Air-Fried Salmon: Crispy Skin, Tender Flesh

Cooking salmon with skin on in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a delicious meal. The air fryer is a convenient option for those who want to avoid turning on the stove, and it also helps to confine the smell of salmon to the appliance itself. Depending on the thickness of the fillets, salmon with skin on can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 6 to 12 minutes, with some recipes suggesting a cooking time of up to 15 minutes. The air fryer's ability to circulate heat means that the salmon cooks evenly, resulting in a tender and flaky inside with a crispy skin.

Seasoning and marinade options

Salmon is a versatile fish that can be seasoned and marinated in many ways. Here are some options for seasoning and marinade to go with your air-fried salmon:

Seasoning:

• A simple combination of salt and pepper is a classic choice.
• For something more flavourful, try a mix of smoked paprika, garlic granules, onion granules, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over the salmon to help the seasoning stick and keep the fish moist.
• Other seasonings include paprika, garlic powder, and lemon pepper.

Marinade:

• Olive oil, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and garlic. This marinade works well with grilled, baked, or air-fried salmon.
• Soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and vegetable oil. This marinade will give the salmon a salty-sweet flavour.
• For a heartier meal, pair your salmon with roasted potatoes, air-fried baked potatoes, or rice. Drizzle your salmon with hollandaise sauce, pesto, or lemon butter sauce for added flavour.
• If you're looking for a lighter option, try roasted rutabaga or cauliflower rice.
• For a zesty kick, try a teriyaki glaze, a smoky BBQ rub, or a spicy honey drizzle.

Remember, salmon is best when it's not overcooked. Aim for a moist and tender texture with a crispy skin. You can always add more time if needed, but it's important not to dry out the fish.

How to get crispy skin

To get crispy skin on your salmon, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, pre-heat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) or 400°F, depending on your air fryer model. Next, prepare your salmon by patting it dry with a kitchen paper towel. Then, season the salmon with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also add smoked paprika, garlic granules, and onion granules to the seasoning mix. Drizzle the salmon with a small amount of olive oil, avocado oil, or another flavourless oil of your choice.

Now, place the salmon in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Set the air fryer for 6 to 11 minutes at 400°F or 7 to 8 minutes at 200°C/400°F. If your salmon fillets are extra thick, you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time. For frozen salmon, preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, add your chosen sauce or glaze and cook for another 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.

If you want your salmon skin extra crispy, there are a few additional steps you can take. One method is to remove the skin from the top of the salmon once it has reached your desired internal temperature. Place the skin back into the air fryer and cook until crispy. Alternatively, you can pre-cook the skin separately. Add the salmon skin to the air fryer and cook for about 6 minutes, checking that it hasn't stuck to the bottom. Then, add another 5 minutes of cooking time, checking every 2 minutes to ensure the skin isn't burning. When the skin is lightly browned, curled, and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for skin-on salmon in an air fryer depend on the size and thickness of the fillets, the desired doneness, and whether the salmon is fresh or frozen.

For fresh salmon fillets, preheat the air fryer to 390–400°F (200°C) and cook for 6–11 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If you prefer your salmon well-done, you can cook it to an internal temperature of 120–140°F (49–60°C). However, keep in mind that the skin may not get crispy at this lower temperature, and you may need to remove it and cook it separately.

For frozen salmon fillets, preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, follow the cooking instructions for fresh salmon, cooking for another 6–11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and personal preferences for doneness. Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that your salmon is cooked to your desired temperature. Additionally, some recipes recommend placing the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Cooking frozen salmon fillets

To cook frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 3-5 minutes. Place the frozen salmon fillets skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for proper airflow. You can also place lemon slices in the air fryer basket first and then put the salmon skin-side down on the lemon. If you want to prevent the salmon from sticking to the basket, you can line it with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking oil.

Brush the salmon fillets with oil and season them with salt and pepper, or a mixture of smoked paprika, garlic granules, onion granules, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings or sauces, such as maple syrup, mustard, or garlic.

Air fry the salmon for 5 minutes at 400°F or 200°C to defrost it. Then, take the basket out and season the salmon with your chosen marinade. Place the basket back in the air fryer and cook the salmon for another 10 minutes at the same temperature. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

If you want crispy skin, you can cook the salmon with the skin-side up. However, this may dry out the salmon, so it is recommended to cook the salmon with the skin-side down and then cook the skin separately if you want it crispy.

What to serve with salmon

Salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with salmon, cooked in an air fryer or otherwise:

Vegetables

Salmon pairs well with a variety of vegetables. Some options include:

• Roasted asparagus with Parmesan and garlic
• Grilled squash
• Roasted carrots with honey-garlic butter sauce
• Kale with garlic and lemon
• Quick-pickled cucumbers and fresh chives
• Stovetop broccolini with creamy dill sauce
• Green beans with almonds or sautéed
• Cilantro lime cauliflower rice
• Brussels sprouts with sriracha
• Beets and carrots with a citrus-ginger vinaigrette

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates such as rice or potatoes also complement salmon well:

• White rice
• Potato salad with fresh herbs
• Roasted potatoes with melted Parmesan
• Rice bowl with avocado, red peppers, and a dressing

Pasta

Pasta is another option for a side dish to serve with salmon. Some specific ideas include:

• Light lemon pesto pasta
• Creamy orzo pasta with spinach and Parmesan
• Pasta with a lemon vinaigrette, green beans, and fresh herbs
• Pasta primavera with pesto sauce
• Garlic noodles with oyster sauce, fish sauce, and soy sauce

Salads

Salmon is also delicious when served with a variety of salads:

• Raw salad with parsley, mint, and lemon juice
• Slaw with peanut butter
• Kale salad with feta, walnuts, and herbs

Glazes and Sauces

Finally, don't forget about glazes and sauces to add extra flavor to your salmon:

• Teriyaki glaze
• Smoky BBQ with smoked paprika and brown sugar
• Spicy honey
• Wasabi/soy sauce
• Balsamic sauce
• Garlic butter sauce

Frequently asked questions