Tiffany Haney
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious, healthy meal. Depending on the thickness of the fillets and the temperature of the air fryer, the cooking time will vary. Most recipes recommend cooking salmon in an air fryer for around 10 minutes, although some suggest up to 20 minutes for a thorough cook.
How long to cook salmon in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 360-400°F |
| Time | 7-18 minutes |
| Marinade | Soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper, garlic powder, dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, avocado oil, lemon wedges, tartar sauce, Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, hot sauce |
| Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian herb seasoning |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for fresh vs frozen salmon
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, healthy meal. The cooking time will depend on whether you are cooking with fresh or frozen salmon, as well as the thickness of your fillets and the temperature of your air fryer.
Fresh Salmon
When cooking fresh salmon in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets, but generally, it will take between 7 and 11 minutes for the salmon to cook through. For thinner fillets, 7-8 minutes should be sufficient, while thicker fillets may need up to 10 minutes. It is important to note that the FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fillet. To ensure your salmon is moist and flaky, remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F and let it rest, as the temperature will continue to rise.
Frozen Salmon
Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a convenient option, as you do not need to defrost it first. Preheat your air fryer to 360-390°F and place the frozen salmon, skin-side down, directly into the air fryer basket. Cook for about 7 minutes, or until the salmon is defrosted. Then, brush the salmon with your desired marinade and cook for an additional 6-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fillet.
Tips for Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer
- Season the salmon with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or try a sweet and savory marinade with soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices.
- For easy cleanup, line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- If using frozen salmon, it is ideal to defrost it before cooking, but this is not necessary.
- The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
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Marinade ingredients
The marinade ingredients you will need depend on the flavour profile you want to go for. Here are some options:
Maple Soy Glaze
This marinade is made with only five ingredients and is described as "quick and easy". It includes pure maple syrup, sriracha, soy sauce, and garlic. If you have the time, let the fish marinate for 10 to 20 minutes. If you are short on time, five minutes will still be enough.
Soy Sauce and Mustard
This tangy marinade includes soy sauce, dijon mustard, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together and pour them over the salmon fillets, ensuring that they are fully coated. Refrigerate and marinate for 20 to 30 minutes.
Salmon Seasoning
This simple seasoning includes garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, and Spices
This marinade includes soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices.
Asian-inspired Marinade
This marinade includes avocado oil, tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce option), garlic, fresh ginger, honey, lime juice, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. It can also function as a dipping sauce.
Other Options
Other ingredients you can use in your marinade include olive oil, lemon wedges, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and honey.
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Seasoning and spices
A simple seasoning of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper works well with any side dish. You can also add olive oil to help the seasoning stick and keep the salmon moist. If you want to add a bit of colour to your salmon, use smoked paprika. Lemon is another great addition, squeezing a little fresh lemon juice over the top.
If you want to create a sweet and savoury flavour, you can use a marinade of soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper, and garlic powder. The brown sugar will melt and caramelize, giving your salmon a beautiful colour and a sweet taste. You can also try honey instead of brown sugar for a similar effect. Adding mustard to your seasoning will give it a tangy kick.
For a spicy kick, season your salmon with Cajun seasoning, or try a spicy salmon seasoning blend.
You can also try a glaze, but be aware that this may burn, so it's best to add it after cooking or cook at a lower temperature.
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Temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking salmon in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the fillets and whether they are fresh, frozen, or marinated.
For fresh salmon fillets, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer and cook for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Thinner pieces of salmon will take 7 to 8 minutes, while thicker pieces will take 9 to 10 minutes. If you prefer your salmon crispier, you can put it back in for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fish. For a moister texture, remove the salmon from the air fryer at 135°F and let it rest, allowing the residual heat to bring it to the final temperature.
For frozen salmon fillets, preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Place the frozen fillets on aluminum foil in the air fryer and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, apply your chosen seasoning or marinade and cook for an additional 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
It's worth noting that some recipes suggest cooking salmon at a lower temperature of 370°F to 380°F for 10 to 18 minutes. However, these temperatures and cooking times may be too high and long, leading to overcooked salmon.
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Skin on or skin off
When it comes to cooking salmon in an air fryer, you may choose to cook it with the skin on or off.
Skin-on Salmon in the Air Fryer
Leaving the skin on while cooking salmon in the air fryer has several benefits. Firstly, it helps the fish hold together more easily, reducing the chances of it flaking apart during the cooking process. Secondly, it can contribute to a moister and flakier texture, as the skin may help retain moisture during cooking. Finally, cooking salmon with the skin on can lead to crispier skin, which is a desirable texture for many people. To achieve crispy skin, it is generally recommended to cook the salmon with the skin side up, although some sources suggest cooking it skin side down and then removing the skin to cook it separately to achieve the desired crispness.
Skin-off Salmon in the Air Fryer
Cooking salmon in the air fryer without the skin is also a viable option, especially if you prefer your salmon without the skin or want to avoid potential issues with separating the skin from the flesh after cooking. Cooking skinless salmon in the air fryer can result in a moist and tender dish with a flaky centre, and it may be easier to portion and serve without the skin.
General Guidelines for Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer
Regardless of whether you choose to cook your salmon with the skin on or off, there are some general guidelines to follow. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If using frozen salmon, it is recommended to thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking, although some sources suggest cooking it directly from frozen. Season the salmon fillets with your choice of seasonings or marinades, such as olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the salmon in the air fryer, preferably with the skin side down to prevent overcooking, and cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For thinner pieces, 7-8 minutes should be sufficient, while thicker pieces may require up to 10 minutes or slightly longer. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure the destruction of harmful bacteria, but some people prefer their salmon more medium-done at 120-125°F (49-52°C).
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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 fillet.
The air fryer should be set to 360-400°F for cooking salmon.
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon has reached 145°F.
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 same cooking instructions as for fresh salmon.
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