Tiffany Haney
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. The air fryer's ability to circulate air allows the skin to become crispy on the bottom, and the high temperature means the fish is cooked in under 10 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets, the temperature of the fillets, and the desired level of crispness. For thinner fillets, cook for 6 to 8 minutes, and for thicker fillets, cook for 10 to 12 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for the salmon to be fully cooked.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Crispy Salmon in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Time | 6-12 minutes |
| Salmon Type | Skin-on, fatty cuts like Atlantic or King Salmon |
| Salmon Preparation | Pat dry, coat with oil, season |
| Oil | Avocado, Olive, or melted unsalted butter |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, thyme |
| Sides | Rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, salads |
| Internal Temperature | 145°F |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for salmon in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the thickness of the fillets, the temperature of the fillets, and whether you want a crisp on the bottom and top. For thinner fillets, you will need 6 to 8 minutes, while thicker salmon will take 10 to 12 minutes to cook through. It is recommended to use the Air Fry or Bake function on your air fryer.
For a 6-ounce salmon fillet, the cooking time is typically 6 minutes, but you may need to adjust this depending on the make and model of your air fryer. It is important to note that the FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F. To ensure accuracy, it is best to use a meat thermometer.
If you are cooking salmon bites or nuggets, which are smaller pieces of salmon, they will cook faster, usually in less than 10 minutes. These bite-sized pieces are also cooked at a high temperature, so you can tell they are done when they are well-browned.
To achieve a crispy skin on your salmon, there are a few techniques you can try. Some people suggest cooking the salmon with the skin side down, which can help achieve a crispier skin. Others recommend cooking the salmon with the skin side up and then removing the skin to crisp it separately in the air fryer. This method ensures that the salmon doesn't dry out while the skin crisps.
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Choosing the right salmon fillets
When choosing salmon fillets for your air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Firstly, opt for salmon fillets that are uniform in size and weight. This is important because it ensures that the fish cooks evenly and at the same rate. Narrow, 5-6-ounce fillets are ideal as they cook more evenly and quickly than larger pieces. If you're cooking multiple fillets, make sure they are all similar in size so that they cook through simultaneously.
You can choose to cook your salmon with or without the skin. Skin-on salmon helps the fish cook more evenly and completely, and it also helps to trap the juices, resulting in a more tender fillet. If you opt for skin-on salmon, you can choose to serve it with the skin on or remove it before serving. Cooking the salmon with the skin-side down will help achieve a crispy texture, and you can finish it off in the air fryer for extra crispness. However, if you prefer skinless salmon, be sure to grease the air fryer basket generously to prevent sticking.
When purchasing salmon, it's best to look for sustainable and wild-caught salmon. You can also choose between skinless or skin-on fillets, depending on your preference. Some people prefer the convenience of skinless salmon, while others enjoy the crispy skin that comes with air-fried salmon. If you're aiming for a crispy exterior, it's recommended to pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before adding any oil or seasoning. This helps to form a beautiful golden exterior and crispy skin.
Lastly, consider the fat content of the salmon. Fattier cuts of salmon, such as Atlantic or King Salmon, are ideal for achieving a tender interior and a mouth-watering crisp on the outside. The fat content helps keep the salmon moist and juicy. However, if you prefer a leaner option, you can choose a salmon variety with less fat, but be mindful that it may require additional oil or butter to prevent it from drying out in the air fryer.
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Preparing the salmon
Next, prepare the oil and seasonings. Olive oil, avocado oil, or melted unsalted butter are all suitable options. You only need a small amount—a teaspoon per fillet is usually sufficient. For the seasonings, a blend of garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper is a popular choice. You can also add onion powder, dried thyme, or a touch of brown sugar for a subtle sweetness. If you like your salmon with a kick, try Cajun seasoning or jerk seasoning.
Once you have prepared the oil and seasonings, it's time to coat the salmon. You can brush the oil and seasonings onto the salmon or toss the salmon cubes in a large bowl to combine them with the seasoning. Make sure to coat both sides of the salmon evenly. If you are using skin-on salmon, place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
When arranging the salmon in the air fryer, ensure there is space between each piece. This allows the air to fully circulate, ensuring even cooking. Now, you are ready to air fry your salmon!
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Seasoning and spices
A dry rub of spices is a great way to add flavour to your salmon. A basic blend of garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper is a good place to start. You can also add onion powder and smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier aroma. If you like a little heat, you can add some cayenne pepper or chilli powder to the mix. For a sweeter option, a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup will give the salmon a subtle sweetness and help it caramelize.
You can also experiment with different spice blends to find your favourite. Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, jerk seasoning, or a simple blend of thyme and cumin are all worth trying. If you're feeling creative, you can make your own spice blend by mixing and matching different spices. Just be sure to taste as you go to ensure you don't overpower the delicate flavour of the salmon.
Don't forget that the salmon should be patted dry before adding any oil or seasonings. This will help to create a beautiful golden exterior and ensure the seasonings stick properly. A light coating of olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter will help the spices adhere to the fish and prevent sticking. You only need a small amount, as the air fryer requires minimal oil.
Finally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking can add a bright, acidic note to your crispy salmon. It's a simple touch that can really enhance the overall flavour of the dish.
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Reheating and storing
You can store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the salmon, place it in an air fryer at 400°F for a couple of minutes. Alternatively, you can use a microwave.
If you want to crisp up the skin, put something on top of it to weigh it down, like a metal heat-safe trivet or rack. This will prevent the skin from flying around the air fryer and ensure that the air circulates over and around it. Then, put the basket back into the air fryer and cook at 400°F for about 3-4 minutes. The skin will crisp up a bit more once it starts to cool, so take that into account.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets, the temperature of the fillets, and whether you want a crisp on the bottom and top of the salmon. For thinner fillets, it takes 6 to 8 minutes, while thicker salmon will take 10 to 12 minutes to cook through.
Set the air fryer to 400°F.
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to help form a golden exterior and crispy skin. Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between the pieces. For extra crispy skin, once the salmon is cooked, remove the skin from the top of the fish and transfer it back to the air fryer basket for 3-4 minutes.
Air fryer salmon goes well with steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, asparagus, and salads. You can also air fry some vegetables with the salmon, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or asparagus.
