Air-Fryer Broiled Salmon: The Perfect Timing

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, tender, and flaky fish dish. The air fryer seals in the juices, keeping the salmon moist, and it can be ready to serve in as little as 7 minutes.

Air Fryer Broiled Salmon Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 x 6oz salmon fillets, about 1 inch thick
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste

Method:

• Prep time: 5 minutes. Pat the salmon fillets dry with kitchen paper and coat them with the vegetable oil. Then, season generously with salt and pepper.
• Cook time: 8 minutes. Place the salmon fillets on a foil-covered tray and put them on the top rack of the air fryer oven. Set the air fryer to 'Broil' at 450°F for 8 minutes. There is no need to flip the salmon fillets.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• For optimal results, preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking.
• To enhance the colour of the salmon, brush the fillets with a thin layer of oil or lightly coat them with cooking spray.
• If your salmon has skin, start cooking with the skin side down. This will help to protect the flesh and keep it moist. The skin will slide off the salmon easily once it is cooked.
• To check if the salmon is cooked, use a fork to gently flake the thickest part of the fillet. If it is easily flaked and opaque in the centre, it is done. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can dry out.

Air Fryer Salmon in Under 10 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 x 6oz salmon fillets
• 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil or avocado oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges to serve

Method:

First, prepare the salmon fillets by coating them in oil and then laying them on a tray covered in foil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Place the salmon on the top rack of the air fryer oven and select the 'broil' function at 450°F for 8 minutes. There is no need to flip the salmon during cooking.

Tips:

• Check the salmon is cooked by flaking it with a fork.
• Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking for more consistent results, but this is not essential.
• Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning to help it crisp.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space for the hot air to circulate and cook the salmon evenly.
• If your salmon has skin, start cooking with the skin side down to protect the flesh and keep it moist. It will slide off the skin easily when cooked.
• The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F.
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon to add brightness and complement the natural flavours of the salmon.

Serving Suggestions:

• Salad: Corn Tomato Avocado Salad or Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad.
• Grains: Rice, couscous, barley or farro. Try Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad or Turmeric Rice Salad.
• Vegetables: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice and Green Beans with Almonds.

How to Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon wedges (optional)
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cornstarch, etc.)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Start by removing any bones from your salmon fillets and letting the fish sit on the counter for about an hour to reach room temperature. This step is optional but will result in more even cooking. You can also choose to remove the skin, although leaving it on can help keep the fish moist and make it easier to slide off once cooked.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This will help ensure a nice brown top and prevent the skin from sticking to the air fryer basket. Next, rub or brush each fillet with oil and season generously with salt and pepper, as well as any other seasonings you prefer. You can also mix your spices with the oil first and then rub or toss the salmon in this mixture to ensure an even coating.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (190-200°C). Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded and have enough space for proper air circulation. Cook for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired doneness. There is no need to flip the salmon during cooking.

Step 4: Check for Doneness and Serve

To check if your salmon is done, use a fork to gently flake the thickest part of the fillet. If it easily flakes and is opaque in the center, it's ready to be served. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can dry out. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips:

• It's a good idea to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking to ensure more consistent results, but it's not necessary.
• If you want a crispy skin, pat the salmon skin dry before cooking and brush it with a bit of oil. Cooking at a higher temperature can also help achieve a crispier skin.
• You can cook multiple salmon fillets at once, but make sure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Leave some space for hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking.
• The internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C) when it's done. You can use a meat thermometer to check.

Air Fryer Salmon Cooking Tips

Air fryer salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and juicy piece of fish with a beautifully browned exterior. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect air fryer salmon every time:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking and gives you more consistent results. It's not necessary, but it is recommended for optimal outcomes.

Prepare the Salmon

• Room Temperature Salmon: Allow the salmon to sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This helps the salmon cook more evenly.
• Pat Dry: Use paper towels to pat the salmon dry before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a nice brown exterior.
• Thickness: For even cooking, use salmon fillets of comparable thickness. If using frozen salmon, ensure it is completely thawed before cooking.
• Skin: You can cook salmon with or without the skin. Leaving the skin on can help keep the fish moist, and it slides off easily once cooked. If removing the skin, do so after cooking for easier handling.

Seasoning

• Generous Seasoning: Don't be shy with your seasonings! The spices not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the desirable browned exterior.
• Oil: Brush the salmon with a thin layer of oil or use cooking spray to enhance the color and texture. Avocado oil, olive oil, or any high smoke point oil can be used.
• Spice Options: While specific recipes may vary, some popular spice and seasoning options include garlic, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations, such as everything bagel seasoning, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.

Air Frying

• Single Layer: Arrange the salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Avoid overcrowding.
• Temperature and Time: Air fry the salmon at a temperature between 390°F (190°C) and 450°F for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired doneness. For medium-rare salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C). For medium, target 140°F (60°C).
• No Flipping: There is no need to flip the salmon during cooking. The air fryer's constant heat circulation cooks the salmon evenly without flipping.
• Doneness: Salmon cooks quickly in an air fryer, so keep a close eye on it. Check for doneness by gently flaking the thickest part of the fillet with a fork. It should easily flake and be opaque in the center. Be careful not to overcook, as salmon can dry out.
• Meat Thermometer: For precise doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Serving

• Sides: Air fryer salmon goes well with a variety of sides, including salads, grains like rice or couscous, and vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or roasted potatoes.
• Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and complements the natural flavors of the salmon. Serve the salmon with lemon wedges, or squeeze lemon juice over the cooked salmon before serving.
• Leftovers: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best to enjoy leftover salmon cold, as reheating can dry it out.

Air Fryer Salmon FAQs

It takes about 7-9 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the fillet and the temperature. The ideal temperature is 390°F-400°F (190°C).

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking for more consistent results, but it is not necessary.

Should I marinate the salmon before air frying?

Marinating is not necessary for this recipe, but it can enhance the flavor.

Lightly coat the basket with oil or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Flipping the salmon is not necessary. The air fryer cooks it evenly without the need to flip.

Yes, you can cook salmon with the skin on. Place the skin side down for better results, as it helps keep the flesh moist and makes it easier to remove the skin after cooking.

Any tips for getting a crispy skin?

To get crispy skin, pat the salmon skin dry before cooking and brush it with a bit of oil. Cooking at a higher temperature can also help.

Yes, you can cook multiple fillets at once, but ensure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Leave some space for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Use a fork to gently flake the thickest part of the fillet. If it easily flakes and is opaque in the center, it is done. Be careful not to overcook, as salmon can dry out.

Technically,

Frequently asked questions