Tiffany Haney
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and foolproof way to get perfect salmon fillets with a crispy exterior and a tender, flaky interior. The intense circulation of hot air inside air fryers is remarkably good at cooking delicate seafood quickly so the edges crisp before the fish dries out. The best part? It’s all done in under 15 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 8-15 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Salmon Fillet Thickness | 1 inch |
| Salmon Fillet Skin | Skin-on or skinless |
| Salmon Fillet Quantity | 2-4 fillets |
| Marinade | Olive oil, avocado oil, butter, lemon, honey, mustard, soy sauce, maple syrup, teriyaki sauce, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, thyme, za'atar, salt, pepper, garlic powder |
| Sides | Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, hot sauce, lemon, herbs, asparagus, roasted fingerling potatoes |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for salmon in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the salmon pieces, whether the salmon is fresh or frozen, and the model of the air fryer being used.
If you are cooking fresh salmon, it is recommended to cook the salmon for 8 to 10 minutes at 390°F (198.33°C) or 400°F (204.44°C). Check the salmon after 8 minutes to prevent it from overcooking or burning on top. It is better to slightly undercook the salmon and then add more time as needed. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (62.77°C) or 135°F (57.22°C) if you prefer your salmon medium.
If you are cooking frozen salmon, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182.22°C) and cook the salmon for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, cook for another 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
If you are using a glaze, it is recommended to reduce the temperature to 350°F (176.66°C) and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
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Marinades and glazes
A simple glaze can be made by mixing 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup and brushing it on the salmon before air frying. Alternatively, brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce in the last few minutes of cooking. For a smoky BBQ flavour, swap the paprika in your dry rub for smoked paprika and add 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar. If you like a little heat, add 1 teaspoon of hot honey after cooking.
If you want to add a marinade, mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest, 2 cloves of grated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme or za'atar, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pat the salmon fillets dry and coat them in the mixture before air frying.
It is important to note that if you are using a glaze, you should reduce the air fryer temperature to 350°F to avoid burning. Additionally, make sure your salmon fillets are of even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
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Seasoning and spices
You can use a dry rub of spices, a marinade, or a glaze. For a dry rub, you can use a simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. If you want to get a bit more complex, you can add dried thyme, cumin, or za'atar. Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that includes dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and sometimes additional herbs. It's a great way to add a lot of flavours to your salmon with just one spice blend.
If you prefer a wet rub, you can mix your spices with olive oil, which will help the seasonings stick to the fish and keep it from drying out. You can also add some grated garlic to the mixture, but be careful as garlic can burn quickly in an air fryer. Lemon zest is another great addition to a wet rub as it adds a tart lemon flavour without adding too much moisture, which can inhibit browning.
For a marinade, you can use a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your choice of spices. You can also try a sweet and savoury marinade by adding honey or maple syrup to the mix. If you're using a marinade, you don't need to let the salmon sit for too long as it can get mushy. A quick glaze right before cooking is enough.
If you're feeling fancy, you can finish your salmon with a glaze. Try a maple Dijon glaze by mixing Dijon mustard with maple syrup, or a teriyaki glaze by brushing the salmon with teriyaki sauce in the last few minutes of cooking. For a sweet and smoky flavour, try a combination of smoked paprika, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce.
Remember, when it comes to seasoning, you can tweak the spices to suit your taste preferences and create a flavour profile that you love!
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Frozen vs fresh salmon
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare salmon, resulting in a flaky and tender centre with crispy edges. The air fryer method is also convenient, as it does not require preheating or dealing with oil splatters.
When cooking fresh salmon in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 390°F and cook the salmon for 7-10 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The salmon should be placed skin-side down and can be brushed with olive oil or butter and seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika before cooking.
Frozen salmon can also be cooked in an air fryer, and there is no need to defrost it first, making it a convenient option for last-minute dinners. The cooking time for frozen salmon in an air fryer is slightly longer, ranging from 12 to 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The air fryer should be preheated to 390°F, and the frozen salmon should be cooked for 7 minutes to defrost before brushing with marinade and cooking for an additional 7-9 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Some sources suggest that fresh salmon tastes fresher than frozen salmon. However, frozen salmon is a convenient option as it can be stored in the freezer for up to six months and can be cooked directly from frozen. It is also a healthier option, as salmon is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Overall, whether using fresh or frozen salmon, the air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal.
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Skin on or skinless
When it comes to cooking salmon in the air fryer, you can choose to keep the skin on or remove it beforehand. There are advantages to both methods.
Cooking salmon with the skin on helps the fillet hold together more easily, and it can yield moister and flakier results. Leaving the skin on also means that it will get crispy, which is a desirable texture for many people. If you want to remove the skin, it is usually very easy to do so after cooking.
If you want to keep the skin on, it is recommended that you cook the salmon skin-side down first, before finishing it skin-side up to get the skin crispy. If you want to remove the skin, place the salmon skin-side down and cook.
If you want to cook the skin separately, you can cut it off the salmon and place it in the air fryer. It will get crispy and can be served as a snack or side dish.
In summary, whether you choose to cook your salmon with the skin on or off, the air fryer is a great way to prepare it. The skin will get crispy, and the salmon will be moist and flaky.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 8 to 10 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer. However, the time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (some sources suggest 400°F) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. Then, air fry the salmon for 10 minutes.
The best way to check if the salmon is done is by using a fork to see if it flakes off easily. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should be 145°F for well-done salmon and 135°F for medium.
