Tillie Doyle
Cooking salmon on a cedar plank in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a healthy, low-calorie meal. The dish is tender and flaky on the inside with a nice smoky flavour and crispy bits on the outside. The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of the fish and the brand of the air fryer, but on average, the fish will be ready in about 12 minutes.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cedar Plank Salmon in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 10-12 minutes |
| Temperature | 380° F |
| Prep Work | Pat the salmon dry with paper towels, oil and season the salmon to taste |
| Cook Method | Place the salmon, skin-side down, on a preheated cedar plank |
| Internal Temperature | 145° F |
| Cedar Plank | Available at grocery stores or on Amazon |
Explore related products
Air fryer temperature and time
It is important to ensure that your air fryer is preheated before placing the seasoned salmon inside. This allows the salmon to cook evenly and speeds up the cooking time. During the preheating process, you can prepare the salmon by patting it dry with paper towels and then oiling and seasoning it according to your preference.
If you are using frozen salmon, it is recommended to raise the temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 8 minutes. It is also suggested to fully defrost the salmon first if possible. In this case, wrap the salmon fillets in foil and cook at 400° F for 7 minutes. After this initial cooking period, unwrap the salmon, season the fillets, and cook for an additional 6 to 11 minutes, or until the salmon is crisped to your liking and the internal temperature reaches 145° F.
To check if the salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness, gently press open a thick part of the salmon and look between the layers. The salmon should be an even light pink color and should flake apart easily. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 145° F according to FDA recommendations.
Air Fryer Omelette: Quick, Easy, Delicious Breakfast
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Salmon prep
Firstly, ensure your salmon fillets are somewhat even in size for even cooking. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels, and rub with oil and spices. You can use olive oil, and season with lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, paprika, or garlic powder. You can also use a seafood seasoning. The skin can be removed, but it is not necessary, and it can help hold the fish together during cooking. It is also edible, and the skin will slip off easily after cooking.
Place the salmon, skin-side down, on a cedar plank or parchment paper. The cedar plank will give the salmon a smoky flavor, and it also makes clean-up easier. The moisture from the soaked plank infuses the fish with flavor, and the heat from the plank gently steams the fish from the inside.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. When the air fryer is hot, place the seasoned salmon inside. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fish and the brand of the air fryer, but on average, the salmon will cook in about 12 minutes. The salmon is done when it is a translucent pink in the middle and looks flaky. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 145°F.
Make a Blooming Onion Without a Deep Fryer
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cedar plank prep
To prepare your cedar plank for air-frying salmon, you should first soak the plank in water for one to two hours. This will prevent the plank from catching fire in the air fryer. You can soak the plank in a large bowl or the sink, or even in the basket of your air fryer, as long as there are no electrical parts in it. Weigh the plank down with a small bowl or plate to keep it fully submerged. After soaking, pat the plank dry with a clean towel. Make sure the cedar plank fits in the basket of your air fryer; if it doesn't, you may need to cut it down to size.
While the plank is soaking, you can prepare your salmon. If your salmon is frozen, place it in a large bowl and cover it with cool tap water. Place a small heavy plate on top of the fish to keep it submerged and ensure that all parts defrost at the same rate. Change out the water every 20 to 30 minutes until the fish is fully thawed.
Once the salmon is defrosted, pat it dry with paper towels. You can remove the skin if you prefer, but it's not necessary—it will slip off easily after cooking. Rub the salmon with oil and spices, or use a seasoning mix like Cajun seasoning or chili powder.
When you're ready to cook, place the cedar plank in the air fryer basket and preheat the air fryer to 380° F with the plank inside.
Remember to leave enough space in your air fryer for the air to circulate around the salmon. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the salmon in batches to ensure even cooking.
Air Fryer and Foil Trays: Safe to Use?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Seasoning
Firstly, pat the salmon dry using paper towels. This step is important as it ensures that the seasoning will stick to the salmon. You can then brush the salmon with a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice. Leaving the skin on the salmon fillets is recommended as it helps to prevent the fish from drying out, and it will easily peel off once the salmon is cooked.
Next, it's time to add your chosen spices and seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, Mediterranean seasoning, or bottled salmon seasoning. You can also make your own Cajun seasoning or use homemade chili powder. Other options include Potlatch, Old Bay, garlic powder, or paprika. Be sure to season the salmon generously and rub the spices into the fish to prevent them from sitting on top during cooking.
If you're using frozen salmon, you can season it after wrapping it in foil and cooking it for 7 minutes at 400° F. After seasoning, cook the salmon for an additional 6-11 minutes until it's crisped and the internal temperature reaches 145° F.
When cooking cedar plank salmon, it's best to place the salmon skin-side down on the preheated cedar plank. The skin acts as a barrier to prevent the fish from sticking to the plank, and it can be easily removed after cooking if desired. The cedar plank itself adds a unique, smoky flavour to the salmon that can't be achieved with other cooking methods.
Air Fryer Magic: Perfectly Cooked Stuffed Peppers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serving
Air Fryer Cedar Plank Salmon is a delicious and healthy dish that can be served in a variety of ways. The salmon is cooked to perfection, with a tender and flaky texture on the inside, and a nice smoky flavour. You can serve it directly on the cedar plank for a fun presentation, or try one of the following options:
- For a simple and healthy meal, serve the salmon with roasted vegetables on the side. This option is perfect for a weeknight dinner as it is quick and easy to prepare.
- If you're looking for something a little more filling, try serving the salmon with air fryer French fries, sweet potatoes, loaded baked potatoes, asparagus, corn on the cob, or onion rings. These options will add some extra flavour and texture to your meal.
- For a more unique and exotic dish, serve the salmon with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or Mediterranean seasoning. These spices will give the salmon a nice kick and enhance its flavour.
- You can also use the salmon in a variety of recipes, such as salmon fried rice, keto salmon patties, crab-stuffed salmon, or smoked salmon eggs benedict. These options are perfect for those who want to get creative in the kitchen and try something new.
- For a light and healthy lunch or dinner, serve the salmon on a bed of greens with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This option is not only delicious but also nutritious and packed with healthy fats.
- Finally, for a more indulgent option, serve the salmon with a creamy dill sauce or a lemon garlic butter sauce. These sauces will add a touch of luxury to your meal and make it extra special.
Air Fryer and Cardboard: A Safe Combo?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook cedar plank salmon in an air fryer. The cedar plank infuses the fish with a smoky flavor and the heat from the plank helps the fish steam inside, resulting in moist and flaky salmon.
The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fish and the brand of the air fryer. On average, the fish will cook in about 10-12 minutes at 380° F.
It is recommended to cook cedar plank salmon in an air fryer at 380° F. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 400º F for 7 minutes and then lowering the temperature for the remaining cooking time.
Before cooking, pat the salmon dry with paper towels and season with oil and spices. Place the salmon, skin-side down, on top of the cedar plank and cook until the salmon is a consistent, even light pink color and flakes apart easily.
Cooking cedar plank salmon in an air fryer results in a moist and flavorful dish with a smoky flavor that is difficult to achieve using other cooking methods. Additionally, the cedar plank makes cleanup easier, as there is no fishy smell or pan to scrub.
