Air-Fryer Salmon Fillet: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. The air fryer gives the fish a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender, flaky, and juicy. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 7 to 11 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer.

How to season salmon fillets for the air fryer

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

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Fillets

Start by cutting the salmon fillets into even-sized portions. You can remove the skin if you prefer, but it's not necessary. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the salmon better.

Step 2: Choose Your Seasonings

There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning salmon. Here are some popular options:

• Garlic and Paprika: Season each fillet with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The paprika adds a beautiful browned colour to the salmon.
• Lemon and Dill: Combine lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper for a fresh and flavourful seasoning.
• Honey Garlic: Mix honey, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt for a sweet and savoury taste.
• Spicy: Use your favourite Cajun seasoning or try a blend of spices like in this Spicy Salmon recipe.
• Dijon Mustard: Spread a layer of Dijon mustard on the salmon fillets to keep them moist and add a tangy flavour.
• Brown Sugar or Honey: This gives the salmon a touch of sweetness and helps it caramelise.

Step 3: Apply the Seasonings

Once you've chosen your seasonings, it's time to apply them to the salmon fillets. You can rub or sprinkle the seasonings directly onto the fillets, making sure to coat them evenly. Don't be afraid to be generous with the seasonings!

Step 4: Add a Drizzle of Oil

After seasoning the salmon fillets, drizzle a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil on top. This will help the seasonings stick to the salmon and keep it moist during cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Salmon

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

Tips:

• It's best to use similar-sized salmon fillets to ensure even cooking.
• You can line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
• Don't overcook the salmon, as it can dry out. It's better to slightly undercook it and add more time if needed.
• Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and create your own unique flavour combinations!

How to cook salmon fillets in the air fryer

Air-fried salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky centre and a seared exterior. It is also low-calorie and low-carb.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Lemon wedges (optional)
• Tartar sauce (optional)

Optional extras:

• Brown sugar or honey
• Dijon mustard
• Soy sauce
• Ginger
• Greek seasoning
• Dried dill weed
• Chilli powder
• Onion powder
• Cornstarch
• Avocado oil

Method

• Cut the salmon fillets into even sizes.
• Season each fillet with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer.
• Depending on the thickness of the fillets and the type of air fryer, cook for 6-11 minutes.
• Check the salmon is cooked by flaking it with a fork. If not, return to the air fryer for another minute or two.

Tips:

• Make sure the salmon fillets are of a similar thickness so they cook evenly.
• Preheat your air fryer to speed up cooking time and get a crispier edge.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will affect how the hot air circulates and may result in less crispy salmon.
• You don't need to flip the salmon while it's cooking.
• You can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, but defrost it first for the best results.
• If you want to remove the skin, it's easier to do so after cooking.

How to store leftover salmon fillets

Leftover salmon fillets can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Refrigerating Cooked Salmon

• Within 2 hours of cooking, cool the salmon to room temperature. Leaving the fish out for more than 2 hours can cause harmful bacteria to grow.
• Don't pack the salmon while it's still hot, as this will cause moisture to condense in the package, which will prevent the salmon from staying as fresh.
• Place the salmon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. If storing smoked salmon, double wrap it in foil to prevent your fridge from smelling like fish.
• Label the container with the date and any specific seasonings you added.
• Refrigerate the salmon for up to 3 days.
• If you're reheating the salmon, cover and warm in the oven at 275 °F (135 °C) for about 15 minutes.

Storing the Salmon in the Freezer

• Wrap the salmon in plastic wrap within 2 hours of cooking. Allow the salmon to cool completely to prevent moisture from condensing in the packaging.
• Label the package with the date and any specific seasonings you added.
• Freeze the salmon for up to 3 months.
• To thaw the salmon, transfer it from the freezer to the fridge and allow it to defrost for 6 hours.
• Reheat the salmon in the oven at 325 °F (163 °C) for 8 to 12 minutes.

Using Leftover Salmon

Leftover salmon can be used in a variety of dishes, including:

• Soups or chowders
• Curries or casseroles
• Salmon spread or dip
• Salmon burgers or patties
• Salads

What to serve with salmon fillets

There are many options for what to serve with salmon fillets, including:

Vegetables

Salmon is often served with green vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a mixture of roasted vegetables. Asparagus is a classic pairing with salmon, and can be grilled, roasted, or cooked in the microwave. Green beans almondine is another tasty option, involving green beans sautéed with brown butter, shallots, and garlic, kissed with lemon juice and topped with toasted almonds.

Salad

A fresh salad is a great side dish to serve with salmon. Try a cucumber salad with sour cream and dill, or a blueberry walnut salad with a raspberry vinaigrette. For something more exotic, a harvest salad with quinoa, arugula, goat cheese, walnuts, dried cranberries, basil, and mint is a good choice.

Grains

Rice is a popular choice to accompany salmon, including lemon butter rice or rice pilaf. Other grains that go well with salmon include couscous, barley, farro, and quinoa.

Potatoes

Baked potatoes, roasted potatoes, or Greek lemon-roasted baby potatoes are all good options to serve with salmon. For something a little more indulgent, try Hasselback potatoes: make small, parallel cuts in medium-sized potatoes, add butter, bake, then remove and slide cheese slices between the cuts and bake again.

How to prepare salmon fillets for the air fryer

Preparing salmon fillets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and delicious piece of fish. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Cut and Season the Salmon

Begin by cutting the salmon fillets into even-sized pieces. You can also remove the skin if you prefer, but it is not necessary. Season each fillet with your choice of spices. Some popular options include garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavour. Make sure to rub the spices into the salmon for the best results.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and efficiently.

Step 3: Place the Salmon in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned salmon fillets into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the salmon in batches.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon

Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 7-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of your air fryer. The ideal internal temperature for salmon is 145°F, so you can use an instant-read thermometer to check if it is done. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your choice of sides. Salmon goes well with a variety of dishes, including salads, grains like rice or couscous, and vegetables.

Tips for Air Frying Salmon:

• Ensure that the salmon fillets are of similar thickness so that they cook evenly.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the salmon to ensure even cooking and a crispier texture.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and crispiness. Cook the salmon in batches if needed.
• Check the doneness of the salmon with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions