Tiffany Haney
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. The air fryer gives salmon a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flaky. It is also a versatile method, as you can season the salmon in a variety of ways, and it pairs well with rice, vegetables, and other sides. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the salmon, but generally, it should be cooked for around 10 minutes, or up to 15 minutes for thicker cuts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 7-16 minutes |
| Temperature | 390-400°F |
| Marinade time | 30 minutes to overnight |
| Internal temperature | 135°F |
| Thickness | 1-inch thick steaks require 10-12 minutes |
| Skin | Remove before cooking for crispier results |
| Flip | No need to flip |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating salmon steaks
One option is to whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. This blend will add a tangy and sweet flavour to the salmon. You can also try a blend of soy sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and minced garlic for a savoury and slightly spicy kick. If you're looking for a simpler option, you can season the salmon steaks with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper before placing them in the air fryer.
For a zesty option, swap the paprika with lemon pepper seasoning. Alternatively, add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a spicy and bold flavour. If you're a fan of herbs, add dried oregano and thyme for a simple, herby twist. You can also brush the salmon with a mixture of Dijon mustard and maple syrup for a sweet and tangy flavour.
When marinating the salmon steaks, it is recommended to let them sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before air frying. This will ensure that the flavours are well-infused into the fish. After marinating, place the salmon steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 14 to 16 minutes, or until fully cooked.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for salmon steaks in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the cut, the temperature of the air fryer, and the level of crispiness desired.
For a salmon steak that is 1 inch thick, the cooking time is approximately 10 to 12 minutes. For thicker salmon steaks, the cooking time will be longer, and it is recommended to check the steak after 10 minutes and then every 1 to 2 minutes to ensure it does not overcook.
Some recipes recommend cooking salmon steaks in an air fryer preheated to 390ºF for 6-8 minutes on each side or until an internal temperature of 135ºF is reached. Another recipe suggests cooking the salmon steak at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, then turning it over, adding more marinade, and cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
It is important to note that the cooking time may be affected by the use of foil or parchment paper during cooking. Using foil or parchment paper can affect the cooking time, with some sources recommending against their use to ensure proper air circulation. However, if using foil or parchment paper, it is recommended to add them to the basket only after preheating the air fryer to avoid the risk of fire.
Additionally, the type of salmon steak used can impact the cooking time. Wild-caught king, coho, or sockeye salmon are recommended for the best taste. Fresh or previously frozen fish can be used, but frozen fish should be thawed before cooking.
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Salmon steak vs salmon fillet
Salmon is a versatile, simple, and easy fish to cook. Both salmon steaks and salmon fillets can be cooked in an air fryer, but there are some key differences to note.
Salmon Steak vs. Salmon Fillet
Salmon steaks and fillets differ in terms of cut, texture, flavour, and cooking methods.
Cut
Salmon steaks are cut crosswise from the middle of the salmon, resulting in thicker cuts with skin on one side. Salmon fillets, on the other hand, are cut lengthwise along the sides of the salmon, yielding thinner cuts with the skin removed.
Texture and Flavour
The bone-in structure of salmon steaks enhances flavour and moisture, while the skin provides a crispy, rich texture when cooked. In contrast, fillets are typically flakier and have a more delicate texture and milder flavour.
Cooking Methods
The thicker cut of salmon steaks makes them ideal for grilling, as the bones help retain moisture and prevent dryness. Salmon fillets, due to their thinner nature, are better suited for baking, broiling, or pan-searing to achieve a delicate, flaky texture.
Cooking Salmon Steak in an Air Fryer
When cooking salmon steaks in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 to 16 minutes, or until fully cooked. You can also marinate the salmon steaks beforehand to infuse even more flavour. Simply season and marinate the steaks for at least 30 minutes to overnight, then cook according to your air fryer's instructions.
For a crispy texture, remove the skin before cooking. Additionally, there is no need to flip the salmon steaks during the cooking process, as the circulating hot air will cook the salmon evenly on both sides.
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Seasoning
One popular option is to use a combination of brown sugar, oil, soy sauce or coconut amino, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This creates a sweet and savoury flavour profile that complements the salmon well. You can also experiment with different types of oils, such as olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil, to find the one that best suits your taste.
If you're looking for an Asian-inspired flavour, try using a marinade that includes ingredients like soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds. This will give your salmon a unique flavour and a crispy outer crust. For a zesty kick, you can also add Dijon mustard to the marinade. Additionally, a spritz of olive oil or a marinade can help prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket.
When preparing the salmon, remember to pat it dry on both sides before applying the seasoning or marinade. You can then place the salmon in a medium bowl or Ziploc bag, pour the marinade over it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to absorb. If you have more time, you can even marinate it for an hour or overnight.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different seasoning blends to find the ones you enjoy the most. You can also try adding a glaze to your salmon during or after cooking for an extra punch of flavour. Some popular glaze options include teriyaki sauce, smoky BBQ sauce, or a drizzle of honey.
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Serving suggestions
Salmon steaks cooked in an air fryer pair well with rice, roasted vegetables, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve them with simple grains and pasta, such as white or brown rice, risotto, farro, quinoa, or any type of noodle.
If you're looking for a heartier meal, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes and carrots, or roasted fingerling potatoes are all good options.
Salmon steaks also go well with citrus-based sauces or pesto. You can top your salmon steak with avocado slices for added creaminess and healthy fats.
For a simple seasoning, you can use garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. For an Asian-inspired flavour, you can marinate the salmon in a combination of brown sugar, oil, soy sauce, coconut amino, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can use a combination of olive oil, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and sugar.
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook salmon, the air fryer is a great option. The circulating hot air cooks the salmon evenly on both sides, resulting in a crispy outside and a juicy, flaky inside.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 14-16 minutes to cook salmon steak in an air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can marinate the salmon steak in a blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. You can also pat it dry and season it with salt and pepper.
No, you don't need to flip the salmon steak while it's in the air fryer. The circulating hot air will cook the salmon evenly on both sides.
