Marianne Martinez
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, healthy meal. Depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet and the temperature of the air fryer, the cooking time will vary. However, generally, it should take between 7 to 20 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer.
How long to cook salmon in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 7-11 minutes for fresh salmon; 14-18 minutes for frozen salmon |
| Temperature | 360-400°F |
| Marinade | Soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, avocado oil, lemon wedges, tartar sauce, Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, hot sauce, dijon mustard, honey, and more |
| Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian herb seasoning |
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What You'll Learn
How to get salmon crispy in an air fryer
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get the fish ready in under 10 to 20 minutes. The air fryer is also a great way to get the salmon crispy without drying it out.
To get started, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If you're using frozen salmon, it's best to thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking. You can cook the salmon with the skin on or off, but if you want crispy skin, it's recommended to keep it on. If you're cooking with the skin on, place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer.
Before placing the salmon in the air fryer, you can coat it with a small amount of olive oil, avocado oil, or another cooking oil of your choice. This helps the seasoning stick and keeps the salmon moist. For seasoning, you can use a simple combination of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or get creative with ingredients like brown sugar, honey, dijon mustard, or soy sauce.
The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets. For thinner fillets, cook for 6 to 8 minutes, while thicker fillets will take 9 to 12 minutes. If you're aiming for a crispy texture, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Check the salmon periodically to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.
To test if the salmon is cooked to your liking, use a fork to check if it's flaky. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. According to the FDA, salmon is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fish.
With its quick cooking time and easy cleanup, the air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to cook salmon, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior.
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Marinade ingredients and preparation
Marinating salmon is a great way to infuse it with flavour and ensure it stays juicy during the cooking process. The fish absorbs the flavours and moisture from the marinade, making it even more delicious.
There are many different ingredients you can use to make a marinade for salmon. A good marinade needs salt, acid, and fat. You can use olive oil or avocado oil as a fat, which will also help the seasoning stick to the fish and keep it from drying out. For acid, try lemon juice, lime juice, or orange juice. You can also use lemon or orange zest, or even fresh ginger. For salt, you can use soy sauce or plain salt.
Other ingredients you can add to your marinade include honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to add some sweetness. Spices like garlic powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes will add some heat. You can also add Dijon mustard for some tang. If you're using fresh garlic, be careful not to let it burn in the air fryer.
To prepare your salmon for marinating, start by patting the fillets dry and feeling for any remaining bones, which you can then remove. Next, combine all your ingredients for the marinade in a medium-sized measuring jug or a small bowl and whisk well to combine. Place the salmon in a large zip-top bag or a glass container and pour the marinade over it, making sure the fish is fully coated. Remove any excess air from the bag, place it in a shallow dish to avoid spills, and then put it in the refrigerator. Marinate the salmon for at least one hour or even overnight for maximum flavour. However, if you marinate the salmon for longer than an hour, the fish can start to cure and cook in the marinade.
Once your salmon is marinated, you can cook it in your air fryer at 400°F for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. If you're using frozen salmon, you can cook it straight from frozen in the air fryer, but you may need to add a minute or two to the cook time.
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Seasoning and temperature
Seasoning your salmon is a great way to add flavour to the dish. You can use any seasoning or marinade of your choice. For example, you can use a blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also try lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or even burger seasoning.
If you want to get creative, try making a marinade with soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat the salmon fillets with this mixture and let them sit for a while before placing them in the air fryer. The brown sugar will caramelize and give your salmon a beautiful colour and a touch of sweetness.
Another option is to use olive oil or avocado oil, which will help the seasoning stick to the salmon and keep it from drying out. You can also add lemon wedges to the side, as lemon and salmon are a classic combination.
When it comes to temperature, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If you're using frozen salmon, preheat your air fryer to 360°F and cook the salmon for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, add the marinade and cook for another 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fish. To ensure your salmon isn't dry, remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 135°F and let it rest. The residual heat will bring it to the ideal temperature, resulting in moist and flaky salmon.
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Cooking time for frozen salmon
Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The best part is that there is no need to defrost the salmon beforehand, making it a convenient option for those short on time. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets and your desired level of doneness.
To cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, start by preheating your appliance. The ideal temperature seems to be a matter of debate, with sources suggesting preheating temperatures ranging from 360°F to 400°F. However, most sources recommend cooking frozen salmon at 400°F. Place the frozen fillets directly into the air fryer basket, preferably on a bed of aluminium foil, with the skin side down.
For the initial cooking period, air fry the salmon for around 5-7 minutes at 400°F. This will defrost the fish. Then, take the salmon out of the air fryer and brush it with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add lemon slices to the fillets for extra flavour. Once seasoned, place the salmon back into the air fryer and cook for another 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. Thinner pieces of salmon will require less cooking time, around 7-8 minutes in total, while thicker pieces may need the full 9-10 minutes or even a little longer.
To check if your salmon is cooked to your liking, use a fork to test if the fish flakes easily. If it needs more time, simply put it back in the air fryer for an additional minute or two. For food safety, the FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fish. However, if you want to avoid drying out the salmon, remove it from the air fryer at 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.
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How to cook salmon with the skin on
Air-fried salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook salmon that results in a delicious, tender, and flaky dish. It is also a versatile method, as salmon with the skin on or off works well in an air fryer.
To cook salmon with the skin on, start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help ensure that the fish does not become soggy. Next, brush the fillets with a small amount of olive oil or melted butter. You can then season the salmon with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. If you would like to add some sweetness, you can also add brown sugar or honey, which will help the salmon caramelize.
When you are ready to cook the salmon, place the fillets in the air fryer, skin-side down. Cooking the salmon with the skin side down will help protect the fish and will result in crispy skin. If you would like the skin to be extra crispy, you can cook the salmon skin-side up, but this may dry out the fish. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, but generally, salmon fillets will cook in an air fryer in around 6-11 minutes. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F when it is done.
Tips:
- If you are cooking frozen salmon fillets, preheat your air fryer to 360°F and cook the salmon for around 7 minutes or until thawed before adding any seasoning or glaze.
- If you are cooking vegetables as a side dish, you can cook them in the air fryer as well. Green beans, for example, can be cooked at 400°F for 2-4 minutes.
- For easy cleanup, you can line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- If you are using a glaze or sauce, add it to the salmon after cooking to prevent the salmon from becoming soggy.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 7 to 18 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the temperature of the air fryer.
The temperature of the air fryer should be set to between 360 to 400°F.
The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check that the salmon has reached an internal temperature of 145°F in its thickest part.
Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook the salmon for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, follow the cooking instructions for fresh salmon.
