Air-Frying Salmon: Perfect Timing For Delicious Results

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky centre and a crispy exterior. It takes around 10 minutes to cook and is a low-calorie, low-carb option for a healthy meal. The air fryer seals in moisture, leaving the fish succulent and restaurant-quality.

Seasoning and prep

The key to achieving that perfect, mouth-watering air-fried salmon is in the seasoning and prep. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your salmon is full of flavour and has that desirable flaky texture.

Firstly, you'll want to ensure your salmon fillets are cut into even slices or strips. This will ensure they cook evenly and at the same rate. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick and creates a beautiful golden exterior and crispy skin.

Next, it's time to add your chosen oil or fat. You can brush or rub the salmon with olive oil, or use the back of a spoon to spread a thin layer of olive oil or another oil of your choice, like avocado oil. Alternatively, you can whisk together a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice and brush this over the salmon.

Now for the fun part: seasoning! There are endless options for seasoning your salmon, and you can get creative and experiment with different combinations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Basic blend: Sprinkle both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper, then add garlic powder and paprika.
• Dijon mustard: Spread a layer of Dijon mustard onto each fillet. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Honey or brown sugar: These add a touch of sweetness and help the salmon caramelize.
• Soy sauce: For a salty, umami flavour.
• Ginger: Adds a subtle, lively touch.
• Lemon: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the salmon, or arrange lemon slices on top while cooking.
• Cajun seasoning: For a spicy kick.
• Maple syrup: For a sweet glaze.

Once your salmon is seasoned to perfection, it's time to pop it into the air fryer! Remember to leave space between the fillets in the basket so that air can circulate and ensure even cooking.

Now you're ready to air-fry your salmon to perfection!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for grilling salmon in a GoWise air fryer depend on the size and thickness of the salmon fillets, as well as your desired level of doneness.

As a general rule, air fryers should be preheated to 400°F (200°C). However, some recipes suggest a lower temperature of 350°F.

For salmon fillets, the cooking time typically ranges from 6 to 11 minutes for fillets that are around 1 inch thick. Smaller or thinner fillets may only need 4 to 5 minutes, while larger or thicker fillets could take up to 15 minutes. It is important to keep in mind that air fryers can vary in terms of temperature and cooking time, so it is always a good idea to check on the salmon around the 8-minute mark to prevent overcooking or burning.

To check if the salmon is done, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F. However, for a buttery and flaky texture, it is best to remove the salmon from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F, as the residual heat will continue to cook the fish. Alternatively, you can use a fork to gently flake a small piece of salmon; if it separates easily, it is ready to be served.

When cooking frozen salmon, it is best to first preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook the salmon for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, apply the desired seasoning or glaze and continue cooking for an additional 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

How to check if the salmon is cooked

There are several ways to check if your salmon is cooked. Firstly, you can use a fork to see if the fish flakes easily. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. The FDA recommends that salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the fish. To ensure your salmon isn't dry, it's best to remove it from the heat around 135 degrees Fahrenheit and let it rest, allowing the carryover cooking to finish the job.

Storing and reheating

Storing your salmon in an airtight container will allow it to keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the salmon for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to reheat the salmon, the air fryer is a great option to retain moisture and flavor. Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F. Place the salmon in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and cook for 3-5 minutes. You can also wrap the salmon in aluminum foil before placing it in the basket, which helps retain moisture. The salmon is done when it's warmed through and flaky.

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat salmon in the oven or on the stovetop. For the oven, preheat to 350°F and place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-12 minutes. On the stovetop, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and cover. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

To retain moisture and prevent drying out, you can add a splash of lemon juice or olive oil to the salmon before reheating.

What to serve with salmon

There are many options for what to serve with salmon. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great side dish to serve with salmon. Asparagus is a classic pairing, but you could also try roasted zucchini, green beans, brussels sprouts, or broccoli. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, you could try roasting some potatoes with garlic and rosemary, or making mashed potatoes.

Salad

A fresh salad is also a good option to serve with salmon. Try a crunchy, sweet, and tart salad with greens, blueberries, walnuts, and feta cheese, or a kale, quinoa, and avocado salad with a lemon dijon vinaigrette. If you're looking for something more substantial, you could add some instant pot brown rice or farro to your salad.

Grains

Grains such as rice, couscous, barley, or farro also make excellent accompaniments to salmon. For a more indulgent option, you could try making a lemon butter pasta or a ramen and snow pea dish.

Other Ideas

If you're looking for something a little more creative, you could try making a cucumber salad with sour cream and dill, or a blueberry walnut salad with a raspberry vinaigrette. For a fun presentation, you could also try making Hasselback potatoes, which are medium-sized potatoes with small, parallel cuts that you bake with butter and cheese.

Frequently asked questions