Air-Fried Salmon: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryer salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook salmon. It results in a tender, flaky, and succulent piece of fish with a restaurant-quality finish. The air fryer cooks salmon in under 15 minutes, making it a perfect option for a weeknight meal.

How to cook salmon in an air fryer

Air fryer salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and delicious piece of fish. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook salmon in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Start by cutting the salmon into your desired size and shape. You can use salmon fillets or cut it into cubes. If your salmon has skin, you can choose to remove it or leave it on. Leaving the skin on can help the salmon hold together better and result in moister and flakier salmon. However, removing the skin before cooking makes it easier to eat and serve.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the salmon better. You can season the salmon with a variety of spices and ingredients, such as salt and pepper, garlic powder, paprika, olive oil, or avocado oil. You can also add a sweet element like brown sugar or honey, and a tangy element like Dijon mustard or soy sauce. Mix your chosen spices and ingredients in a small bowl, then rub or brush them onto the salmon.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 380-400°F (around 200°C). You can preheat the air fryer for about 3-12 minutes, depending on the model.

Step 4: Place the Salmon in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned salmon in the air fryer basket. If desired, you can line the basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. Make sure the salmon pieces are not overcrowded and have some space between them for even cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Salmon

Close the air fryer basket and cook the salmon for about 6-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon and your air fryer model. For smaller cubes or thinner fillets, 7-8 minutes may be sufficient. For thicker fillets, you may need up to 10-12 minutes. Check the salmon with a fork to ensure it flakes easily and is cooked to your desired doneness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your choice of sides. Salmon pairs well with vegetables, grains, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious and healthy air fryer salmon!

How to season salmon for an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook salmon, giving it a crispy texture on the outside and keeping it tender and flaky on the inside. Here are some tips and tricks for seasoning salmon to be cooked in an air fryer.

Choose Your Salmon

Firstly, choose your favourite type of salmon. King, coho, and sockeye salmon are all great options, and you could also use steelhead trout. If you're buying fresh salmon, it's best to get it from a local fishmonger. If you don't have access to one, frozen salmon is a good alternative as it's typically flash-frozen right after being caught, preserving its freshness.

Cut and Dry the Salmon

Cut the salmon fillets into even-sized pieces, and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick better. If you're using skin-on salmon, there's no need to remove the skin before cooking. Just lay the salmon in the air fryer skin-side down, and it will be easy to peel off the skin after cooking if desired.

Seasoning Options

Now, for the fun part: seasoning! There are endless combinations of seasonings you can use to flavour your salmon, and you can also use a marinade. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, with a drizzle of olive oil. Paprika gives the salmon a beautiful browned colour.
• Brown sugar or honey with a pinch of ground ginger, and a splash of soy sauce, olive oil, and Dijon mustard.
• Salt and pepper with a squeeze of orange pepper.
• Taco seasoning with a little oil.
• Salt and pepper with avocado oil.
• Olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, and green onion.
• Olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dry thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
• Stone-ground mustard instead of Dijon for added texture.
• Smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika.
• Cajun seasoning.
• Lemon juice and parsley to garnish.

Cooking Tips

When you're ready to cook, set your air fryer to 380-400°F. You don't usually need to preheat an air fryer, but if you do, it should take around 12 minutes. Place the salmon in the air fryer, and cook for 6-11 minutes, or until it's flaky. Check the salmon with a fork, and cook for a minute or two longer if you prefer your salmon more well done.

And that's it! You now have a perfectly seasoned and cooked air-fryer salmon. Enjoy!

How to prepare an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and efficient way to cook food. They are ideal for preparing quick and healthy meals, especially for smaller groups of people. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare an air fryer, with a focus on cooking salmon as an example.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, it is essential to preheat your air fryer. This step ensures that your food cooks evenly and efficiently. Set the temperature to between 380-400°F (around 200°C). Some recipes may require a specific temperature, so it is worth checking beforehand. Most air fryers will only need a couple of minutes to preheat.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

For air fryer salmon, you will need fresh or frozen salmon fillets. If using frozen salmon, ensure it is completely thawed before cooking. Cut the salmon into even-sized fillets or cubes, removing the skin if desired. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

There are endless ways to season salmon for an air fryer. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or try more complex rubs and glazes. Here are some seasoning options:

• Olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
• Olive oil, brown sugar or honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger
• Olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper
• Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper

Coat the salmon fillets or cubes with the seasoning of your choice. You can use a brush or spoon to spread the seasoning evenly, or simply use your hands to rub it in.

Step 4: Place the Salmon in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned salmon in the air fryer basket, making sure the pieces are not touching or piled on top of each other. If desired, line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Step 5: Cook the Salmon

Close the air fryer basket and cook the salmon for 6-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. For smaller cubes, 7-8 minutes is usually sufficient. Check the salmon with a fork to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Air fryer salmon goes well with a variety of sides, including vegetables, potatoes, rice, couscous, or salad.

Tips for Using an Air Fryer

• Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model.
• Preheating is not always necessary, but it can help ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Experiment with different seasonings and recipes to find your favourites.
• Air fryers are great for cooking a variety of foods, including chicken, burgers, bacon, and even desserts.

How to store leftover salmon

Storing leftover salmon is a great way to reduce food waste and have a quick, nutritious meal ready to go. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive guidelines on how to properly store leftover salmon to maintain its quality, texture, and flavour.

Cool the Salmon:

Leftover salmon should be cooled to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking. Leaving the fish out for longer can allow harmful bacteria to grow. It's important to plan on storing the fish as soon as it reaches room temperature.

Wrap or Containerize:

Once the salmon is cooled, wrap it in foil or plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight container. If using plastic wrap, it's recommended to double wrap with aluminium foil to prevent the fridge from absorbing a fishy odour.

Label and Date:

As soon as the salmon is wrapped or containerized, label it with the date and any relevant notes. For example, noting the seasonings used or the dish it was part of can help you decide how to use the leftovers later.

Refrigerate or Freeze:

Leftover salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When freezing, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place it in a sealed freezer bag with as much air removed as possible.

Reheat or Thaw:

When ready to consume, thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator for about 6 hours. Then, reheat in the oven at a low temperature of around 275°F (135°C) for about 15 minutes, or 325°F (163°C) for about 8-12 minutes, until warmed throughout. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can dry out the fish.

Use in Various Dishes:

Leftover salmon can be flaked or cut into bite-sized pieces and added to soups, curries, casseroles, salads, or fried fish cakes. It can also be blended with cream cheese to make a salmon spread or shaped into patties for salmon burgers.

What to serve with air fryer salmon

When it comes to serving air fryer salmon, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salad

A fresh salad is a great way to complement the salmon. Try pairing it with a Corn Tomato Avocado Salad or a Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad for a well-balanced meal. The freshness of the salad will help to lighten the dish and provide a nice contrast to the richness of the salmon.

Grains

Grains such as rice, couscous, barley, or farro can also be excellent accompaniments to salmon. For a more exotic option, try serving it with Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, or Turmeric Rice Salad. These grains will add some bulk to the meal and help to make it more filling.

Vegetables

You can cook whatever vegetable you like with salmon, but some classic pairings include asparagus, roasted fingerling potatoes, or sautéed Brussels sprouts. You can also cook the vegetables in the air fryer, making it a quick and easy option. Green beans are a particularly good choice, as they can be ready in just 2-4 minutes.

Whole Grains

For a healthier option, consider adding some whole grains to the meal, such as Instant Pot Brown Rice. This will provide some extra fiber and healthy carbohydrates to balance out the dish.

Frequently asked questions