Air-Fried Salmon Perfection: 12 Minutes At 375 Degrees

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, which results in seared edges and a flaky centre. The air fryer cooks it evenly all the way through, and the cooking time depends on the thickness of the salmon pieces and the model of the air fryer. If you're cooking at 375 degrees, the salmon will be done in 10-14 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your salmon cooks evenly, giving you the best results. To preheat your air fryer to 375°F, start by setting the temperature to 375°F. Depending on the make and model of your air fryer, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to around 5 minutes to preheat.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your salmon fillets. It is recommended to use salmon fillets that are around 1 inch thick, as they cook more evenly and retain their moisture better. If your salmon has the skin on, it is generally preferred to cook it skin-side down. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, as this can lead to soggy fish.

The next step is to season your salmon. You can brush the fillets with olive oil or melted butter to help the seasonings stick. For seasoning, you can use a simple mix of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add some brown sugar to give the salmon a crispy exterior and a subtle sweetness. Be generous with your seasonings to enhance the flavor of the fish.

Once your salmon fillets are seasoned, you can place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect the cooking process and the overall texture of the salmon. Leave some space for hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking.

After preheating your air fryer to 375°F and preparing your salmon, you can now air fry your salmon. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, but it usually ranges from 6 to 14 minutes. Check your salmon after 10 minutes by gently pressing down on the top of the fillet with a fork or your finger. If the salmon flakes easily and has a nice golden pink color, it's done!

Cooking time: 10-14 minutes

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees and cook the salmon for 10-14 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, so it is important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

To prepare your salmon for cooking, start by patting the fillets dry with paper towels. This step is important because moisture can affect the texture and colour of the salmon. Next, brush the fillets with a thin layer of oil or melted butter. You can use olive oil or avocado oil, which will help the seasonings stick and prevent the salmon from drying out. If you prefer, you can also use melted unsalted butter.

After brushing the fillets with oil or butter, it's time to season them generously. A simple and classic combination of seasonings includes garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings, such as smoked paprika, onion powder, or brown sugar, to add a sweet and smoky flavour. Be sure to season both sides of the fillets for the best flavour.

Once your salmon is prepared, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Place the fillets skin-side down on the air fryer rack or basket, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking. Set the air fryer to 375 degrees and cook the salmon for 10-14 minutes. Check the salmon after 10 minutes to see if it's done to your liking. A good indication of doneness is when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has a golden pink colour.

Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets and the model of your air fryer. For thicker fillets, you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time. It's always a good idea to check on your salmon periodically to ensure it doesn't overcook and dry out. Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried salmon!

Check for doneness

Checking for doneness when cooking salmon in an air fryer at 375°F is crucial to ensure your fish is cooked to perfection. Here are some detailed steps and guidelines to help you achieve that perfect flaky texture:

Checking with a Fork:

The most common and straightforward method to check the doneness of your salmon is by using a fork. Open the air fryer basket and insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness, the fish should easily flake into tender pieces. This method is simple and effective, allowing you to assess the texture and moistness of the fish.

Internal Temperature:

Another reliable way to ensure your salmon is cooked thoroughly is by checking its internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet, ensuring it reaches the center of the fish. The ideal internal temperature for cooked salmon is 145°F (63°C). If you prefer your salmon medium-rare, you can aim for an internal temperature of 135°F, letting it rest for a few minutes to reach your desired doneness.

Thickness and Cooking Time:

The thickness of your salmon fillets plays a significant role in determining cooking time and doneness. For 1-inch thick fillets, 8 to 10 minutes at 375°F is generally sufficient. However, if your fillets are thinner, you may need to reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Always check your salmon around the 8-minute mark, especially if you're unsure of the thickness, to prevent dry and overcooked fish.

Frozen Salmon:

When cooking frozen salmon, it's essential to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Frozen fillets typically require an additional 5 to 7 minutes of cooking time. Monitor the salmon's doneness as you would with fresh salmon, checking the flakiness with a fork and ensuring it reaches the recommended internal temperature.

Air Fryer Variations:

Keep in mind that different models of air fryers may yield varying results. The cooking time and temperature settings can differ slightly between brands and types of air fryers. Therefore, it's crucial to refer to your air fryer's instructions and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed. Additionally, some air fryers may not have precise temperature controls, so understanding the characteristics of your particular air fryer is essential for achieving the best results.

Salmon fillet thickness

The cooking time for salmon in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the fillet, the temperature of the air fryer, and whether the salmon is fresh or frozen.

For 6-ounce fillets, cooking at 350°F for 3-5 minutes is recommended. However, if your air fryer is set to 375°F, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. A good rule of thumb is to cook the salmon for around 1 minute per inch of thickness. So, for a 1-inch thick fillet, 6-7 minutes at 375°F should be sufficient. If your fillets are thicker, you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time. It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to check the salmon's progress with a fork to see if it flakes easily.

To ensure even cooking, it is best to use fillets of even thickness and avoid those that are too thin or unevenly cut. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before cooking to remove any moisture, which can lead to soggy fish. You can also brush the fillets with melted butter or olive oil before seasoning to help the seasonings stick and prevent the salmon from drying out. Avocado oil can also be used for this step.

When seasoning the salmon, a simple mixture of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper is often recommended. You can also add brown sugar to the mixture for a crispy exterior and subtle sweetness. Smoked paprika can be used instead of regular paprika to enhance the salmon's flavor and give it a smoky aroma.

Seasoning and glaze

While cooking salmon in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the salmon is seasoned and glazed properly to enhance its flavour. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning and glazing your salmon to perfection:

Seasoning

Before seasoning, pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which can lead to soggy fish. You can then brush the salmon fillets with olive oil or melted butter, which will help the seasoning stick and prevent the salmon from drying out. Avocado oil is another good option.

For the seasoning, a simple combination of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper is recommended. You can mix these ingredients together and sprinkle them generously over the salmon fillets. Smoked paprika can be used if you want a stronger paprika flavour. Additionally, onion powder can be added to enhance the aroma and flavour of the fish.

Glaze

There are several glaze options that you can consider for your air-fried salmon:

• Maple Dijon: Mix one tablespoon of Dijon mustard with one teaspoon of maple syrup and brush it on the salmon before air frying.
• Teriyaki Glaze: Brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce during the last couple of minutes of cooking.
• Smoky BBQ: Swap the paprika with smoked paprika and add brown sugar to give the salmon a sweet and smoky flavour.
• Spicy Honey: Drizzle the salmon with hot honey after cooking to add a touch of heat and sweetness.
• Sweet Glaze: Whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to make a sweet and savoury glaze.

It is recommended to brush the glaze on the salmon during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to avoid burning. Alternatively, you can add the glaze after cooking by drizzling it over the salmon once it's done, ensuring a flavoursome finish without the risk of burning.

Frequently asked questions