Frying Salmon: Air Fryer Cooking Time And Tips

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, with most recipes taking under 15 minutes. The air fryer cooks salmon to perfection, resulting in a tender, flaky centre and a seared, crispy exterior. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes about 7-11 minutes.

How to prepare salmon for the air fryer

Preparing salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and succulent piece of fish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare salmon for the air fryer:

Step 1: Cut the Salmon

Begin by cutting the salmon fillets into even-sized pieces. You can also buy pre-cut fillets. It is recommended to use skinless salmon, but you can choose to leave the skin on if you prefer.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

After cutting the salmon, it's time to season it. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavour. Make sure to rub the spices well into the salmon for the best results.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before placing the salmon in the air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. This step ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and helps to speed up the cooking process.

Step 4: Place the Salmon in the Air Fryer

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Overcrowding can affect the cooking process and prevent the salmon from getting crispy.

Step 5: Cook the Salmon

Depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of your air fryer, the cooking time may vary. On average, air-fried salmon is cooked within 7-11 minutes. You can check if the salmon is done by using a fork to see if it flakes easily.

Step 6: Serve the Salmon

Once the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness, carefully remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your choice of sides. Salmon goes well with a variety of dishes, including salads, grains like rice or couscous, and vegetables.

Tips for Air Frying Salmon:

• Ensure that the salmon fillets are of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the salmon for more even cooking and a crispier edge.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Check the doneness of the salmon with a fork; it is ready when it flakes easily.

How to season salmon for the air fryer

Air-frying salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and delicious piece of fish. Here is a guide on how to season salmon for the air fryer:

Preparation

Before seasoning the salmon, there are a few preparation steps to follow. Firstly, cut the salmon fillets into even sizes. This ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and at the same time. You can also remove the skin if you prefer, although it is not necessary. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, as this will help the seasoning stick better.

Seasoning Options

Now, for the fun part – seasoning! There are several directions you can take when it comes to seasoning salmon for the air fryer. Here are some options:

• Garlic, Paprika, Salt, and Pepper: Season each fillet with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle a little olive oil on top – the paprika gives the salmon a beautiful browned colour when cooked.
• Brown Sugar or Honey, Dijon Mustard, Soy Sauce, and Ginger: This combination gives the salmon a perfect amount of sweetness and a tangy zip.
• Garlic Lemon: Go for a zesty option by replacing the Dijon mustard and soy sauce with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Increase the garlic powder to 1½ teaspoons and add ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon while cooking.
• Honey Garlic: A sweet and savoury option – use 2 tablespoons of honey, ¾ teaspoon of garlic powder, and season the cooked salmon with an extra pinch of salt.
• Teriyaki: Brush the salmon with your favourite teriyaki sauce before cooking.
• Spicy Salmon: Add some heat with your favourite Cajun seasoning or try a spicy salmon seasoning blend.

Final Steps

Once you have chosen your seasoning and rubbed it into the salmon fillets, it is time to cook! Place the salmon in the air fryer, making sure it is not overcrowded, as this can affect the cooking. Depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer, the cooking time will vary, but on average, it should be ready in around 7-9 minutes. Check the salmon with a fork – when it flakes off easily, it is ready to serve!

How long to fry salmon in the air fryer

Frying salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and juicy texture. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 7 to 11 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to fry salmon in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Start by cutting the salmon into even-sized fillets. You can remove the skin if you prefer, but it is not necessary. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not piled on top of each other.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

There are many seasoning options for salmon. A simple option is to rub each fillet with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder. Some recipes suggest making a glaze with honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, which is then spread over the salmon.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes suggest cooking salmon in an air fryer at temperatures between 380 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon

Place the seasoned salmon in the preheated air fryer and cook for 7 to 9 minutes for thinner fillets. For thicker fillets, cook for 8 to 11 minutes. Check the salmon with a fork to see if it flakes easily. If not, cook for an additional minute or two until done to your desired level of doneness.

Step 5: Serve the Salmon

Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your choice of sides. Salmon goes well with a variety of sides, including salads, grains such as quinoa or rice, and roasted or stir-fried vegetables.

Tips for Air Frying Salmon:

• Make sure the salmon fillets are of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the salmon for more even cooking and a crispier edge.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Check the salmon for doneness with a fork. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature to fry salmon in the air fryer

When cooking salmon in an air fryer, the temperature you choose will depend on the level of doneness you prefer. For a medium-rare finish, cook the salmon at 380°F for about 8 minutes. If you prefer your salmon to be medium-well or well-done, you can cook it for a minute or two longer.

For a moist and flaky texture, it is recommended to remove the salmon from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F, as the carryover cooking will bring it to the FDA-recommended internal temperature of 145°F.

Some recipes suggest cooking the salmon at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the salmon is tender and flakes easily with a fork. This higher temperature will give the salmon a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside juicy and buttery.

When cooking frozen salmon, it is best to first wrap the fillets in foil and cook at 400°F for 7 minutes. Then, unwrap the salmon and cook for an additional 6 to 11 minutes, or until the desired level of doneness is achieved.

What to serve with air fryer salmon

So, you've decided to cook up some salmon in your air fryer? Delicious!

Now, what to serve with it? Here are some ideas:

Salad

A fresh salad is a great choice to accompany your air fryer salmon. Try a Corn Tomato Avocado Salad or a Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad for a well-balanced meal. An Asian Noodle Salad or a classic Arugula Salad would also pair well with the fish.

Vegetables

You can cook whatever vegetable you like with salmon. Try Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, Green Beans with Almonds, Grilled Asparagus, Roasted Asparagus, Air Fryer Asparagus, or Sauteed Brussels Sprouts. You could also go for comfort food options like Roasted Fingerling Potatoes.

Grains

Rice, couscous, barley, and farro are all excellent choices to serve with salmon for a filling meal. Try Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, Turmeric Rice Salad, or Instant Pot Brown Rice.

Other Ideas

You could also try Panko Crusted Salmon with Asparagus, Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa, or Air Fryer Salmon Bites with garlic lemon butter.

There you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create a delicious and well-rounded meal with your air fryer salmon.

Frequently asked questions