Cody Casey
Cooking salmon fillets in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and foolproof way to get delicious, tender, and flaky salmon with a crispy exterior. The intense circulation of hot air in air fryers is remarkably good at cooking delicate seafood quickly, so the edges crisp before the fish dries out. This method is also flexible, allowing you to use any seasoning or marinade you like. You can have perfectly cooked salmon fillets in under 15 minutes, making this a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back Sunday meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 8-14 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Preheat temperature | 390-400°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Fillet thickness | 1 inch |
| Marinade/seasoning | Olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, honey, ginger, thyme, cumin, dijon mustard, brown sugar, soy sauce |
| Doneness | Internal temperature of 135-145°F |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right salmon fillet
Thickness and Size: Aim for salmon fillets that are around 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Fillets with even thickness cook more evenly and retain moisture better. Avoid fillets that are too thin or unevenly cut, as they may not cook uniformly. If you're cooking multiple fillets, try to ensure they are of similar thickness so they cook at the same rate. If you're using an air fryer, keep in mind that thicker fillets may require slightly longer cooking times.
Freshness and Quality: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Look for salmon that appears nice and pink, with a moist texture. If you're purchasing from a reputable fishmonger or supermarket, inquire about the source and freshness of the salmon.
Skin-on or Skinless: Whether you choose skin-on or skinless salmon fillets is a matter of preference. Skin-on salmon can add a crunchy texture when cooked skin-side down, but skinless fillets are also suitable for air frying.
Wild-Caught or Farm-Raised: There are two main types of salmon: wild-caught and farm-raised. Wild-caught salmon tends to have a richer flavor and a higher price tag, while farm-raised salmon is more readily available and affordable. Choose the type that aligns with your taste preferences and budget.
Origin and Sustainability: Consider the origin and sustainability practices associated with the salmon. If possible, research the source of the salmon to ensure it comes from environmentally responsible fisheries or aquaculture. Websites like the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch can provide guidance on sustainable seafood choices.
Remember, selecting the right salmon fillet is a matter of personal preference, budget, and availability. By considering factors like thickness, freshness, skin preference, type, and sustainability, you can make an informed choice that will enhance your air-fried salmon dish.
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Seasoning and marinating
Next, you can brush the fillets with a layer of fat. This can be melted butter, olive oil, or avocado oil. This layer of fat will help the seasoning stick to the salmon and prevent it from drying out during cooking.
Now it's time to add the seasoning. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices and herbs. Some popular spice options include garlic powder, paprika (smoked or regular), cumin, thyme, and ginger. You can also add some zing with lemon zest or dijon mustard. If you're using fresh herbs, make sure to finely chop them so they coat the salmon evenly. Mix your chosen spices and herbs with the oil or butter, and generously sprinkle or brush the mixture over the fillets. You can also place the fillets in a bowl and gently massage the seasoning and oil into the fish.
If you have the time, you can let the salmon marinate in the seasoning for a while. However, salmon doesn't need a long time in a marinade, and a quick glaze right before cooking is usually enough to impart plenty of flavors.
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Pre-heating the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It helps the salmon cook evenly, speeds up the cooking time, and gives the salmon a more crisped edge. The ideal temperature for cooking salmon in an air fryer is around 390°F to 400°F. However, if you are cooking frozen salmon, preheat your air fryer to 360°F.
When preheating your air fryer, it is important to ensure that the basket is not overcrowded. Place the salmon fillets in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. This is to ensure that the hot air can circulate properly and that the moisture from the salmon fillets does not affect the cooking process. If you have a lot of salmon to cook, you may need to cook it in batches.
The time needed to preheat the air fryer will depend on the model and the desired temperature. Most air fryers will take around 5 minutes to preheat. However, it is important to refer to your air fryer's instructions to ensure that you are preheating it correctly.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your salmon fillets. Start by patting the salmon dry with paper towels. This will help ensure that the salmon doesn't end up soggy. Then, brush the fillets with melted butter or olive oil. This will help the seasoning stick to the salmon and prevent it from drying out.
After preheating your air fryer and preparing your salmon fillets, you can move on to the next step of cooking the salmon. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer, making sure they are not overcrowded, and cook for the recommended time based on the thickness of the fillets and your desired doneness.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for salmon fillets in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the salmon pieces and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to use fillets that are around 1 inch thick as they tend to cook more evenly and retain their moisture better. Having a fillet of even thickness will also help it cook better.
For thinner cuts of salmon (less than 1 inch thick), cook for 5 to 7 minutes. For thicker cuts (1 inch or more), cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep checking after 10 minutes and cook in 1-2 minute blasts until the salmon is ready. If the fillets are extra thick, you might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.
The ideal temperature for cooking salmon fillets in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the seasoned salmon. This will allow the salmon to cook evenly, giving it a more crisped edge.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer salmon is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Salads
A fresh salad is a great way to serve air fryer salmon. You can pair it with a variety of greens such as spinach, cucumbers, green apples, tomatoes, and even sweet potato. For a more substantial salad, add some quinoa, a protein-packed grain that will keep you satisfied. Other grain options include couscous, barley, farro, or rice.
Rice
Rice is a popular side dish for salmon. You can serve it with plain white rice, or get creative with a rice pilaf or Lebanese rice. For an extra touch of flavour, top your rice with nori (furikake).
Vegetables
Air fryer salmon also goes well with a variety of vegetables. You can cook them right in the air fryer alongside the salmon! Try using Asian green vegetables such as pak choi, choy sum, or tatsoi for a Chinese-inspired meal.
Sandwiches and Wraps
Get creative and use your air fryer salmon to make a delicious sandwich or wrap. Serve it in a lettuce wrap or with your favourite bread.
Tacos
Salmon tacos are a fun and tasty option. Flake the salmon and serve it in a tortilla with your favourite taco toppings.
Bowls
Create a rice bowl or quinoa bowl with your air fryer salmon. Add some vegetables and a drizzle of sauce for a delicious and healthy meal.
With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy your air fryer salmon in a variety of ways. Get creative and experiment with different flavours and ingredients to find your favourite combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 6 to 14 minutes to cook a salmon fillet in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the fillet and the model of the air fryer.
Set your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. If you want to cook with a glaze, reduce the temperature to 350°F and cook for a little longer.
Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Brush the fillet with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle on your desired seasoning.
The salmon fillet is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F to 145°F. It should be easily flakable with a fork.
