Ella Walter
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The air fryer can cook salmon with a variety of seasonings and glazes, resulting in a flaky and tender centre with a seared exterior. The cooking time is typically under 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer. This method of cooking salmon is also low-calorie and low-carb.
How to Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 6-12 minutes |
| Temperature | 180-400°F |
| Preheat Temperature | 360-400°F |
| Preheat Time | 0-12 minutes |
| Salmon | Skin-on or skinless |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, lemon, etc. |
| Marinade | Soy sauce, brown sugar, dijon mustard, honey, etc. |
| Sides | Rice, quinoa, asparagus, roasted potatoes, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and speeds up the overall cooking time. It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360°F and 400°F. The specific temperature you choose within this range may depend on your air fryer model and personal preference. For example, one source suggests preheating to 390°F and cooking for 10 to 12 minutes, while another recommends 400°F for 6 to 11 minutes.
If you are using frozen salmon, preheat your air fryer to 360°F and place the frozen salmon on aluminum foil in the air fryer. Cook for about 7 minutes, or until the salmon is thawed. Then, you can add your chosen glaze or marinade and cook for an additional 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.
If you are using fresh or fully thawed salmon, you should still preheat your air fryer, but you can do so at a higher temperature. One source suggests preheating to 400°F and then cooking the salmon for 7 to 8 minutes initially. At the halfway mark, you can baste your salmon with more marinade and continue cooking. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets, with thinner pieces taking 7 to 8 minutes and thicker pieces taking 9 to 10 minutes.
It is important to note that the size of your air fryer may also impact the cooking time. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the salmon in batches to ensure even cooking. Additionally, if you are using skin-on salmon fillets, it is recommended to place them skin-side down in the air fryer.
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Season the salmon
Seasoning the salmon is a simple process that can be done in a variety of ways. Firstly, you can pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to help it crisp up during cooking. Then, brush the fillets with a small amount of melted butter or olive oil, or avocado oil, to help the seasoning stick and prevent the salmon from drying out.
Next, it's time to add the spices. A simple combination of salt and pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is a popular choice, but you can also add other spices like smoked paprika, dried oregano, or dried thyme for a herby twist. If you want a little heat, you can try Cajun seasoning or swap the paprika for cayenne pepper. You can also add brown sugar or honey to give the salmon a sweet and sticky glaze. Another option is to use a Dijon mustard glaze, which adds a tangy flavour and keeps the salmon moist.
Once you've added your chosen spices and/or glaze, make sure to coat the salmon fillets generously. You can do this by sprinkling the spices directly onto the fillets or by mixing the spices with the olive oil and brushing it onto the salmon. You can also place the salmon and olive oil in a small bowl, add the seasonings, and rub them onto the fish.
Finally, if you're using an air fryer basket, it's a good idea to add foil or parchment paper to the bottom of the basket for easy cleanup. You can also spritz the foil with a little cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Glaze the salmon
There are several ways to glaze salmon in an air fryer. One option is to make a honey-garlic glaze. To do this, mix honey, soy sauce, and garlic or garlic powder in a small bowl. You can also add grated garlic to the salmon before pouring the glaze over it, but be careful not to let it burn. If you don't have honey, you can use maple syrup instead. You can also add some sriracha to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Once you have prepared the glaze, pat the salmon fillets dry and season them with salt and pepper. Then, brush the glaze over the salmon. You can also try brushing the salmon with a tablespoon of teriyaki sauce or a mixture of one tablespoon of Dijon mustard and one teaspoon of maple syrup in the last couple of minutes of cooking for extra flavor.
If you prefer to glaze the salmon after cooking, simply drizzle the glaze over the salmon once it's done. This method helps to retain the flavor without the risk of burning. You can also reduce the marinade into a glaze in a skillet over medium-low heat for one to two minutes, then pour it over the salmon at the end.
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Cook the salmon
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If you are using frozen salmon, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before cooking. You can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer by preheating the air fryer to 360°F and cooking for about 7 minutes, or until thawed.
Next, gather your ingredients and make your marinade. A simple combination of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper will do the trick. You can also add some lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side for a classic pairing. If you want to get creative, try mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices, or dijon mustard, honey, or maple syrup for a sweet and savory glaze.
Once your marinade is ready, spoon it over the salmon fillets, gently rubbing it in until they are fully coated. If you're using a glaze, you can brush it on in the last couple of minutes of cooking or after cooking to avoid burning.
Now, it's time to cook the salmon! Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching and that the skin is side down. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For thinner pieces, 7-8 minutes should be enough, while thicker pieces may need 9-10 minutes.
To check if your salmon is done, use a fork to see if it flakes off easily. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; the salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part. Remove the salmon from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate. If desired, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the salmon and garnish with fresh parsley.
And that's it! Your air-fried salmon is now ready to be served and enjoyed.
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Serve the salmon
Once your salmon is cooked to your liking, it's time to serve it! There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your dish is not only delicious but also safe to eat. Firstly, let's talk about the temperature. Salmon is best served hot or cold, so it's important to maintain its temperature after cooking. If you're serving it hot, transfer the cooked salmon to a plate or serving dish and cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm. If you're serving it cold, place the cooked salmon in the refrigerator to chill.
Now, let's discuss the sides and garnishes. Salmon is a versatile protein that pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Vegetables: Asparagus is a classic pairing with salmon, and it can be grilled, roasted, or air-fried. Other vegetables such as roasted fingerling potatoes, pak choi, choy sum, or tatsoi also make great sides.
- Grains: Quinoa, a protein-packed grain, is a good option to serve with salmon, especially if you're looking for something filling and satisfying.
- Sauces and glazes: A variety of sauces and glazes can elevate your salmon dish. You can go for a classic pairing like tartar sauce, or get creative with Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, hot sauce, or a soy sauce and mustard mixture. If you want to add a sweet and sticky glaze to your salmon, brush on a mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard before air frying, or try a teriyaki glaze or a spicy honey drizzle.
- Herbs and citrus: Fresh herbs like parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice can add a bright, fresh touch to your dish.
Finally, don't forget about food safety. Salmon is best enjoyed fresh, so it's important to store any leftovers properly. Refrigerate your cooked salmon in an airtight container within two hours of cooking and enjoy it within a couple of days.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 6 to 11 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit when cooking salmon.
The best way to check if your salmon is done is to use a fork to see if it flakes off easily. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon has reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
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