Tillie Doyle
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this popular fish. It's a convenient method for a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, with most recipes taking under 15 minutes. The air fryer's intense hot air circulation cooks salmon to a perfect tenderness with a crispy exterior. The key to success is a simple seasoning of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, with the option to add paprika, herbs, or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavour.
Characteristics and Values table for cooking salmon in an air fryer:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 8-11 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs |
| Glaze | Maple dijon, teriyaki sauce |
| Filet thickness | 1 inch |
| Clean-up | Line air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper |
| Reheating | Low and slow to prevent drying out |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and efficiently. By preheating your air fryer to 390°F, you create the ideal environment for achieving that coveted crispy texture on the outside of the fish, while still maintaining a tender, flaky centre.
To preheat your air fryer to 390°F, start by turning on your air fryer and setting the temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the air fryer to heat up for approximately 5 minutes. This duration is crucial, as it ensures that the appliance reaches the desired temperature, creating a consistent cooking environment for your salmon.
During the preheating process, the air fryer's internal components, such as the heating element and the fan, work together to circulate hot air and create a uniform temperature throughout the cooking chamber. This circulation of hot air is what gives air fryers their unique ability to produce crispy, golden results without the need for excessive amounts of oil.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can use this time to prepare your salmon fillets. This includes patting them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which can lead to soggy fish if left unchecked. You can also use this time to prepare any seasonings or marinades that you plan to use.
Once the preheating cycle is complete, your air fryer is ready to cook your salmon to perfection. The preheating step ensures that your salmon will start cooking at the desired temperature from the moment it's placed inside the air fryer, leading to consistent and desirable results.
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Pat the salmon dry
Once the salmon is dry, you can brush the fillets with a fat such as melted butter or olive oil. This step will help the seasonings stick to the salmon and prevent it from drying out during cooking. It will also help to create that desirable crispy texture on the outside of the fish.
If you're using frozen salmon fillets, make sure they are completely thawed before you begin the drying process. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water. It's important that the salmon is dry before you add any seasonings or oils, as this will ensure an even coating.
The drying process is a crucial step in achieving the perfect air-fried salmon. By removing any excess moisture, you're ensuring that the hot air of the air fryer can circulate effectively and create that signature crispy texture.
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Season the salmon
Seasoning your salmon is a crucial step in the cooking process. It adds flavour and helps to create a crispy exterior. You can use any combination of spices, herbs, and oils to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some detailed instructions on how to season your salmon:
Firstly, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help ensure that your salmon cooks properly and does not become soggy. Then, brush the fillets with a thin layer of melted butter or olive oil. You can also use avocado oil, which has a high smoke point and a subtle flavour that pairs well with seafood.
Next, it's time to add your chosen seasonings. A simple and classic combination is salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also experiment with other spices like cumin, coriander, or red pepper flakes for a spicier dish. If you want a more herbal flavour, try using dried or fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or thyme. Mix and match these seasonings to find your perfect combination.
For a more even coating, try a wet spice rub. In a small bowl, mix finely grated garlic, olive oil, and lemon zest. You can also add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and maple syrup for a sweet and tangy flavour. Then, use a pastry brush to generously apply the mixture to the salmon fillets, ensuring each one is well-coated.
Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your seasonings. Air-fried salmon pairs well with robust flavours like harissa and lime, za'atar, or lemon and pesto. You can also finish your cooked salmon with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
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Reheating salmon
Air Fryer
The air fryer is a great way to reheat salmon, as the circulated hot air cooks food faster and keeps it crispy on the outside. To reheat your salmon in an air fryer, line the basket with parchment paper or foil, and preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place a little olive oil and water on the salmon, and then place it in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Oven
The oven is another good option for reheating salmon. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Place olive oil and a bit of water on the salmon, and then put it in the oven for 10-15 minutes. You can also cover the salmon with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Microwave
Although not ideal, you can also reheat salmon in the microwave. Cover the salmon with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out, and then heat it for a short time. You can also add a drizzle of broth or lemon juice for extra moisture.
Stovetop
Storage
Leftover salmon should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eaten within 3-4 days. You can also store cooked salmon in the freezer. Use a freezer-safe container, and when you're ready to reheat it, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.
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Line the air fryer basket
To line the air fryer basket, use aluminum foil or parchment paper. This makes cleaning up easier. Start with the salmon skin-side down. If your salmon has skin, it's best to cook it skin-side down. This helps protect the fish, and the skin crisps up to provide a crunchy texture.
If you are using olive oil, brush the fillets with it before sprinkling on the seasoning. Olive oil helps the seasoning stick and prevents the salmon from drying out. Avocado oil works well too. If you are using melted butter, brush the fillets with it before placing them in the air fryer basket.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 7 to 12 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer.
The best way to check if the salmon is done to your liking is to use a fork to see if it flakes off easily. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; per the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part.
You can season salmon with salt and pepper, or get creative with ingredients like garlic powder, paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and dijon mustard.
