Marianne Martinez
Cooking salmon chunks in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a delicious meal. The intense circulation of hot air in air fryers is remarkably good at cooking delicate seafood quickly, so the edges crisp before the fish dries out. This method also skips the mess and long cooking times of pan-fried or baked salmon. You can use fresh or frozen salmon, but if it's frozen, it's best to let it thaw before air frying. The time and temperature can vary depending on the recipe, but generally, you'll be enjoying your salmon chunks in under 10 minutes!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Temperature | 350°F-400°F |
| Salmon | Skin-on or skinless, cut into chunks |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, or olive oil spray |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, onion powder, sumac, sesame seeds, etc. |
| Sauce | Maple syrup, teriyaki sauce, honey, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, etc. |
| Sides | Rice, grains, salad, vegetables, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning and spices
When it comes to seasoning and spices, you can tweak the seasoning to suit your flavour preferences. However, a simple combination of olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper is a popular choice. Olive oil helps the seasoning stick and keeps the salmon moist, while garlic powder adds flavour without burning, as can happen with fresh garlic.
You can also add paprika for a little colour and a subtle smoky flavour. Lemon zest can also be added for a tart lemon flavour without adding moisture, which can inhibit browning.
For a blackened salmon flavour, you can use blackening spices or Cajun seasoning. For a simple, savoury, and tart flavour, you can use Za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend of dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and sometimes additional herbs.
If you want to add a glaze to your salmon chunks, you can try a maple Dijon glaze by mixing one tablespoon of Dijon mustard with one teaspoon of maple syrup and brushing it on the salmon before or during cooking. For a sweet and smoky flavour, you can swap the paprika for half a teaspoon of smoked paprika and add half a teaspoon of brown sugar.
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Olive oil
To cook salmon chunks in an air fryer with olive oil, start by cutting a salmon fillet into cubes of roughly the same size. Place the salmon chunks into a large bowl and drizzle olive oil onto them. You can also use an olive oil spray for this step. Next, add your choice of seasonings to the bowl. Some common seasoning options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. You can also try a lemon pepper seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or a maple Dijon glaze. Once you've added your seasonings, gently rub the mixture onto the salmon until it is thoroughly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes. You can also line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. Place the salmon chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, and cook the salmon in batches if necessary. Air fry the salmon for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and browned. For food safety, the internal temperature of the salmon should be 145°F. If you prefer your salmon medium-rare, you can remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 135°F and let it rest until it comes up to temperature.
Using olive oil to cook salmon chunks in an air fryer is a simple and effective method that will result in delicious, tender, and flaky salmon.
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Temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking salmon chunks in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the thickness of the salmon pieces, the model of the air fryer, and personal preference for doneness.
Firstly, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before placing the salmon chunks in the basket. Preheat temperatures vary across sources, ranging from 380°F to 400°F.
When cooking the salmon chunks, most sources recommend a temperature of 400°F for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon pieces. It is important to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.
For smaller, bite-sized pieces of salmon, a lower temperature of 380°F is suggested, with a cooking time of 6 minutes. It is still important to shake the basket halfway through.
If you prefer your salmon well done, you can cook it for up to 10 minutes. Additionally, if you are cooking thicker fillets, you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.
When reheating salmon chunks in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F to 375°F and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
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Glazes and sauces
Salmon chunks in an air fryer can be paired with a variety of glazes and sauces. Here are some options:
Glazes
- Maple Dijon: Mix one tablespoon of Dijon mustard with one teaspoon of maple syrup and brush it on the salmon before air frying.
- Teriyaki Glaze: Brush the salmon with one tablespoon of teriyaki sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Smoky BBQ: Swap the paprika for half a teaspoon of smoked paprika and add half a teaspoon of brown sugar for a sweet and smoky flavour.
- Spicy Honey: Drizzle with one teaspoon of hot honey after cooking for a touch of heat and sweetness.
Sauces
- Greek Yogurt Sauce: Salmon pairs well with a variety of sauces, including Greek yogurt.
- Honey Mustard: A combination of honey and mustard is another option for a sweet and tangy sauce.
- Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy spice, a classic hot sauce can be drizzled over the salmon.
- Sweet and Savory Sauce: For an Asian-inspired flavour, a sweet and savoury sauce can be drizzled over the salmon chunks.
- Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil: For a simple and flavourful option, a combination of soy sauce and sesame oil can be used as a marinade or sauce.
- Lemon and Parsley: A classic combination of lemon wedges and fresh parsley can be served alongside the salmon for added flavour.
- Harissa and Lime: Harissa and lime are robust flavours that can complement the salmon without overwhelming its natural taste.
- Lemon and Pesto: Another citrus-based option is to pair the salmon with lemon and pesto.
- Za'atar and Garlic: Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that adds a savoury, tart, and nutty flavour to the dish.
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Reheating and storing
Leftover salmon chunks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the salmon chunks in the air fryer and cook for about 2-3 minutes at 350-375°F. You can also reheat the salmon at 350°F for about three minutes, shaking the air fryer basket halfway.
If you want to store the cooked salmon for longer, you can freeze it for up to two months. Make sure to let the salmon thaw in the fridge before reheating it in the air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 5 to 10 minutes to cook salmon chunks in an air fryer. The time depends on the thickness of the salmon chunks and the model of the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F-400°F.
The salmon chunks are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 120-125°F. You can also check by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the salmon chunk and seeing if it flakes easily.
