Air-Fried Coho Salmon: A Quick, Tasty Treat

Coho salmon is a delicious fish that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. To ensure the salmon cooks evenly, it's important to use fillets that are of a similar thickness and size. The air fryer basket should be lined with aluminium foil or parchment paper for easy clean-up, and the salmon should be placed skin-side down, with space between the fillets to allow air to circulate. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer, but generally, it will take between 6 and 11 minutes to cook at a temperature of around 400°F.

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F or 400°F

Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the salmon fillets in the basket, skin-side down. Make sure there is space between the pieces so that air can fully circulate around the fish, ensuring even cooking. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the salmon in batches.

Now you're ready to start cooking! Air fry the salmon for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part. If you prefer your salmon medium, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F and let it rest for a few minutes to come up to temperature.

Pat the salmon dry with paper towels

When cooking coho salmon in an air fryer, it's important to pat the salmon dry with paper towels before cooking. This step helps to remove any excess moisture from the fish, which can lead to soggy, unevenly cooked salmon. By patting the salmon dry, you're ensuring that the hot air from the air fryer can circulate evenly around the fish, resulting in crispy, golden skin and moist, flaky flesh.

To do this, simply use a few sheets of paper towel to gently blot the surface of the salmon fillets. Make sure to cover the entire surface area, including the sides and ends of the fillets. You may need to use a fresh sheet of paper towel if the one you're using becomes saturated with moisture.

It's important to note that this step is especially crucial if your salmon has been previously frozen. Frozen salmon tends to release more moisture during the cooking process, so taking the time to pat it dry thoroughly can make a big difference in the final texture and appearance of your dish.

Once the salmon is patted dry, you can proceed with the rest of the recipe, such as brushing the fillets with melted butter or olive oil, seasoning them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, and then air-frying them to perfection. Remember to cook the salmon skin-side down and check for doneness with a fork or an instant-read thermometer. Enjoy your delicious air-fried coho salmon!

Brush the salmon with melted butter or olive oil

To cook coho salmon in an air fryer, you'll want to start by brushing the salmon with melted butter or olive oil. This will help to create a crispy exterior and ensure the fish doesn't stick to the air fryer basket. You can also add some lemon juice to the oil for extra flavour.

Before brushing the salmon, it's important to pat the fish dry with paper towels. This will remove any excess moisture, which can lead to soggy fish.

When brushing the salmon with melted butter or olive oil, be sure to coat the entire surface of the fish. This will help ensure even cooking and a beautiful golden colour.

You can also sprinkle on some salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika after brushing with butter or oil. This will add flavour and create a delicious crust on the salmon.

After brushing and seasoning the salmon, it's time to place it in the air fryer. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. This will allow the hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking.

Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper

Lining the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper is a great way to ensure easy clean-up after cooking your coho salmon. Start by placing the salmon skin-side down on the foil or paper. Make sure there is space between the pieces so that the air can fully circulate around the fish, ensuring even cooking.

Before placing the salmon in the air fryer, it's important to pat the fish dry with paper towels. This will help to create a golden exterior and crispy skin. You can also brush the fillets with melted butter or olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Once the salmon is prepared and placed in the air fryer basket, you can set the temperature and timer according to your desired doneness. For well-done salmon, cook at 390-400 degrees F for 10-11 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. If you prefer your salmon medium, aim for an internal temperature of 135 degrees F and let it rest for a few minutes to come up to temperature.

Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to know when your salmon is done. Checking the doneness with a fork can also help you determine if the salmon has reached your desired level of cooking.

Check for doneness with a fork or instant-read thermometer

Checking for doneness is an important step in the cooking process. You can check the salmon's doneness with a fork or an instant-read thermometer. If you are using a fork, open the air fryer basket and insert the fork into the thickest part of the salmon fillet. If the salmon flakes easily and is opaque, it is likely done. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. According to the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part. If you prefer your salmon medium, you can remove it from the air fryer at 135°F and let it rest for a few minutes; it will continue to cook and reach the desired temperature.

It is 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. To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to use salmon fillets of uniform size and thickness. Additionally, leaving space between the fillets in the air fryer basket allows for proper air circulation, which also contributes to even cooking.

Frequently asked questions