Air-Fryer Salmon: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in seared edges and a tender, flaky centre. The air fryer locks in moisture, making the salmon moist and flaky. Depending on the thickness of the salmon and the air fryer model, the cooking time will vary. On average, air fryer salmon will be cooked within 7-12 minutes. The best way to check if the salmon is done is by using a fork to see if it flakes off easily.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer salmon can vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets, the desired level of doneness, and the specific air fryer being used. However, in general, it is recommended to cook salmon at around 375° Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes.

For example, one source recommends cooking salmon at 375°F for about 12 minutes, while another suggests cooking it at 400°F for 6-10 minutes. It is important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the salmon and the desired level of doneness. For instance, thicker fillets may require a longer cooking time, and for a medium-rare doneness, a lower temperature of 125-130°F is recommended.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the type of air fryer and its settings can also impact the cooking time. Some air fryers may cook faster or slower than others, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the salmon while it is cooking and adjust the time as needed. Checking the salmon with a fork or an instant-read thermometer can help determine when it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

When cooking salmon in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket with the skin side down. This helps to ensure even cooking and can also result in crispy skin, which some people enjoy.

In terms of preparation, it is often suggested to season the salmon with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Some recipes also include olive oil or lemon juice in the seasoning mixture. It is important to ensure that the salmon fillets are of uniform thickness so that they cook evenly. Overcrowding the air fryer basket should be avoided as this can affect the circulation of hot air and impact the crispness of the salmon.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step to ensure your salmon cooks evenly. Here are some tips to help you master this step:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Not all air fryers require preheating, so you can skip this step if your air fryer doesn't have this function.
• Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the salmon will give you more consistent cooking results.
• If your air fryer has a basket, spray the bottom of the basket with oil to prevent the salmon from sticking.
• Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, leaving about 1 inch of space between each fillet to ensure even cooking.
• If your salmon has skin, start cooking with the skin side down to protect the flesh and keep it moist. The skin will slide off easily once the salmon is cooked.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer, allowing proper air circulation for even cooking.
• You can lightly coat the salmon with cooking spray or brush it with a thin layer of oil to enhance the colour and texture of the final dish.

Salmon size and thickness

The size and thickness of the salmon fillets will determine how long they need to be cooked in the air fryer at 375°F. For even cooking, it is important to ensure that the fillets are of a similar thickness. If the salmon fillets are narrow (5-6-ounce fillets), they will cook more evenly and quickly than larger pieces.

The air fryer salmon recipe from Wholesome Yum recommends cooking 4 x 6-ounce salmon fillets in the air fryer at 400°F for 6-10 minutes. The recipe also notes that the cooking time will depend on the desired level of doneness and the power of the air fryer being used. For example, the recipe recommends cooking the salmon for 6 minutes for a medium level of doneness, but this can be adjusted to between 125-140°F for a range of doneness from medium-rare to well done.

Similarly, the recipe from Feel Good Foodie cooks 4 x 6-ounce salmon fillets in the air fryer at 400°F for 7-9 minutes. This recipe also notes that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer.

Therefore, when cooking salmon in the air fryer at 375°F, the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the desired level of doneness. For even cooking, ensure that the fillets are of a similar thickness, and adjust the cooking time accordingly. For narrower fillets, a cooking time of 6-9 minutes should be sufficient, but for thicker fillets, the cooking time may need to be increased.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious, healthy meal. To cook salmon in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the salmon for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness.

Now, onto the key tip: don't overcrowd the air fryer! Here are four to six paragraphs explaining why this is so important and how to avoid doing it.

When cooking with an air fryer, it is crucial to avoid the temptation of overcrowding the cooking basket. Overcrowding impedes the airflow that is essential for air frying. The hot air needs to circulate around the food to cook it properly and give it that desirable crispy texture. If you stack food or pack it too closely together, the air won't be able to move freely, and your food will likely end up steamed instead of crisped.

To prevent overcrowding, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for how much food to put in the air fryer at once. As a general rule, it's best to cook in batches rather than trying to fit everything in at once. This is especially important when cooking meat or fish, as these foods require more space for the hot air to circulate effectively. For salmon, cook in batches if you have multiple fillets to ensure even cooking and that desirable crispy skin.

Additionally, make sure to leave space between the food items in the air fryer basket. This is crucial for allowing the hot air to circulate and ensuring that everything cooks evenly. If you're cooking vegetables, give them a stir or a shake halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

If you're short on time or want to cook a large batch of food, consider getting an air fryer with a larger basket. This way, you can cook more food at once without compromising the airflow and cooking quality.

By following these tips and avoiding overcrowding your air fryer, you'll ensure that your salmon (and other dishes) turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time!

Check for doneness

Checking for doneness is an important step in cooking salmon in the air fryer to ensure it is cooked to your desired level. The best way to check is to use a fork to see if the salmon flakes off easily. You can also use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon. For medium-rare salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C); for medium, 130-135°F (54-57°C); and for well-done, 140-145°F (60-63°C).

Depending on the thickness of the salmon and the air fryer model, the cooking time will vary. On average, air fryer salmon cooks within 7-12 minutes. It is recommended to check the salmon for doneness at the 8-minute mark and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

It is important to note that the salmon will continue to cook for a bit after being removed from the air fryer due to residual heat. Therefore, it is advisable to remove the salmon from the air fryer when it is slightly undercooked and let it rest for a few minutes before checking the doneness again. This will help prevent overcooking and ensure a moist and flaky texture.

Additionally, the doneness of the salmon can be influenced by factors such as the uniformity in the thickness of the fillets and the spacing between them in the air fryer basket. It is recommended to use salmon fillets of comparable thickness and to leave space between them to allow for even cooking.

In summary, checking for doneness is crucial when cooking salmon in an air fryer. By using a combination of visual inspection, temperature checks, and adjusting cooking times, you can ensure that your salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Frequently asked questions