Air-Fried Atlantic Salmon: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon and the model of air fryer you are using, but it typically takes under 10 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer. You can season the salmon with olive oil and your choice of herbs and spices, or even coat it in a crumb mixture. The best way to know when salmon is done is to use an instant-read thermometer, which should read 145 degrees F in the thickest part of the salmon.

How to season salmon for the air fryer

To season salmon for the air fryer, pat the salmon dry to ensure there is no moisture. Then, add the salmon and olive oil to a small bowl and mix. Add your chosen seasonings and rub them onto the fish.

You can use a variety of seasonings to flavour the salmon. For example, you could combine breadcrumbs, lemon rind, parsley and butter. Press the crumb mixture over the top of each salmon fillet. Alternatively, you could use a heavy hand with your chosen seasonings.

It is important to note that the size and thickness of your salmon fillet will impact the cooking time. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the salmon in batches.

How long to cook salmon in the air fryer

The cooking time for salmon in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the salmon pieces and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook salmon at 400 degrees F for 6 to 11 minutes. The salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F in the thickest part of the salmon. To ensure the salmon is moist and flaky, it should be removed from the air fryer at around 135 degrees F and then covered to rest.

If you are cooking salmon with a crumb topping, it should be cooked for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.

It is important to note that the size of the air fryer may also impact the cooking time. Depending on the size of the air fryer, you may need to cook the salmon in batches to ensure even cooking.

How to check if salmon is cooked

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. But how do you know when your salmon is cooked to perfection? Here are some tips to ensure your salmon is just right:

Firstly, it's important to note that the cooking time for salmon in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the salmon pieces and the model of the air fryer. As a general guide, air fry salmon at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 11 minutes. For a 700g capacity air fryer, you can cook salmon for 10 to 12 minutes.

To check if your salmon is cooked, the best way is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the salmon; the FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a thermometer, you can also check for doneness with a fork. Insert a fork into the thickest part of the salmon and gently pull apart the flesh; it should be flaky.

It's important to note that salmon continues to cook even after it's removed from the air fryer due to carryover cooking. So, if you're aiming for a moist and flaky texture, it's best to remove the salmon from the air fryer around 135 degrees Fahrenheit and let it rest. The residual heat will bring it to the desired temperature, and you'll be left with perfectly cooked salmon.

What to serve with salmon

To cook Atlantic salmon in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 180°C. Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper for easy clean-up. Pat the salmon dry to ensure there is no moisture, then season with olive oil and your chosen herbs and spices. Place the salmon in the basket skin-side down and air fry for 6-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of your air fryer. Check for doneness with a fork – the salmon should be flaky.

Salmon is a versatile fish that pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Rice
• Vegetables, especially roasted potatoes or green asparagus
• Salad, such as arugula and avocado, or a quinoa and vegetable mix tossed in olive oil and red wine vinegar
• Blue cheese and bacon-smattered iceberg salad
• Corn

How to clean the air fryer after cooking salmon

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal. However, cleaning the air fryer afterwards can be a bit of a chore. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your air fryer after cooking salmon, so that it is ready for your next culinary creation.

First, make sure that the air fryer is unplugged and switched off. Then, remove the basket from the air fryer and place it on a heatproof surface. If you lined the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper before cooking, as recommended by some recipes, you can simply remove and discard this now. Otherwise, use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe away any crumbs or residue from the basket. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, as food debris can build up and cause issues with the performance of your air fryer over time.

Next, fill your sink with hot, soapy water. Carefully place the basket in the water and let it soak for a few minutes to loosen any remaining grease or food residue. Then, use a soft sponge or brush to gently scrub the basket, paying particular attention to any areas where food may have become stuck. Rinse the basket thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.

If your air fryer basket is dishwasher safe, you can place it in the dishwasher after removing any large pieces of food debris. Be sure to separate the basket from the rest of the air fryer, as it is not safe to put the entire appliance in the dishwasher. Check your air fryer's care instructions to see if this is an option for you.

Finally, wipe down the outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth to remove any splatters or grease. Dry it with a soft cloth and return the basket to the air fryer. Your air fryer is now clean and ready for your next cooking adventure!

Frequently asked questions