges, it is important to preheat the air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to 390°F-400°F for about 5 minutes. This step makes all the difference for crispy edges. You can then brush the salmon fillets with melted butter or olive oil, and sprinkle on seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and brown sugar. If you want to add a glaze, it is best to do so in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to avoid burning.
When cooking the salmon, it is recommended to place the fillets skin-side down on foil or aluminium foil in the air fryer basket. Cooking spray can also be used to prevent sticking and promote crispness. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon, but most recipes suggest cooking for 7-10 minutes for fresh salmon and 13-16 minutes for frozen salmon. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F or 135°F for medium doneness.
With these simple steps, you can achieve the perfect crispy edges on your air-fried salmon every time!
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Marinades and glazes
There are many different ways to marinate and glaze salmon fillets for your air fryer. Here are some ideas:
- Maple soy marinade: Combine maple syrup, soy sauce, sriracha, and garlic in a small bowl. Pour the mixture into a gallon-sized resealable bag and add the salmon. Marinate for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally. If you're short on time, 5 minutes will do.
- Soy sauce and mustard marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, dijon mustard, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a bowl. Pour the marinade over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are fully covered. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
- Honey garlic glaze: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, and garlic or garlic powder in a small bowl. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Evenly pour the glaze over the salmon.
- Teriyaki glaze: Brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce in the last couple of minutes of cooking.
- Spicy honey: Drizzle the cooked salmon with hot honey for a little heat and sweetness.
- Lemon: Keep it simple with just salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice.
- Cajun: Season the salmon with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a combination of these spices.
When you're ready to cook your marinated salmon, lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cook the salmon for 7 to 12 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the thickest part of the fillet flakes easily with a fork.
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Cooking times for different salmon thicknesses
The cooking time for salmon in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness of the fillets. For thinner pieces of salmon, 7-8 minutes should be enough. If you prefer your salmon well done, you can put it back in the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes. For thicker pieces, air fry for 9-11 minutes.
Some recipes suggest cooking salmon in an air fryer for 10 minutes at 390°F, while others recommend cooking it at 400°F for the same amount of time. It is important to note that air fryers can vary in temperature, so adjustments may be necessary.
If you are cooking frozen salmon, it is recommended to thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F and place the salmon on aluminum foil. Cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed, then drizzle with your desired glaze or sauce and cook for another 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
To ensure the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness, use an instant-read thermometer. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fish. If you prefer your salmon medium, remove it from the air fryer at 135°F and let it rest; the residual heat will bring it to the desired temperature.
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Cooking fresh vs. frozen salmon
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. The air fryer is a convenient option for cooking salmon, as it requires minimal preparation and yields excellent results. You can cook fresh or frozen salmon in the air fryer, and this versatility makes it a great choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed Sunday meal.
Cooking Fresh Salmon in the Air Fryer
To cook fresh salmon in the air fryer, start by cutting the salmon into your desired fillet sizes. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for about 5 minutes to ensure crispy edges. While the air fryer is preheating, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess. Next, brush the fillets with melted butter or olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add other seasonings like lemon juice, mustard, or cajun spices to enhance the flavor.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the salmon fillets skin-side down directly on the air fryer basket. Air fry for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F at its thickest point, measured with an instant-read thermometer. If you prefer your salmon medium-rare, you can remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 135°F and let it rest for a few minutes to come up to temperature.
Cooking Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer
Cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer is a convenient option that eliminates the need for defrosting. You can cook frozen salmon fillets straight from the freezer, making it a perfect choice for last-minute meals. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F, and place the frozen fillets skin-side down in a single layer. Cook for 12 to 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Thinner fillets may take as little as 12 minutes, while thicker ones can take up to 18 minutes.
Alternatively, you can use a two-step method for cooking frozen salmon. First, cook the frozen fillets at 390°F for 7 minutes to defrost. Then, brush the defrosted salmon with your chosen marinade and cook for another 7 to 9 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This method allows you to add more flavor to the salmon while ensuring even cooking.
Tips for Air Frying Salmon
- Salmon is a healthy protein that pairs well with various sides, such as air fryer asparagus, baby carrots, or green beans or a salad.
- For a sweet and crispy glaze, brush the salmon with maple syrup or honey during the last few minutes of cooking.
- If you want crispy skin, cook the salmon with the skin side up. If you prefer to remove the skin, cook it skin-side down to protect the fish and achieve a crunchy texture.
- Always clean your air fryer thoroughly after cooking salmon to prevent any lingering odors.
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Seasoning and flavour combinations
Salmon is a versatile fish that pairs well with many different seasonings and flavours. The air fryer's quick and easy cooking method means that you can have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in no time.
A simple seasoning of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is a great base to start with. You can then add other spices and herbs to create different flavour profiles. For example, add some dried oregano and thyme for a garlic herb twist, or swap the paprika for lemon pepper seasoning for a bright, zesty flavour. If you like your food spicy, add some Cajun seasoning, or give your salmon a sweet and smoky flavour with some smoked paprika and brown sugar.
You can also try a glaze for your salmon. Brush on some teriyaki sauce or a mixture of honey and hot sauce in the last couple of minutes of cooking to let the heat slightly caramelize it. Alternatively, add a tangy flavour with some Dijon mustard, or a touch of ginger powder for a hint of sweetness.
Don't forget to pat your salmon dry before adding any seasoning, and consider brushing the fillets with melted butter or olive oil to help the seasoning stick and keep the fish moist.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that salmon be cooked in the air fryer for 7-11 minutes at 400°F.
The best way to know when salmon is done is to use an instant-read thermometer. Per the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fish. If you like your salmon medium-rare, remove it from the heat around 135°F and let it rest; the residual heat will continue to cook it.
Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and lay the salmon on aluminum foil. Cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed, then add your seasoning and cook for another 6-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.
You can season salmon with a variety of spices, but a common combination is salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add a splash of olive oil to help the seasonings stick to the fish.
Air fryer salmon goes well with many different side dishes. Some ideas include roasted or grilled asparagus, air fryer vegetables, or roasted potatoes.
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