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

Air fryer salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook salmon. It's also a versatile dish that can be made with various seasonings and marinades to suit your taste. The cooking time for air fryer salmon at 350 degrees Fahrenheit varies depending on the size of the fillet and the desired doneness, but it generally takes around 10-12 minutes for a 6-ounce fillet. Some recipes suggest a higher temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a shorter time, while others recommend wrapping the salmon in foil to retain moisture.

How to cook salmon in an air fryer from frozen

Ingredients:

• Frozen salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Lemon slices
• Salt and pepper
• Aluminium foil (optional)
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Remove any excess ice from your salmon fillets. You can do this by patting them down with paper towels.
• Place the frozen fillets directly in your air fryer basket, skin-side down.
• Cook the frozen salmon for 7 minutes to defrost.
• Brush the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Lay the lemon slices over the fillets.
• Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for another 3 to 7 minutes, depending on how well done you like your salmon.
• Check for doneness. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F and flakes easily when scraped with a fork. For thicker fillets, increase the cooking time.

Tips:

• The skin on salmon is edible, so you don't need to remove it. Cooking the salmon with the skin on will help keep the fillets moist.
• You can use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon slices.
• Avocado oil can be used in place of olive oil.
• Try adding fresh herbs or spices, such as thyme, dill, Cajun seasoning, or lemon pepper.

How to season salmon for the air fryer

To season salmon for the air fryer, you can use a variety of seasonings and spices to add flavour to the fish. Here are some ideas and tips to help you get started:

• Brush the salmon fillets with melted butter or olive oil. This will add moisture to the fish and help the seasonings stick.
• For simple seasonings, you can use salt and pepper, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavour. You can also add garlic powder for extra flavour.
• If you want a sweet and spicy blend, try a mixture of garlic powder, chilli pepper, coconut sugar, cilantro, salt and pepper.
• Other seasoning options include lemon pepper, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, or Old Bay Seasoning.
• You can also use a marinade instead of dry seasonings. Some options include soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, maple syrup, or ginger garlic butter.
• Don't be afraid to experiment and get creative with your seasonings! You can try different combinations to find your favourite flavour.

How long to reheat salmon in an air fryer

To reheat salmon in an air fryer, it is recommended to set the temperature to around 350°F (177°C) and reheat for 3-5 minutes. This is a lower temperature than you would use to initially cook the salmon, as a higher temperature would brown the fish too much.

It is also possible to reheat salmon in the microwave, but this can dry out the fish and may leave a strong smell.

When cooking salmon in an air fryer for the first time, it is recommended to cook at a temperature of between 350°F (177°C) and 400°F (204°C) for 6-12 minutes, depending on how well you want the salmon to be cooked.

Best temperature to cook salmon in an air fryer

Air-fried salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and juicy piece of fish. It is also a healthy option, being low in calories and carbohydrates.

Temperature and Timing

The best temperature to cook salmon in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. At this temperature, the outside of the salmon will be nicely crisped and golden, while the inside remains tender and flaky.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it should take around 7 to 12 minutes. It is important to note that the air fryer should be preheated before adding the salmon.

Tips for Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer

• Cut the salmon fillets into even sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
• Season the salmon with a variety of spices, such as garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the salmon in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation.
• Check the salmon for doneness with a fork. It is ready when it flakes easily.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should reach 145°F.

Serving Suggestions

Air-fried salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Salad: Try it on top of a Corn Tomato Avocado Salad or Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad.
• Grains: Serve it with rice, couscous, barley, or farro for a filling meal.
• Vegetables: You can cook vegetables right in the air fryer alongside the salmon. Try Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice or Green Beans with Almonds.

How to store leftover salmon

Leftover salmon should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to four months. Here are some detailed steps to ensure your leftover salmon stays fresh and safe to eat:

• Let the salmon cool: It is important to let the salmon come to room temperature within two hours of cooking to prevent harmful bacteria from growing.
• Wrap and store: Place the salmon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. If storing in the refrigerator, ensure it is sealed properly to prevent your fridge from smelling like fish.
• Label and date: Label the container with the date and the word "cooked salmon" so you know what it is and when to use it by. You can also add any seasonings you used to help you decide how to use the leftovers.
• Refrigerate or freeze: Refrigerate the salmon for up to three days or freeze it for up to four months. If 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: To reheat refrigerated salmon, cover it loosely with foil and warm in the oven at 275 °F (135 °C) for about 15 minutes. For frozen salmon, lightly oil your air fryer basket and reheat at 350 °F for 3-5 minutes.

Remember to check the salmon before eating it. If it smells bad or looks slimy, it's best to throw it out.

Frequently asked questions