Air-Fried Salmon Perfection: 10 Minutes At 400 Degrees

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a healthy dinner on the table in under 15 minutes. The circulating air of the air fryer cooks the outside of the salmon to crispy perfection, while the inside remains juicy and flaky. It is best to cook salmon at a high temperature, such as 400 degrees Fahrenheit, to achieve a flaky and tender texture, with a slight crust on top. Depending on the thickness of the salmon and the exact air fryer model, the cooking time can vary from 6 to 11 minutes.

How to prep the salmon

Preparing salmon for the air fryer is simple and quick. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Fillets

Start by cutting the salmon into even-sized fillets or cubes. You can also buy them pre-cut. If your salmon has skin, you can choose to remove it, but it's not necessary. Keeping the skin on makes it easier to handle the fish, and some people like to eat the crispy skin. If you're unsure, you can always remove the skin after cooking.

Step 2: Dry the Salmon

Use paper towels to pat the salmon dry. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick better to the fish.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

There are endless ways to season your salmon, but a simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works well. You can also add a touch of olive oil for extra flavour and moisture. Make sure to rub the spices thoroughly into the salmon for the best flavour. Alternatively, you can use a marinade or a glaze.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This step ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Step 5: Place the Salmon in the Air Fryer

Place the salmon fillets or cubes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. If needed, cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 6: Cook the Salmon

Cook the salmon for 7-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. For cubes, 8 minutes is usually enough. Check the salmon with a fork to see if it flakes easily. If not, return it to the air fryer for another minute or two.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Your air fryer salmon is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it as is or with your favourite sides, such as salad, grains, or roasted vegetables.

How to add the mustard

To add mustard to your salmon, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Add the Mustard

Evenly spread half a tablespoon of mustard onto each salmon fillet. You can use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread it into a thin layer.

Step 3: Add Other Seasonings

Sprinkle each salmon fillet with salt and pepper. Then, coat generously with garlic powder and paprika. Finish with a quick spray of olive oil on top to keep the salmon moist.

Step 4: Air Fry

Add two salmon fillets to the air fryer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until flaky. Then, repeat with any remaining salmon fillets.

Tips:

• You can use Dijon mustard or stone-ground mustard for added texture.
• You don't need to season both sides of the salmon fillets—just the top.
• You don't need to remove the skin before cooking. Simply lay the salmon in the air fryer skin-side down, and it will be easy to peel off after cooking.

How to add the seasonings

Seasoning your salmon is a key step in the cooking process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to add the seasonings:

• Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Removing any moisture will help the seasoning stick better to the fish.
• Next, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard onto each fillet. You can use a brush or the back of a spoon to evenly distribute the mustard.
• It's now time to add the spices! Sprinkle each fillet with salt and pepper, followed by a generous coating of garlic powder and paprika. You can eyeball the measurements, but a typical ratio for a 6-ounce fillet is 1 teaspoon of mustard, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
• Finish the seasoning process by spraying the fillets with olive oil. This will help keep the salmon moist during cooking.
• Once the fillets are seasoned, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer. Cook for 7-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, until they are flaky and cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations! You can also try adding a touch of honey or brown sugar for a hint of sweetness.

How to air fry

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Honey (optional)
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Ginger (optional)
• Dijon mustard (optional)
• Lemon (optional)

Method

• Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
• Drizzle or brush olive oil onto the salmon fillets.
• Sprinkle salt and pepper onto the salmon fillets.
• If desired, add a sweetener such as brown sugar or honey to the salmon fillets.
• If desired, add soy sauce and/or ginger to the salmon fillets.
• If desired, spread a layer of Dijon mustard onto the salmon fillets.
• Sprinkle garlic powder and paprika onto the salmon fillets.
• Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer, skin-side down.
• Cook the salmon for 6-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
• Check the salmon with a fork to see if it flakes easily. If not, return to the air fryer for another minute or two.
• Serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips

• You can cook 2-3 salmon fillets at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• There is no need to preheat the air fryer before adding the salmon.
• You can line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper to make cleaning easier.
• Check the salmon after around 8 minutes to prevent overcooking or burning. It's better to undercook the salmon slightly and then add more time if needed.
• Salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Leftover salmon can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How to store leftovers

Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is important to note that salmon should be stored as soon as it has begun to cool, within 2 hours of being cooked, and should not be left at room temperature for more than 120 minutes.

When reheating, it is best to avoid using the microwave as this can dry out the fish. Instead, reheat in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, in the oven at 300°F, or in the air fryer at a low temperature. The key to reheating salmon is to do it slowly to prevent the fish from drying out.

Salmon can also be frozen for later. To freeze salmon, allow it to cool completely, then place it on parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent it from sticking to the sides. Frozen salmon will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it until heated through.

Frequently asked questions