Air-Fried Salmon: Perfect Timing For Delicious Results

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. The air fryer cooks salmon to perfection in as little as 6 minutes, resulting in a tender, flaky, and succulent dish with a beautifully browned exterior. The simple preparation involves seasoning the salmon with a variety of spices and sauces, such as garlic, paprika, and Dijon mustard, and cooking it in the air fryer at around 400°F for a few minutes. This versatile dish can be paired with various sides, including vegetables, grains, and salads, making it a convenient and tasty option for a busy weeknight dinner.

How to season salmon for the air fryer

There are many ways to season salmon for the air fryer. Here is a guide on how to prepare and season your salmon, followed by some seasoning suggestions.

Preparation

First, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the salmon. If your salmon has skin, you can choose to keep it on or remove it, but it is generally recommended to keep the skin on as the fillet holds together more easily, and the salmon will be moister and flakier. If you do keep the skin on, place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer.

Seasoning

Now, you can add your seasoning. You can use a blend of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle each spice onto the salmon fillet. You can eyeball the measurements, but be generous with the garlic powder and paprika. You can also add a quick spray of olive oil on top to keep the salmon moist. Alternatively, you can spread a layer of Dijon mustard onto the salmon fillet before sprinkling on the spices.

Cooking

Once you have seasoned your salmon, place it in the air fryer and cook for 6 to 11 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky. Check the salmon after 8 minutes to prevent it from overcooking or burning.

Seasoning Suggestions

• Garlic Lemon: Replace the Dijon mustard with lemon juice, increase the garlic powder, and add salt. Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon while cooking.
• Honey Garlic: Use honey, garlic powder, and salt.
• Teriyaki: Brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce before cooking.
• Salmon Marinade: Use soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard.
• Spicy Salmon: Season the salmon with Cajun seasoning.

How long to heat salmon in an air fryer

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and delicious piece of fish. 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 to cook salmon in an air fryer.

Steps to cook salmon in an air fryer:

Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Season the salmon:

Cut the salmon fillets into even sizes. You can remove the skin if you prefer, but it is not necessary. Season the fillets with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Make sure to rub the spices in for the best flavor.

Air fry the salmon:

Place the salmon in the air fryer and cook for 7 to 11 minutes for 6-ounce fillets. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

Check for doneness:

Use a fork to check if the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness. If not, return it to the air fryer for another minute or two.

Serve:

Salmon cooked in an air fryer goes well with a fresh salad, grains like rice or couscous, or vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or cilantro lime cauliflower rice.

Tips for cooking salmon in an air fryer:

• Ensure the salmon fillets are of similar thickness so they cook evenly at the same time.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the seasoned salmon to allow for even cooking and a crispier edge.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket as it can affect the hot air circulation and prevent the salmon from getting crispy. Cook the salmon in batches if needed.

How to serve air-fried salmon

Air-fried salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas on how to serve air-fried salmon:

Salad

A fresh salad is a great option to serve with air-fried salmon. You can try pairing it with a Corn Tomato Avocado Salad or Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad, or a classic Arugula Salad. If you're feeling adventurous, an Asian Noodle Salad would also pair well with the salmon for a unique flavor combination.

Grains

Whole grains like rice, couscous, barley, or farro make excellent accompaniments to salmon, providing a filling and nutritious meal. Try it with Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, or mix things up with Turmeric Rice Salad.

Vegetables

You can air fry vegetables right alongside the salmon in the air fryer! Some great options include Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice and Green Beans with Almonds, Roasted Asparagus, or Roasted Fingerling Potatoes.

Other Sides

You can also serve air-fried salmon with comfort foods like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. For a healthier option, steamed vegetables or a side of sautéed Brussels sprouts would also complement the salmon nicely.

Seasoning and Sauce

Before air frying the salmon, you can season it with a variety of spices like garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add a touch of olive oil to enhance the flavor and help with crisping. After cooking, you can glaze the salmon with a sauce such as sweet chili sauce or honey soy sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

How to store leftover salmon

Storing leftover salmon is a great way to ensure you have a quick and easy meal for another day. However, it's important to follow some key steps to ensure your salmon stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover salmon:

Refrigerating Cooked Salmon

• Allow the salmon to cool: It is important to let the salmon cool to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking. Leaving the fish out for longer can allow harmful bacteria to grow.
• Place the salmon in an airtight container: Transfer the salmon to a shallow container and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminium foil. If storing smoked salmon, wrap it in foil first to prevent the fridge from smelling like fish.
• Label the container: Write the date and any relevant notes about the salmon (e.g. seasonings used) on the package. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days: Cooked salmon can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. After this time, it is best to discard the salmon.

Storing in the Freezer

• Wrap the salmon: Within 2 hours of cooking, wrap the completely cooled salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminium foil or place it in a sealable freezer bag.
• Label the package: Write the date and any relevant notes about the salmon on the package. This will help you keep track of how long it has been frozen.
• Freeze for up to 3 months: Frozen salmon can be stored for up to 3 months while maintaining its quality. After this time, the flavour and texture may start to decline.
• Thaw in the fridge: When you are ready to eat the frozen salmon, transfer it to the fridge and let it thaw for about 6 hours. It is best to use the salmon within a day of thawing.
• Reheat gently: To reheat the salmon, place it in the oven at a low temperature (around 325 °F or 163 °C) for 8 to 12 minutes. You can also add it to dishes like soups, chowders, curries, or casseroles.

Using Leftover Salmon

Leftover salmon can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Add it to soups or chowders
• Make a salmon noodle bake or spicy red curry
• Blend it with cream cheese to make a salmon spread
• Shape it into salmon patties and cook them in a skillet
• Use it in salads or with blanched green beans

How to reheat salmon

If you're looking to reheat some salmon, an air fryer is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it, along with some tips to ensure your fish comes out flaky, tender, and delicious.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Lightly oil the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Set the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Place your cooked salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. If your salmon has skin, put it in skin-side down.

Step 3: Reheat the Salmon

Air fry the salmon for 3-5 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and the power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it. You're aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Tips:

• If your salmon is frozen, it's best to defrost it before reheating. Running it under cold water will help remove any ice or frost.
• To prevent the salmon from drying out, it's important not to overheat it. Reheat it slowly and check on it frequently.
• You can spritz the salmon with a little lemon juice before reheating to add some moisture and flavor.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you have a lot of salmon, you may need to reheat it in batches.
• For easy cleanup, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or an air fryer liner.
• Salmon is best reheated just until it's warmed through. Overheating can make it dry and rubbery.
• You can also reheat salmon in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions