Emilie Meyer
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. Depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet, the size of your air fryer, and the temperature setting, the cooking time will vary. On average, salmon fillets take between 7 and 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer.
How long to cook salmon in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 360-400°F |
| Time | 6-18 minutes |
| 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, salt, paprika, Italian herb seasoning |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika |
| Fillet | Skin-on or skinless |
| Fillet thickness | Thin or thick |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning and marinade
A simple seasoning of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper works with any side dish. If you're using a blend that already contains salt, adjust the amount you add accordingly. Lemon wedges are also a classic pairing with salmon, although this is optional.
If you want to add a little spice, try using Cajun seasoning. Alternatively, add dried oregano and thyme for a simple, herby twist. For a sweet and smoky flavour, swap the paprika for smoked paprika and add brown sugar.
For a marinade, a mixture of soy sauce, dijon mustard, brown sugar, and minced garlic is a great option. Whisk the ingredients together and spoon the marinade over the salmon fillets, gently rubbing it in until the fish is fully coated. Leave the salmon to marinate for 20-30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer.
If you're looking for a tangy marinade, try a mixture of soy sauce and mustard. For a sweeter option, add honey to the soy sauce and mustard mixture.
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Temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking salmon in an air fryer depend on various factors, including the thickness of the salmon fillets, the seasonings or marinades used, and personal preferences for doneness. Here are some general guidelines:
Temperature:
It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360-400°F. The higher the temperature, the shorter the cooking time.
Timing:
The cooking time for salmon in an air fryer can range from 7 to 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. For thinner pieces of salmon, 7-8 minutes at 400°F should be sufficient. For thicker pieces, increase the cooking time to 9-10 minutes. If you prefer your salmon well-done, you may need to cook it for up to 18 minutes, but be cautious to avoid overcooking.
It is important to note that the cooking time may also vary depending on the type of air fryer you have and its specific settings. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your salmon while it's cooking and adjust the timing as needed.
Additionally, if you are using frozen salmon, it is best to thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking. However, some people have also suggested cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer for about 7 minutes to thaw it and then an additional 6-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
To check if your salmon is cooked to your liking, use a fork to gently flake the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes easily and has a moist, tender texture with a flaky center, it is likely done. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon, which should be 145°F when fully cooked.
Finally, remember that the timing may vary slightly depending on the seasonings or marinades you use. For example, if you are using a marinade with brown sugar, it may need a little longer in the air fryer to caramelize and give your salmon a beautiful color and sweetness. Similarly, if you are using a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, you may need to adjust the timing accordingly to avoid overcooking.
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Skin on or skinless
When it comes to cooking salmon in an air fryer, you may be wondering whether to leave the skin on or remove it beforehand. The good news is that you can do either! Leaving the skin on can help the fish hold together, and some people prefer to eat it, but it's perfectly fine to cook and serve salmon without the skin too.
If you're cooking skin-on salmon in an air fryer, it's best to start with the skin side down. This will help the heat circulate and cook the fillet evenly. Depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your fillets, you may need to cook the salmon in batches. You can also add a little extra time if your fillets are extra thick.
For skinless salmon, the cooking process is very similar. You can still season the salmon and cook it in the air fryer for a similar amount of time. Just be sure to adjust the timing based on the thickness of your fillets.
Overall, cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal. Whether you prefer skin-on or skinless salmon, the air fryer can help you achieve moist, tender, and flaky results with a crispy exterior.
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Frozen or thawed
When cooking salmon in an air fryer, it is important to consider whether you are using frozen or thawed salmon fillets. Using frozen salmon can be a great option if you are looking for a quick and convenient way to prepare a meal, as it eliminates the need for thawing the fish beforehand. On the other hand, starting with thawed salmon can give you more control over the cooking process and allow you to prepare the fish with your preferred seasonings or marinades.
If you choose to cook with frozen salmon, preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen salmon fillets on a piece of aluminum foil in the air fryer basket and cook for about 7 minutes, or until the fish is thawed. At this point, you can drizzle your chosen marinade over the salmon and continue cooking for an additional 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. Keep in mind that the skin helps hold the fish together during cooking, so it's best to remove it after cooking.
When using thawed salmon, the preparation begins with seasoning or marinating the fish. A simple seasoning blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herb seasoning is a popular choice. You can also experiment with other seasonings like paprika, or create a marinade with soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Once the salmon is prepared, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, being mindful not to crowd the basket as air fryers typically accommodate only two fillets at a time. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, with thinner pieces cooking in 7-8 minutes and thicker pieces taking up to 9-10 minutes. It's important to keep an eye on the salmon and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of doneness.
Whether you start with frozen or thawed salmon, the air fryer's high-powered convection cooking will give you moist and flaky salmon with a delicate crust. The ability to cook frozen salmon directly from the freezer makes this method extremely convenient, while the versatility of seasonings and marinades ensures that your dish is packed with flavor. So, the next time you're wondering what to make for dinner, consider using your air fryer to cook up some delicious salmon fillets!
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Moist and flaky
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve moist and flaky results. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and whether you are using fresh or frozen salmon.
For fresh salmon, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Season your salmon fillets with olive or avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add lemon wedges and tartar sauce for a classic pairing. Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer and cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. If you prefer your salmon crispier, you can put it back in for an additional 1-2 minutes at a time.
For frozen salmon, preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Place the frozen salmon on aluminum foil in the air fryer and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, follow the same instructions as for fresh salmon, cooking for an additional 6-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.
To ensure moist and flaky salmon, remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F, as carryover cooking will bring it to the FDA-recommended temperature of 145°F.
With the air fryer's high-powered convection cooking, you can achieve moist and flaky salmon with a crispy exterior without drying it out. The air fryer's ease of use and quick cooking time make it a convenient and foolproof method for cooking salmon.
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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.
The air fryer should be preheated to 360-400°F.
The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. An instant-read thermometer can also be used to check the internal temperature, which should be 145°F in the thickest part of the salmon.
Salmon can be cooked with the skin on or off in the air fryer. Cooking with the skin on helps the fish hold together and results in moister and flakier salmon.
Popular seasonings for salmon in the air fryer include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian herb seasoning, and Dijon mustard.
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