Cody Casey
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. The air fryer cooks salmon with tender, flaky centres and seared, crispy edges in under 15 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on the weight of the salmon fillet, the make and model of the air fryer, and whether the salmon is cooked from fresh or frozen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 6-11 minutes |
| Temperature | 390°F-400°F |
| Preheat temperature | 360°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Marinade time | Minimal |
| Fillet weight | 6 oz |
| Fillet number | 2 |
| Internal temperature | 145°F |
| Medium rare internal temperature | 135°F |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for 6-ounce fillets
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. The cooking time for 6-ounce fillets in an air fryer is typically between 6 and 11 minutes, depending on the make and model of your air fryer, and the thickness of your salmon.
It's important to note that air fryers can only fit a couple of fillets at a time, so you may need to cook the salmon in batches. This will ensure the overall texture of the salmon is consistent.
Before cooking, pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to avoid soggy fish. Brush the fillets with melted butter or olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. If you're using frozen fillets, defrost the salmon before cooking.
Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Set the air fryer to 390°F and cook for 10 minutes. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, or 135°F for medium-rare. If you prefer your salmon with a crispy skin, leave the skin on during cooking and serve it with the skin on, allowing your guests to peel it away.
You can also add a glaze to your salmon for extra flavor. Brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce, smoked paprika, or honey in the last couple of minutes of cooking.
Air fryer salmon is a convenient and tasty way to prepare salmon, resulting in tender, flaky fish with a crispy exterior.
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Marinades and glazes
Marinating salmon before air frying is a great way to add flavour to the fish, and it only needs to be done for 15 to 20 minutes. If you don't have time, 5 minutes will still be enough. However, if you're using an acidic ingredient like lemon juice in your marinade, don't leave it too long as it can start to break down the flesh of the fish.
A simple marinade of soy sauce, dijon mustard, brown sugar, and minced garlic can be whisked together and poured over the salmon fillets in a bowl or a gallon food storage bag. You can also add olive oil or melted butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. If you're looking for a sweet and spicy flavour profile, try a blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of chilli paste.
If you want to add a glaze to your salmon, brush the fish with the glaze in the last couple of minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can add the glaze at the beginning, but you'll need to reduce the air fryer temperature to 350°F and cook for a little longer. You can also add the glaze after cooking by drizzling it over the salmon.
Some glaze ideas include a maple soy glaze made with maple syrup, soy sauce, sriracha, and garlic; or a teriyaki glaze with a smoky BBQ variation that uses smoked paprika and brown sugar.
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Cooking with skin on or off
Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, with most sources agreeing that it takes under 10 minutes to cook. The air fryer creates a tender, flaky centre with seared, crispy edges.
Cooking with the skin on or off
Some sources suggest cooking salmon with the skin on, as it helps the fish hold together and yields a more moist and flaky result. The skin also helps to protect the fish and can crisp up into a crunchy bonus. If you do cook with the skin on, it is recommended to cook the salmon skin-side down.
However, some sources suggest that cooking with the skin on can prevent the fish from crisping up as much. If you do cook with the skin off, it is important to grease the air fryer basket to prevent the fish from sticking.
One source suggests that the decision to cook with the skin on or off is a matter of preference, as the skin is edible and nutritious. It is also possible to cook the salmon with the skin on and then remove it before serving, allowing guests to peel away the skin themselves.
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How to store leftovers
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the fillets and the desired crispiness, but generally, it takes around 7 to 16 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer. Now, let's move on to the important topic of storing leftovers to ensure food safety and maintain the quality of your delicious salmon.
Storing Cooked Salmon Leftovers:
- Don't leave cooked salmon at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Wrap the leftover salmon: Use a shallow casserole dish or a container with a cover. You can also use a sealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Refrigerate: Place the wrapped or bagged salmon in the refrigerator as soon as it has cooled down. Aim for a temperature of 32°F (0°C) if possible, as this is the ideal temperature for storing fresh, raw salmon. Most home refrigerators are set at 38°F (3°C), which is still suitable for a few days of storage.
- Consume within three to four days: The USDA recommends consuming cooked salmon within three to four days of storage in the fridge.
Storing Raw Salmon:
- If you have raw salmon leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator but use them within one to two days, as the quality and freshness will deteriorate quickly.
- For longer-term storage, raw salmon can be frozen. Wrap the salmon tightly, removing as much air as possible, and store it in a vacuum-sealed bag or container in the freezer.
- Frozen salmon can be safely stored for up to 12 months, but the quality may start to decline after that.
Reheating Cooked Salmon Leftovers:
When reheating leftover salmon, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to destroy any potential pathogens. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature.
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Seasoning and spices
Classic Seasoning
A simple yet effective way to season your salmon is to use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This classic blend of spices adds a savoury kick to the dish and complements the natural flavour of the salmon. You can also add some olive oil or melted butter to the salmon fillets before sprinkling on the spices. This will help the seasonings stick to the fish and add a bit of extra flavour.
Sweet and Savoury
For a touch of sweetness, consider adding brown sugar or honey to your salmon. These ingredients not only give the fish a delicious caramelised crust but also help to balance out the savoury notes. You can also try adding a touch of ginger powder or fresh ginger to this combination for a unique flavour profile.
Spicy Kick
If you like your food with a bit of heat, try incorporating some spicy ingredients into your salmon seasoning. Smoked paprika, for example, adds a nice kick and a lovely smoky aroma. You can also try drizzling your cooked salmon with hot honey for a combination of sweetness and spice. Alternatively, add some chilli flakes or cayenne pepper to your spice blend for an extra spicy punch.
Dijon Mustard
Another popular option is to use Dijon mustard as a base for your salmon seasoning. The mustard adds a unique flavour that pairs surprisingly well with salmon. You can then add other spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to create a savoury spice rub.
Teriyaki and BBQ
For an Asian-inspired twist, brush your salmon with teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, go for a smoky BBQ flavour by swapping out the paprika in your spice blend for smoked paprika and adding a touch of brown sugar. These glaze options add a sticky, sweet, and savoury dimension to your salmon.
Remember, when it comes to seasoning and spices, you can get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavour profile. Start with a simple base of salt and pepper and then build from there, adding spices and herbs that complement the natural flavour of the salmon.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 6 to 15 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on the weight of the salmon fillets and the model of the air fryer.
The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the fillet. If you prefer your salmon medium-rare, remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 135°F (57°C) and let it rest for a few minutes.
No, you can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and cook the salmon for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, follow the recipe instructions for cooking the salmon.
Set your air fryer to between 390°F (200°C) and 400°F (204°C). Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the salmon.
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