Tillie Doyle
Crab-stuffed salmon is a gourmet dish that can be made at home in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. The recipe involves preparing a crab cake-style stuffing, which is then stuffed into salmon fillets and cooked in the air fryer. The dish is healthy, delicious, and easy to make, and can be paired with a variety of side dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 8-12 minutes |
| Cook temperature | 370-400°F |
| Prep time | 10 minutes |
| Total time | 18-22 minutes |
| Main ingredients | Salmon, crab, cream cheese, cheese, breadcrumbs |
| Other ingredients | Olive oil, salt, black pepper, spinach, lemon juice, dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, parsley, mayonnaise |
| Special equipment | Air fryer, meat thermometer |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days |
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What You'll Learn
Crab and cream cheese stuffing
Ingredients:
- Crab meat (fresh, refrigerated, canned, or imitation crab can be used)
- Cream cheese (regular or dairy-free)
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon juice and zest
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill
- Spices: garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper
- Breadcrumbs (optional)
Optional Ingredients:
- Cheese: Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Mozzarella, Goat Cheese, or Parmesan
- Mustard: Dijon or Grain
- Spinach
- Roasted red peppers
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Green onions
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, add the crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice and zest, spices, and any optional ingredients you wish to include.
- Mix the ingredients well to create a homogeneous crab stuffing mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- If time allows, cover and chill the mixture for about an hour to enhance the flavours and make it easier to work with.
- Before stuffing the salmon, you can slice each fillet lengthwise down the centre to create more space for the filling.
- Generously stuff each salmon fillet with the crab mixture. You can use a tablespoon or your hands to fill the salmon. The fillets should be overflowing with stuffing.
- Top each fillet with any remaining stuffing and sprinkle with breadcrumbs (optional) for added texture and flavour.
- Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. For well-done salmon, you may need to increase the cooking time.
- To ensure doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon, which should be between 125-145°F.
- Serve the crab and cream cheese-stuffed salmon with your favourite sides and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy stuffing and flaky salmon!
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Salmon prep and seasoning
To prepare your salmon fillets, start by patting them dry with a paper towel. Then, brush or spray the fillets with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and fresh or dried herbs like parsley and dill. If you're using fresh herbs, chop them finely to release their flavours.
If you're using frozen salmon fillets, it's important to defrost them completely before cooking. Leave them in the fridge overnight to thaw, and then pat them dry with kitchen paper before stuffing to remove any excess moisture. It's also recommended to use centre-cut pieces so they are thick enough to make a slit for the stuffing.
Once your salmon fillets are prepared and seasoned, it's time to stuff them. You can make a variety of stuffings, but a common option is to mix crab meat with cream cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt, along with seasonings and fresh herbs. You can also add in other ingredients like mayonnaise, dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, garlic, onion, hot sauce, and bread crumbs. Just be sure not to break up the crab meat too much as you mix the ingredients together.
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Air fryer settings
The ideal air fryer settings for cooking crab-stuffed salmon depend on the model of your air fryer, the thickness of your salmon fillets, and whether you are cooking fresh or frozen salmon.
Most sources recommend cooking crab-stuffed salmon at a temperature between 370°F and 390°F for 8 to 12 minutes. However, one source recommends cooking at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes, and another suggests 190°C for 10 minutes.
If you are cooking frozen salmon, it is important to defrost it completely before cooking. This can be done by leaving it in the fridge overnight. Cooking times may also be slightly longer for frozen salmon.
To check if your crab-stuffed salmon is cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the salmon has reached at least 135°F to 145°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, the salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork, and the filling is hot and browned.
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Cooking and serving
Crab-stuffed salmon is a gourmet dish that can be easily made in an air fryer. It is a delicious, healthy, and fast meal option that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking and serving crab-stuffed salmon in an air fryer:
Preparation:
Start by preparing the crab stuffing. In a mixing bowl, combine crab meat, cream cheese, jack cheese, dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, paprika, garlic powder, and fresh parsley or dill. Mix the ingredients well to create a creamy and flavourful stuffing. You can adjust the recipe by adding ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as gruyere or goat cheese.
Stuffing the Salmon:
Choose thick salmon fillets, preferably with the skin on, as it helps keep the fish moist during cooking. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Using a sharp knife, preferably a boning knife, carefully cut a slit into the center of each fillet, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Avoid cutting all the way through the fillet. Stuff each fillet generously with the crab mixture until it is overflowing. You can use a tablespoon or your hands to stuff the salmon.
Air Frying:
Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F (190-204°C). Line the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper or spritz it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the stuffed salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Drizzle or brush the fillets with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Air fry the stuffed salmon for 10-12 minutes at 370-400°F. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon. For a 4-ounce fillet, aim for 8-12 minutes. The salmon is cooked when it has a crispy exterior and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach at least 135-145°F.
Serving:
Crab-stuffed salmon is best served fresh and straight out of the air fryer. You can pair it with your favourite side dishes, starches, or vegetables. For an extra touch of flavour, drizzle the cooked salmon with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, or chopped fresh herbs. Don't forget to remove the skin before serving if you prefer skinless salmon.
Storage and Reheating:
Crab-stuffed salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. It is best to consume it fresh, but you can also freeze it before or after cooking in an airtight container. When freezing, aim to enjoy it within two months for the best results. To reheat, thaw frozen stuffed salmon in the refrigerator overnight, and then air fry at 350°F until the center is warmed through, which takes about 10 minutes.
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Storing and reheating
Storing:
It is recommended to store leftover crab-stuffed salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to consume it within two days for optimal food safety and quality. If you wish to keep it for a more extended period, consider freezing it.
Reheating:
When reheating crab-stuffed salmon, it is essential to do so gently to maintain the dish's tenderness and flavour. Firstly, thaw the frozen salmon overnight in the refrigerator if it was stored in the freezer. Then, place the leftover crab-stuffed salmon in the air fryer basket and reheat it at 350°F for approximately 10 minutes, or until the centre of the salmon is warmed through. You can also use an oven or a microwave to reheat, but ensure the salmon is heated thoroughly without becoming dry.
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Frequently asked questions
Crab-stuffed salmon should be cooked in the air fryer for around 10 minutes at 375°F, depending on the thickness of the salmon. You can also cook it for 8 minutes at 370°F or 10 minutes at 190°C.
You should preheat your air fryer to 390°F or 400°F. However, one source recommends cooking the salmon at 375°F.
You will need salmon fillets, crab meat, and a variety of other ingredients for the stuffing. The stuffing can include cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Greek yogurt, breadcrumbs, dill, lemon juice, and various other seasonings.
