Cooling Salmon: Air Fryer Techniques For Perfect Results

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. The air fryer seals in the flavour and moisture, resulting in tender, flaky fish with a crispy outer crust. The average cooking time is around 10 minutes, but this can vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the model of the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By setting your air fryer to 400°F, you create the ideal environment for your salmon to cook evenly and efficiently. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master the art of preheating:

Step 1: Understand the Benefits of Preheating

Preheating your air fryer to 400°F ensures that your salmon will cook evenly and efficiently. It is a crucial step to achieving that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a flaky, tender interior. This step also helps to speed up the cooking process, so you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time!

Step 2: Know When to Preheat

The ideal time to preheat your air fryer is right before you're ready to cook your salmon. Simply set the temperature to 400°F and let the air fryer reach the desired temperature. This usually doesn't take long, as air fryers are known for their quick preheating capabilities.

Step 3: Prepare Your Salmon

While your air fryer is preheating, you can use this time to prepare your salmon fillets. Cut them into even-sized portions and remove the skin if desired (though some prefer to keep the skin on for cooking). You can also use this time to season your salmon with your favourite spices and a drizzle of olive oil.

Step 4: Place Salmon in the Air Fryer

Once your air fryer has preheated to 400°F and your salmon is prepared, it's time to place the salmon in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding. Make sure there is enough space between each fillet for the hot air to circulate.

Step 5: Monitor the Cooking Process

Depending on the thickness of your salmon and the model of your air fryer, the cooking time may vary. On average, salmon fillets will take around 7 to 11 minutes to cook in an air fryer set at 400°F. Keep an eye on your salmon and use a fork to check for doneness. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your salmon is cooked to your desired doneness, it's time to serve it! Salmon pairs well with a variety of sides, including salads, grains like rice or couscous, and roasted or air-fried vegetables. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Pat salmon dry and season

To make salmon in an air fryer, you'll first want to pat the salmon fillets dry. This will help the seasoning stick to the salmon and make the skin crispy.

There are many ways to season salmon, but here are some general tips:

• Use salt and pepper to taste.
• Add a sweet element like brown sugar or honey to help the salmon caramelize.
• Include a savoury element like garlic powder, onion powder, or Dijon mustard.
• Opt for an umami ingredient like soy sauce or tamari.
• Give it a kick with spices like paprika, smoked paprika, or chilli powder.
• Use a binding agent like olive oil or avocado oil to help the spices stick to the salmon.

Once you've seasoned the salmon to your liking, you can then place it in the air fryer and cook as instructed.

Cook for 6-11 minutes

Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer

When cooking salmon in an air fryer, the cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets and your desired doneness. As a general rule of thumb, for a fillet that is approximately 1-inch thick, you'll want to air fry for around 6 to 11 minutes at a temperature of about 400°F (200°C). This will give you beautifully cooked salmon with a moist, flaky texture.

For thinner fillets, adjust the cooking time downwards, as they will cook more rapidly. For thicker fillets, you may need to increase the cooking time, but be mindful that the difference in cooking time for thicker salmon is relatively minor. It is always better to check and adjust as needed, as overcooking can quickly dry out your salmon.

When air frying salmon, there is no need to flip the fillets during the cooking process. Simply place them skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is some space between each fillet to allow for even cooking. You may want to lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush some oil onto the salmon to prevent sticking.

Keep a close eye on your salmon during the cooking process, as air fryers can vary in terms of power and performance. The first time you cook salmon in your air fryer, it's a good idea to start with the lower end of the suggested cooking time and then adjust upwards for subsequent batches if needed.

Check for doneness with a fork

Checking for doneness with a fork is a crucial step in cooking salmon in an air fryer. This simple technique ensures that your salmon is cooked to perfection, with a tender, flaky texture. Here's a detailed guide on how to master this step:

Understanding Doneness:

When salmon is cooked just right, it will have a tender and flaky texture. This is often described as being "fork-tender". The fish will easily break apart into delicate flakes when prodded with a fork, indicating that it is cooked through. This texture is a hallmark of perfectly cooked salmon and is achieved by reaching an internal temperature that cooks the salmon just enough without drying it out.

Checking with a Fork:

• Open the air fryer basket carefully: After the suggested cooking time, which is usually around 7 to 11 minutes depending on the thickness of your salmon and the model of your air fryer, open the basket to check on your fish. Be cautious of any escaping steam.
• Insert a fork into the thickest part of the salmon: Target the thickest portion of the salmon fillet, as this area will take the longest to cook. Insert a fork into the salmon at this point, gently piercing the fish.
• Gently pull the fork away from the salmon: As you pull the fork away, pay attention to how the salmon reacts. If the salmon is cooked just right, the fish will naturally separate or "flake" into tender layers along the natural lines of the fillet. This flaking indicates that your salmon is done and ready to be served.
• Check multiple spots if needed: If you're unsure or if the salmon is a thicker cut, you can insert the fork in a few different spots to ensure even cooking.

Adjusting Cooking Time:

If your salmon isn't flaking with a fork, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly. If it's still quite firm and resistant, return it to the air fryer for another minute or two. Check again with your fork, and repeat as needed until you achieve that perfect flakiness. Remember, it's better to slightly undercook the salmon first, as you can always add more cooking time.

Tips for Success:

• Ensure even cooking: For the most accurate doneness test, it's important that your salmon cooks evenly. This can be achieved by using salmon fillets of similar thickness and ensuring they aren't overcrowded in the air fryer basket, allowing hot air to circulate properly.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps ensure even cooking and consistent results.
• Don't overcook: Salmon can go from perfectly flaky to dry and overcooked quite quickly. Always keep an eye on your salmon towards the end of the cooking time and use the fork test to prevent overcooking.

By following these steps and paying attention to the subtle cues of your salmon, you'll be able to master the art of checking for doneness with a fork. This technique will ensure that you serve up delicious, tender, and flaky air-fried salmon every time.

Serve with salad, grains or vegetables

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy meal to make, and it goes well with salads, grains, and vegetables.

Salad

A fresh salad is a great side to air fryer salmon. You can try a Corn Tomato Avocado Salad or a Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad for a well-balanced meal.

Grains

Grains like rice, couscous, barley, and farro make excellent accompaniments to salmon for a filling meal. Try it with Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, or Turmeric Rice Salad.

Vegetables

You can cook whatever vegetables you like in the air fryer to go with your salmon. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice and Green Beans with Almonds are great options. You can also try mushrooms, broccoli, and asparagus. If you want to add a little crunch, air fry the salmon for five minutes first, and then add the vegetables for the remaining time.

Frequently asked questions