Tiffany Haney
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. Depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets, the cooking time will vary, but generally, it should take around 7 to 11 minutes for the fish to be ready. Some recipes suggest cooking salmon in an air fryer for up to 20 minutes, but this may be too long for a small piece of salmon.
How long to cook salmon in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 7-11 minutes for fresh salmon, depending on the thickness of the fillet |
| 16-18 minutes for frozen salmon | |
| Temperature | 360-400°F |
| Marinade | Soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, avocado oil, smoked paprika, salt, lemon wedges, tartar sauce, Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, hot sauce, dijon mustard, honey, etc. |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian herb seasoning, Old Bay |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning and marinade
Seasoning:
Salmon is a versatile fish that pairs well with various seasonings. A simple yet effective combination is garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The garlic powder adds a savoury note, while paprika gives the salmon a subtle hint of colour and a mild, smoky flavour. Adjust the amount of paprika to your taste preferences or use smoked paprika for a more intense smoky character. Salt and pepper are essential to enhancing the natural flavour of the salmon, but be mindful of the salt content in pre-made seasoning blends and adjust accordingly.
For a zesty twist, swap the paprika for lemon pepper seasoning. If you prefer a crispier skin, avoid using a parchment liner and grease the grates before adding the salmon. You can also squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the cooked salmon to brighten the dish.
Marinade:
A good marinade can infuse the salmon with flavour and keep the fish moist during cooking. One option is to whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper, and garlic powder. The brown sugar will caramelize during cooking, giving the salmon a beautiful colour and a touch of sweetness. Alternatively, you can create a tangy marinade by combining soy sauce with dijon mustard, brown sugar, and minced garlic. This combination will result in a sweet and savoury dish.
If you're looking for a spicier option, try using a Cajun seasoning blend or adding some hot sauce after cooking. You can also experiment with different glazes, such as teriyaki sauce or a mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard. For a touch of sweetness, drizzle the cooked salmon with honey, or add some honey to mustard for a spicy-sweet combination.
When marinating the salmon, place the fish in a container or a gallon-sized food storage bag. Ensure the marinade fully coats each piece, and then refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. After marinating, pat the salmon dry with paper towels and proceed to cook according to your air fryer recipe.
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Temperature and timing
The cooking time for salmon in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the fillets, the temperature, and the level of doneness you prefer. Most sources recommend cooking salmon in an air fryer at 400°F for 6 to 11 minutes for fillets with the skin on. If you are using frozen salmon, preheat your air fryer to 360°F and cook the salmon for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, apply your seasoning or marinade and cook for another 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.
For thinner fillets, 7 to 8 minutes at 400°F should be sufficient. If your fillets are thicker, you may need to increase the cooking time to 9 to 10 minutes. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the marinade used and the thickness of your fillets. If you prefer your salmon well done, you can put it back in the air fryer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes at a time until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
To ensure your salmon is cooked to your liking, it is recommended to use a fork to check if it flakes easily. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon. According to the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. However, if you prefer your salmon moister, you can remove it from the air fryer at around 135°F and let it rest. The residual heat will continue to cook the salmon, bringing it to the desired temperature while keeping it moist and flaky.
Some sources suggest cooking salmon at a lower temperature of 380°F for 10 minutes, while others recommend 370°F for 14 to 15 minutes. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your fillets, as well as your preferred level of doneness. Always keep an eye on your salmon while it's cooking to avoid overcooking it, as it's easy to do in an air fryer.
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Skin on or skin off
When cooking salmon in an air fryer, you can choose to keep the skin on or off. Leaving the skin on can add flavour and crispiness to the dish, but it may not work for all air fryers. Some recipes recommend cooking the salmon with the skin on, while others suggest removing the skin and cooking it separately to achieve the desired level of crispness.
If you decide to cook the salmon with the skin on, it is generally recommended to place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer. This helps protect the fish and allows the skin to crisp up. However, some people also cook the salmon skin-side up to get an even crispier skin, although this may require a longer cooking time to avoid overcooking the salmon.
When cooking salmon with the skin on, it is important to ensure that the fish is dry before placing it in the air fryer. Pat the salmon fillets with paper towels to remove any moisture, as this can lead to soggy fish. You can also brush the fillets with melted butter or olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika before air frying.
The cooking time for salmon in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. On average, it takes about 7 to 10 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer at a temperature of around 390°F to 400°F. For frozen salmon, you may need to increase the cooking time to 10 to 12 minutes, or until it is cooked to your liking.
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Frozen or thawed
If you're in a hurry, you can cook frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 360-390°F. Place the frozen fillets directly in your air fryer basket, skin-side down. If your salmon has a lot of ice on it, you may want to remove the excess ice first.
Cook the salmon for 7 minutes, then brush with olive oil or melted butter, and season with salt and pepper. You can also add lemon slices or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for another 3-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 135-145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
If you have time, it's recommended to defrost your salmon fillets before cooking, as the cook time may be shorter and more consistent. Thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight, then follow the previous cooking instructions, cooking for 6-11 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking.
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Sides and pairings
Salmon cooked in an air fryer pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including vegetables, salads, rice, and potatoes.
Vegetables
Salmon and asparagus are a classic pairing, and you can cook asparagus in the air fryer alongside the salmon. Other vegetables that go well with salmon include Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and green beans. You can also serve the salmon with roasted fingerling potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Salads
Salmon can be served on top of a spinach salad with cucumbers, green apple, tomatoes, and sweet potato. It also goes well with an Asian noodle salad or a simple arugula salad.
Rice
Rice is another good option to serve with salmon. You can make cilantro lime cauliflower rice or instant pot fluffy rice.
Other Sides
Some other sides that go well with air fryer salmon include homemade soup, steamed vegetables, and tacos. You can also flake leftover salmon and serve it on a bagel with cream cheese or in a taco with fish taco sauce and mango salsa.
Seasonings and Glazes
When it comes to seasonings, a simple combination of salt and pepper can be used, or you can add garlic powder, paprika, lemon pepper, or Cajun seasoning for extra flavor. For a glaze, you can brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce, smoked paprika, brown sugar, or honey.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 7 to 18 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the temperature of the air fryer.
The temperature of the air fryer should be set between 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The salmon is done cooking when it is fork-tender and flakes easily. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon has reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the salmon for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, follow the same cooking instructions as for fresh salmon.
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