Ella Walter
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The air fryer's high-powered convection cooking can crisp the outside of the fish without drying it out, resulting in tender, flaky salmon. This cooking method is also convenient, as it doesn't require dealing with oil splatters on the stove or turning on the oven. With an air fryer, you can have moist, tender, and flavourful salmon ready in under 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your preferred level of doneness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 6-11 minutes |
| Cook time for frozen salmon | 7 minutes to thaw, then 6-11 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Number of fillets | 2-4 |
| Skin | On or off |
| Marinade | Soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, lemon, paprika, salt, honey, maple syrup, dijon mustard, teriyaki sauce, smoked paprika, lemon wedges, tartar sauce, Greek yogurt sauce, hot sauce |
| Seasoning | Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil |
| Glaze | Maple dijon, teriyaki, smoky BBQ, spicy honey |
| Sides | Asparagus, any vegetables, roasted fingerling potatoes, salad |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing salmon fillets: skin-on or skinless
When it comes to choosing between skin-on or skinless salmon fillets for air frying, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is a matter of personal preference. You can certainly cook salmon fillets in an air fryer without the skin. However, cooking with the skin on offers several benefits.
Firstly, the skin helps the salmon fillet hold together more easily during the cooking process, resulting in a more moist and flaky texture. It also adds flavour and provides a crispy texture, which many people enjoy. If you prefer to remove the skin before serving, it is easy to peel off once the salmon is cooked.
If you opt for skin-on salmon fillets, there are a few techniques to achieve the perfect crispy skin. One method is to cook the salmon with the skin-side down for most of the cooking time, then finish with the skin-side up to crisp the skin. Another approach is to cook the salmon with the skin-side up for the entire cooking process, which will also result in crispy skin, although it may not be as crispy as the first method.
If you prefer to remove the skin before cooking, you can do so by placing the salmon skin-side down on a cutting board and using a sharp knife. However, removing the skin before cooking may result in drier salmon, so it is generally recommended to cook with the skin on and remove it after cooking if desired.
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Marinade ingredients and preparation
Marinating your salmon before air frying it is a great way to add flavor and ensure your fish is moist and tender. Here are some ingredients and steps to prepare your marinade:
Marinade Ingredients:
- Olive oil or avocado oil: This helps the seasoning stick and keeps the salmon moist.
- Garlic: Use garlic powder or finely grate 2 cloves of garlic and mix it with the oil to coat the fish. Fresh garlic can burn in the air fryer, so grating it helps it meld with the oil.
- Lemon: Lemon zest adds tartness without moisture, which inhibits browning. Lemon wedges can also be served on the side.
- Spices: Paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme are great additions. For a Middle Eastern twist, try Za'atar, a blend of dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and sometimes additional herbs.
- Brown sugar: This adds sweetness and helps the salmon caramelize.
- Honey: For an extra touch of sweetness.
- Soy sauce: For a savory, umami flavor.
- Mustard: Dijon mustard pairs well with salmon and can be mixed with maple syrup for a glaze.
Marinade Preparation:
- Gather your chosen ingredients and whisk them together to form a marinade.
- Spoon the marinade over the salmon fillets, gently rubbing it in until the fish is fully coated. Don't be shy—add a little extra on top!
- Let the salmon marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the more time the flavors have to penetrate the fish.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray your salmon and the air fryer basket or crisper plate with cooking oil.
- Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer.
- Air fry for 7-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. For thinner pieces, 7-8 minutes is usually enough.
- Check for doneness with a fork. The salmon should flake easily and be moist, not dry.
- If you're using a glaze, brush it on during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to let the heat slightly caramelize it.
- Enjoy your delicious, tender, and flaky air-fried salmon!
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Air fryer temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking salmon in an air fryer will depend on various factors, including the thickness of the salmon pieces, the size of the air fryer, and the desired level of doneness.
Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to 400°F. However, if you are using frozen salmon, preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook the salmon for about 7 minutes or until thawed before proceeding with the recipe.
Once preheated, place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the salmon in batches. Cook the salmon for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For thinner pieces of salmon, 7 to 8 minutes is sufficient, while thicker pieces may require 9 to 10 minutes. It is important to note that the size and model of the air fryer can also impact the cooking time.
To check if the salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a fork to gently flake the thickest part of the fillet. If the salmon flakes easily and is opaque, it is likely done. According to the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. However, for moist and flaky salmon, it is recommended to remove it from the air fryer at around 135°F and let it rest, allowing carryover cooking to bring it to the final temperature.
If you are using a glaze or marinade, consider reducing the air fryer temperature to 350°F and cooking for a slightly longer time to prevent the glaze from burning. Alternatively, you can add the glaze during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to allow it to caramelize without burning.
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How to check if the salmon is cooked
There are several ways to check if your salmon is cooked in an air fryer. Firstly, it is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to use salmon fillets of comparable thickness to ensure even cooking.
One way to check if the salmon is cooked is to use a fork to see if it flakes off easily. This method is suggested by several sources and is a good indicator of doneness. Another way to check is to use an instant-read thermometer. According to the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fish. However, if you prefer your salmon medium, you can remove it from the air fryer at 135°F and let it rest, as the carry-over cooking will bring it to the desired temperature.
It is also important to note that thinner fillets cut from the side of the salmon closest to the tail will cook more quickly than center-cut fillets. Therefore, it may be necessary to cook the salmon in batches and then cook the thicker fillets together if they need additional time.
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Serving suggestions and side dishes
There are many ways to serve air-fried salmon, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions:
Salad
A fresh salad is a great option to serve with air-fried salmon. You can try a spinach salad with cucumbers, green apple, tomatoes, and sweet potato, or an Asian noodle salad for something different. A classic pairing is an arugula salad. If you want to get creative, you can also make a salmon salad by flaking the cooked salmon over a bed of greens or quinoa.
Vegetables
Asparagus and salmon is a classic combination. You can grill, roast, or air fry the asparagus. Other vegetables that go well with salmon include roasted fingerling potatoes, sautéed Brussels sprouts, and green beans. If you're using an air fryer, you can cook the vegetables right alongside the salmon.
Grains
Rice is a popular choice to serve with salmon. You can try white rice, Lebanese rice, or Mediterranean couscous salad. Quinoa is another option, especially if you're looking for a protein-packed grain.
Herbs and Spices
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of herbs can enhance the flavour of your air-fried salmon. Dill, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are all common spices that pair well with salmon.
Other Suggestions
Some other ideas for serving air-fried salmon include tacos, rice bowls, or salmon patties. You can also experiment with different glazes or marinades, such as a soy/mustard mixture, to add extra flavour to your dish.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 7 to 12 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
The air fryer should be preheated to between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Popular seasonings for salmon include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and herbs. For a sweet and savory flavor, you can also use brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the salmon for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, follow the same cooking instructions as for fresh salmon.
