Air-Fryer Salmon Perfection: 400 Degrees, How Long?

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky centre and a seared exterior. It takes under 15 minutes to cook and is a great healthy option for a weeknight meal. The best temperature to cook salmon in an air fryer is 400°F. Depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer, the cooking time can vary between 6 to 11 minutes.

Seasoning and Marinade

When it comes to seasoning and marinade, you have a lot of options to choose from!

A simple option is to rub each fillet with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The paprika will give the salmon a beautiful browned colour. You could also try a spice rub with garlic powder, chilli pepper, coconut sugar, cilantro, salt, and pepper.

If you're looking for something a little more complex, try a marinade. A good marinade will add so much flavour to your fish and only takes 30 minutes or up to an hour. You can use a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, parsley, honey, brown sugar, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, for a slightly sweet maple flavour, try a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, fresh parsley, fresh dill, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and efficiently, giving you that perfect, tender, and flaky result. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to guide you through the process of preheating your air fryer for cooking salmon:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Just like you would preheat an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking. Allow it to warm up for a few minutes before adding the salmon. This step may be skipped if your air fryer doesn't require preheating.
• Room Temperature Salmon: For optimal cooking, let the salmon sit on the counter for an hour to bring it to room temperature before cooking. This helps the salmon cook more evenly.
• Pat Dry the Salmon: Before seasoning, use paper towels to pat the salmon dry. Removing excess moisture helps the salmon develop a nice brown crust during cooking.
• Season Generously: Don't hold back on the seasonings! Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, avocado oil, or another high smoke point oil. Then, season generously with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice. Paprika is a great option for visual appeal and a mild flavor boost.
• Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Proper air circulation is crucial for even cooking. Make sure there's enough space between the fillets in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the salmon in batches.
• Lightly Coat the Basket: To enhance the appearance and texture of the salmon, lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a thin layer of oil before placing the salmon inside.
• Place Skin Side Down: If your salmon has skin, place it in the air fryer basket with the skin side facing down. This helps protect the flesh, keeping it moist and easy to separate from the skin after cooking.
• Check for Doneness: Salmon cooks quickly in an air fryer, so keep a close eye on it. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet should reach 145°F (63°C). You can also use a fork to gently flake the thickest part; the salmon is done when it flakes easily and is opaque in the center.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer salmon vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer. On average, air fryer salmon cooks within 7 to 11 minutes at 400°F. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the seasoned salmon, which helps to cook the salmon evenly and gives it a more crisped edge.

To check if the salmon is cooked, use a fork to see if it flakes off easily. The best way to know when salmon is done is to use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F in the thickest part of the salmon. To ensure the salmon is moist, it is recommended to remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 135°F and let it rest, as the residual heat will continue to cook the salmon to the desired temperature.

When cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer, it is best to wrap the fillets in foil and cook at 400°F for 7 minutes. Then, unwrap the salmon and cook for an additional 6 to 11 minutes, or until the salmon is crisped and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Frozen vs fresh salmon

How Long to Air Fry Salmon at 400°F

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in tender, flaky fish with seared edges. Depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the exact model of your air fryer, the cooking time can vary between 7 and 9 minutes. It is important to preheat the air fryer before adding the seasoned salmon, and to ensure that the salmon fillets are of similar thickness to ensure even cooking. To check if the salmon is done, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet; if it flakes easily, it is ready to be served.

When it comes to salmon, there is a common misconception that fresh is always better than frozen. However, this is not necessarily true. In fact, unless you are enjoying a fillet straight off the boat, high-quality frozen salmon can often be superior to "fresh" salmon.

The term "fresh" is relative when it comes to seafood. Unless you live near a body of water and have access to locally caught fish, the "fresh" salmon at your local grocery store is most likely previously frozen fish that has been thawed for display. The process of freezing and thawing can affect the texture, taste, and freshness of the fish, but modern flash-freezing technology has improved the quality of frozen seafood.

Flash-freezing involves freezing seafood quickly and at extremely low temperatures, which helps to maintain the integrity of the fish and prevents large ice crystals from forming. This method locks in the flavor, texture, and quality of the fish, ensuring that it remains pristine from the moment it is caught to the moment it is on your plate.

In contrast, slow freezing, the traditional method of freezing, can cause cell walls to expand and rupture, resulting in a loss of moisture and a negative impact on flavor and texture. Therefore, when it comes to frozen vs fresh salmon, it is important to consider the freezing method used.

Another benefit of frozen salmon is that it allows you to enjoy fish at its peak freshness. Flash-frozen seafood is frozen at extremely low temperatures, preserving the peak flavor and texture of the fish. When you thaw flash-frozen salmon, it is just hours or minutes out of the water, ensuring that you get to enjoy it at its freshest.

Additionally, frozen salmon offers convenience and reduces food waste. With fresh salmon, you typically have only 2-3 days to cook it before it spoils. Frozen salmon, on the other hand, can be stored in your freezer for months, giving you the flexibility to cook it whenever you are ready.

In terms of nutrition, freezing does not reduce the nutritional content of fish. According to Live Strong, the protein and important vitamins and minerals found in fish are not affected by the freezing process. While thawed fish fillets may lose some water-soluble vitamins and minerals, the nutritional difference between fresh and frozen salmon is marginal.

In a blind taste test conducted in 2019, participants liked the frozen seafood product as much as, or even better than, the fresh product. This challenges the notion that fresh fish always tastes better and demonstrates that consumers often cannot tell the difference between fresh and frozen seafood.

However, it is important to note that the quality of frozen fish depends on the freezing and thawing techniques used. Improper freezing or thawing can result in a mushy texture, which may be unappealing to some consumers. To avoid this, it is recommended to thaw frozen seafood slowly in the fridge overnight or under cool running water, never in warm water or at room temperature.

In conclusion, while the idea of "fresh" salmon may sound appealing, the reality is that unless you have access to locally caught fish, it is likely that your "fresh" salmon has been previously frozen. Modern flash-freezing technology has improved the quality of frozen seafood, offering consumers a convenient and nutritious alternative to fresh salmon. With its ability to preserve freshness, texture, and flavor, flash-frozen salmon can be a delicious and convenient option for those who want to enjoy salmon at its peak.

Reheating and storing

When it comes to reheating and storing salmon, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your fish remains tasty and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions and tips:

Reheating Salmon:

• Avoid using a microwave: While convenient, microwaves tend to dry out the salmon, making it rubbery and unleashing an unpleasant fishy aroma.
• Use a low temperature: Reheat slowly at a low temperature to prevent overcooking. Aim for an internal temperature of 125°F to 145°F.
• Cover the fish: Use foil or a lid to prevent moisture loss and reduce cooking smells.
• Add moisture: Before reheating, add a splash of water, lemon juice, sauce, or broth to the salmon to prevent it from drying out. You can also add a pat of butter or a squeeze of lemon juice on top.
• Reheat gently: Whether using an oven, stovetop, or air fryer, reheat the salmon gently and slowly to avoid overcooking.

Storing Salmon:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can also freeze cooked salmon for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Salmon in Different Appliances:

Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 275°F.
• Squeeze lemon juice or drizzle olive oil over the salmon.
• Loosely cover the salmon with foil.
• Place the salmon on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature. If it hasn't reached 145°F, cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Stovetop:

• Heat a pan on medium-low heat with olive oil or butter.
• Add the salmon to the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until heated through.

Air Fryer:

• Set the air fryer to 360°F.
• If your salmon has the skin, place it skin-side down on parchment paper.
• Heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until the salmon is heated through.

Microwave (if necessary):

• Place the salmon in a microwave-safe dish with a lid or paper towel to retain moisture.
• Set the microwave to a low power level (around 30%).
• Microwave for 30 seconds, then flip or stir the salmon.
• Microwave for an additional 30 seconds or until heated through.

Frequently asked questions