Cody Casey
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get perfectly tender and flaky salmon with a crispy exterior. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets and the temperature of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 6-11 minutes for fresh salmon and 12-18 minutes for frozen salmon. Using foil is optional but can help with easy cleanup and sliding the salmon off the skin.
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for fresh and frozen salmon
Air-frying salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in seared edges and a flaky, tender centre. It is also versatile, allowing for a variety of seasonings and flavour combinations.
Fresh Salmon
To cook fresh salmon in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 390°F (190-204°C) for a few minutes. Place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, directly into the air fryer basket, or onto foil, and cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and how cold they are. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Frozen Salmon
Frozen salmon can be cooked in an air fryer without defrosting first, although defrosting is recommended for the best texture. To cook from frozen, place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, directly into the air fryer basket, or onto foil, and cook at 390°F for 7 minutes to defrost. Brush the defrosted salmon with a marinade and cook for another 7-9 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the specific air fryer model, so it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on the salmon while it is cooking.
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Marinades and glazes
Salmon is a delicate fish, so it doesn't need much time in a marinade—in fact, if it's left too long, it can become mushy. A quick glaze just before cooking is ideal.
A popular marinade and glaze combination for salmon cooked in an air fryer is a mixture of maple syrup, soy sauce, sriracha, and garlic. You can also try adding in some Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and minced garlic. If you have the time, leave the salmon to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes, turning it occasionally. If you're in a hurry, five minutes will do.
You can then cook the marinade in a small saucepan over medium-low heat for one to two minutes until it thickens into a glaze. Be careful not to dry it out.
Another option is a honey garlic glaze. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, and garlic or garlic powder. You can then pour the glaze over the salmon before cooking it in the air fryer.
If you're using minced garlic, it's best to keep it around the salmon instead of on top, as it can burn easily.
You can also try a simple seasoning of salt and black pepper, finished with freshly squeezed lemon.
Other spices you can experiment with include Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
If you want to add a touch of sweetness, you can substitute honey for maple syrup.
For a tangy flavor, try a marinade of soy sauce and mustard.
Salmon is usually cooked in an air fryer for around six to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, so you can prepare a quick glaze while it cooks.
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Cooking with or without the skin
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, healthy meal. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets and the temperature of your air fryer, but generally, it should take no longer than 10-15 minutes.
Cooking with the skin:
When cooking salmon in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook the salmon with the skin-side down. This helps to protect the fish and also results in crispy skin. You can remove the skin after cooking, or serve the salmon with the skin on and let your guests peel it away themselves. If you want to eat the skin, you can cook the salmon with the skin-side up to get it crispy.
Cooking without the skin:
If you are cooking without the skin, it is still recommended to cook the salmon with the skin-side down, as this helps to protect the fish. You can remove the skin before serving, or leave it on for guests to remove themselves.
Tips for cooking with or without the skin:
- Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature (between 360-400°F) and line the basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Brush the salmon with olive oil, melted butter, or avocado oil to prevent it from drying out and to help the seasoning stick.
- Season the salmon with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or other herbs and spices of your choice.
- Cook the salmon for 6-11 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, herbs, or a sauce such as tartar sauce, Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, or hot sauce.
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Seasoning and spices
Simple Seasoning
For a classic, simple approach, you can season your salmon fillets with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination is versatile and will complement a range of side dishes. You can brush the fillets with melted butter or olive oil before applying the seasoning for added flavour and moisture.
Spicy Honey
If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a touch of heat and sweetness to your salmon. After cooking, drizzle the salmon with hot honey or a similar spicy-sweet sauce. Alternatively, brush the salmon with a glaze during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to allow the heat to slightly caramelize the sauce.
Smoky BBQ
For a smoky flavour, swap out regular paprika for smoked paprika and add a touch of brown sugar. This combination will give your salmon a unique, sweet and smoky taste that is perfect for those who enjoy a more complex flavour profile.
Teriyaki Glaze
Brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for an Asian-inspired flavour. This will add a savoury, slightly sweet, and glossy finish to your salmon. Just be mindful of the cooking time and temperature to avoid burning the glaze.
Fresh Herbs and Spices
In addition to the above suggestions, you can also experiment with fresh herbs and spices. For example, dried dill can add a pleasant, subtle flavour to your salmon. Other options include rosemary, thyme, or a blend of Italian herbs. Freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top of the cooked salmon can also add a nice touch.
Remember, when it comes to seasoning and spices, you can tailor the flavours to your personal preference. Don't be afraid to mix and match or adjust the quantities to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
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Cooking with foil or parchment paper
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, healthy meal. It's also simple to clean up afterward, especially if you use aluminum foil or parchment paper to line the air fryer basket.
When using foil, it's important to follow a few basic rules to ensure safety and optimal cooking. Firstly, avoid letting the foil touch the heating element, as this can be dangerous. Secondly, ensure the foil is weighted down to prevent it from blowing around the basket. Finally, acidic ingredients like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar should be avoided, as they can cause the foil to leach onto your food. Despite these considerations, foil can be a great option for easy cleanup and even heat conduction.
Parchment paper is another option for lining your air fryer, but it requires a bit more caution. Parchment paper is generally safe to use in an air fryer as long as it is food-grade and doesn't exceed the maximum temperature restriction. However, it's important to cut it smaller to allow for adequate air circulation, and it should be weighed down with food to prevent it from blowing around and potentially touching the heating element. Perforating the paper can further assist with air circulation and grease drainage. If you're looking for an even more convenient option, consider investing in a silicone liner or basket specifically designed for air fryers, which are reusable and dishwasher-safe.
Whether you choose to use foil or parchment paper, always exercise caution and follow the recommended safety guidelines for your air fryer. Now, you can confidently cook salmon to perfection in your air fryer, enjoying a tasty and nutritious meal with minimal cleanup!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook salmon in an air fryer at 400°F for 6 to 11 minutes. The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and your air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 400°F.
The best way to know when salmon is done is to use a meat thermometer. Per the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the salmon.
