Air-Fryer Salmon: Perfect Timing For Delicious Results

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. The average cooking time is around 10 minutes, but this can vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the model of the air fryer. The result is tender, flaky salmon with a crispy exterior, which can be paired with various sides such as vegetables, grains, or salad.

How to season salmon for the air fryer

Air-fried salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky centre and a restaurant-quality finish.

Firstly, cut the salmon fillets into even sizes. You can remove the skin if you like, but it's not necessary. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning to stick.

Then, it's time to season! You can use a variety of seasonings and flavour combinations to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:

• Season each fillet with garlic, paprika, salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. The paprika will give the salmon a beautiful browned colour.
• For a sweet and tangy flavour, use a mixture of brown sugar or honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder and a pinch of ground ginger.
• For a garlic lemon flavour, use lemon juice, garlic powder and salt. Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon while cooking.
• Try a honey garlic flavour with honey, garlic powder and salt.
• For a teriyaki flavour, brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce before cooking.
• If you like it spicy, season the salmon with Cajun seasoning or try a Buffalo seasoning.

Make sure to rub the spices or glaze all over the salmon for the best flavour.

Cooking the Salmon:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. Check the salmon with a fork to see if it flakes easily; this is how you know it's ready!

And that's it! Your air-fried salmon is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it with a fresh salad, grains like rice or couscous, or vegetables like green beans or asparagus.

How long to cook salmon in the air fryer

Air-frying salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and juicy piece of fish with a beautifully browned or crispy exterior. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 7 to 11 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer.

Preparation

Before cooking, it is recommended to cut the salmon fillets into even sizes and to preheat the air fryer. The skin can be removed, but it is not necessary. For optimal results, it is important to ensure that the salmon fillets are of comparable thickness so that they cook evenly at the same time.

Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, the possibilities are endless. A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and olive oil can enhance the flavor of the salmon. For a sweet and savory option, consider adding brown sugar or honey to the mix. A touch of Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and ginger can also add a tangy and savory dimension to the dish.

Cooking

To cook the salmon, place the seasoned fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Set the air fryer temperature to between 370°F and 400°F, and cook for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. It is important to note that cooking times may vary between different models of air fryers.

Checking for Doneness

The best way to check if the salmon is cooked is by using a fork to see if it flakes easily. An instant-read thermometer can also be used, aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the salmon.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer salmon goes well with a variety of sides. A fresh salad, grains such as rice, couscous, barley, or farro, and vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or cauliflower rice are all excellent choices to accompany the dish.

Tips for Success

• Preheat the air fryer before adding the seasoned salmon to ensure even cooking and a more crisped edge.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent the salmon from becoming soggy due to moisture. Cook the salmon in batches if needed.
• Check the doneness of the salmon with a fork, as the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer.
• For optimal results, ensure that the salmon fillets are of similar thickness so that they cook evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Preheating the air fryer is recommended but not always necessary. However, doing so can help speed up the cooking process and promote even cooking.

Flipping the salmon is not necessary. Thanks to the constant heat circulation in the air fryer, the salmon will cook evenly without flipping.

Yes, it is possible to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F and place the frozen salmon on aluminum foil. Cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed, then add the desired seasoning and cook for an additional 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a convenient and delicious way to prepare this nutritious dish. By following the tips and guidelines provided, you can ensure that your air fryer salmon turns out perfectly every time, resulting in a tender, flaky, and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed as a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.

What temperature to cook salmon in the air fryer

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, tender, and flaky piece of fish. The air fryer browns the fish wonderfully, resulting in seared edges and a tender, flaky centre.

To cook salmon in an air fryer, you should first cut the salmon fillets into even sizes. You can remove the skin if you like, but it's not necessary. Then, preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Next, season the fillets with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, and drizzle a little olive oil on top. Make sure to rub the spices in for the best flavour. You can also add a teaspoon of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of paprika to the olive oil and brush the mixture onto the salmon fillets.

Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of your air fryer, the cooking time will vary. On average, the salmon will be cooked within 7-11 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it flakes off easily with a fork.

• Make sure the salmon fillets are of comparable thickness so that they cook evenly at the same time.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the seasoned salmon to allow for even cooking and a more crisped edge.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air fry the salmon in batches if necessary to prevent the fillets from getting soggy.
• Check the salmon for doneness with a fork. The time needed to cook the salmon will depend on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer.

Enjoy your delicious air fryer salmon!

What to serve with air fryer salmon

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy meal to make, and it goes well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

Salad

A fresh salad is a great side dish to accompany air fryer salmon. Try a Corn Tomato Avocado Salad, a Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad, or an Asian Noodle Salad for something different. An Arugula Salad is also a classic choice.

Vegetables

You can pair any vegetable with salmon. Asparagus is a classic pairing, but you could also try Green Beans with Almonds, Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, or Sauteed Brussels Sprouts. If you're looking for something more comforting, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes would be a great choice.

Grains

Whole grains like rice, couscous, barley, farro, or quinoa add some fiber and healthy carbohydrates to the meal. Try serving your salmon with Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, Turmeric Rice Salad, or Instant Pot Brown Rice.

Seasoning Suggestions

When it comes to seasoning your salmon, there are many options to choose from. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic Lemon: Use lemon juice, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon while cooking.
• Honey Garlic: Use honey, garlic powder, and salt.
• Teriyaki: Brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce before cooking.
• Salmon Marinade: Use soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard.
• Spicy Salmon: Season with Cajun seasoning or try a Spicy Salmon or Buffalo Salmon recipe.

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. However, it's important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive steps on how to properly store leftover salmon:

Refrigerating Leftover Salmon:

• Cool the salmon: It is crucial to cool the salmon to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking. Leaving cooked salmon at room temperature for longer periods can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Use appropriate storage containers: Place the salmon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. If storing smoked salmon in plastic wrap, it is recommended to add an additional layer of aluminum foil to prevent strong odours from permeating your refrigerator.
• Label and date the container: Always label the container with the date it was stored and the type of salmon. For example, "Blackened Salmon, November 14." This helps ensure you consume the salmon within the recommended timeframe and know what seasonings were used.
• Refrigerate promptly: Refrigerate the salmon as soon as possible after wrapping and labelling. Leftover salmon should be consumed within 2-3 days of refrigeration. It is best to reheat the salmon only once, so consider portioning it into single servings before storing.
• Reheating guidelines: To reheat, preheat your oven to 275 °F (135 °C). Place the salmon on a rimmed baking sheet, loosely cover it with foil, and warm it in the oven for about 15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 125-130 °F (52-54 °C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature. Avoid reheating leftover salmon in the microwave, as it can dry out the fish and leave a persistent odour.

Freezing Leftover Salmon:

• Wrap and seal: Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a sealable freezer bag with as much air removed as possible.
• Label and date: As with refrigeration, labelling is essential for frozen salmon. Label the package with the date and type of salmon, such as "Teriyaki Salmon, November 14."
• Freeze promptly: Place the packaged salmon in the freezer as soon as possible. Frozen salmon can be stored for up to 3 months. However, the quality may begin to deteriorate after this timeframe.
• Thawing guidelines: For best results, thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator for about 6 hours or until completely thawed. Avoid leaving thawed salmon in the refrigerator for more than a day.
• Reheating guidelines: Preheat your oven to 325 °F (163 °C). Unwrap the salmon and place it on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover with foil and bake for 8-12 minutes or until warmed throughout. Drizzling olive oil or melted butter over the reheated salmon can help counteract any dryness.

Using Leftover Salmon in Recipes:

Leftover salmon can be a versatile ingredient in various dishes. Here are some ideas to transform your leftover salmon into delicious new meals:

• Soups and chowders: Flake or cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces and add them to soups or chowders towards the end of cooking. Corn chowder, Thai-style salmon soup, or leek and potato soup are all excellent options.
• Curries and casseroles: Add chunks of refrigerated or thawed salmon to your favourite curry or casserole recipe. Try a salmon noodle bake or spicy red curry for a tasty twist.
• Salmon spread: Blend leftover salmon with cream cheese, crème fraîche, or yogurt, and flavour with shallots, lemon zest, and dill. Smoked salmon works particularly well for this dip, and you can add a few drops of liquid smoke for an extra smoky punch.
• Salmon burgers: Flake the salmon and mix it with mayonnaise and breadcrumbs to form patties. Pan-fry the salmon burgers and serve with toppings like spicy mayonnaise, coleslaw, or sliced avocado.
• Salads: Cold, flaked salmon is a delicious addition to creamy or fresh salads. Combine it with mayonnaise, celery, and pickle relish for a unique take on a sandwich filling, or simply place it on a bed of salad greens or blanched green beans.

Frequently asked questions