Cody Casey
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, healthy meal on the table in under 15 minutes. With the air fryer, you can achieve a tender, flaky centre with a crispy, golden exterior without the need for lots of oil. The method is simple: season the salmon fillets, pop them in the air fryer, and in less than 15 minutes, you'll have a restaurant-worthy dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 8-11 minutes |
| Temperature | 350°F-400°F |
| Preheat Temperature | 390°F |
| Preheat Time | 5 minutes |
| Salmon Skin | Skin-on or skinless |
| Salmon Fillet Thickness | 1 inch |
| Seasoning | Olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon, honey, maple syrup, dijon mustard, smoked paprika, brown sugar |
| Sides | Salad, asparagus, roasted fingerling potatoes, grains, greens |
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What You'll Learn
Marinade ingredients and prep
Marinating your salmon before air frying it is a great way to add flavour and ensure your fish is moist and flaky. The key ingredients in a marinade are oil, salt, and flavourings such as garlic, paprika, and lemon.
For the oil, you can use olive oil, avocado oil, or extra virgin olive oil. Oil helps the seasoning stick to the fish and keeps the salmon moist as it cooks. A splash of oil will also help the seasonings coat the fish so that they don't blow off in the air fryer.
Salt is an essential seasoning, but be careful not to overdo it, especially if your seasoning blend already contains salt. You can also add black pepper, or a blend of dried thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds known as za'atar.
For flavour, garlic is a great addition, but be careful as it can burn easily in an air fryer. Use garlic powder or grate your garlic very finely so that it melds with the oil and coats the fish. You can also add lemon zest to give your salmon a tart lemon flavour without adding moisture, which inhibits browning.
If you want to add a little sweetness to your salmon, you can add honey or brown sugar, which will also help the fish caramelize. You can also try a soy/mustard mixture, or a maple Dijon glaze made by mixing one tablespoon of Dijon mustard with one teaspoon of maple syrup.
Brush your marinade on the salmon fillets and let them sit for a few minutes before placing them in the air fryer. Remember, salmon doesn't need much time in a marinade—a quick glaze right before cooking is often enough.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for salmon in the air fryer depend on the thickness of the salmon pieces and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook two salmon fillets at a time to ensure even cooking. The ideal temperature for cooking salmon in the air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time can range from 6 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon and the desired doneness.
For thicker fillets, it is recommended to add one or two minutes to the cooking time. The best way to check if the salmon is done is to use a fork to see if it flakes off easily. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fish. However, if you prefer your salmon medium, you can remove it from the air fryer at 135°F and let it rest for a few minutes to come up to temperature.
It is important to note that different air fryers cook at different temperatures, so it is essential to keep an eye on the salmon to prevent overcooking or burning. The cooking time may also vary depending on whether the salmon is fresh or frozen. Frozen salmon may require a longer cooking time, and it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed before adding the seasoning and cooking for an additional 6 to 11 minutes.
Additionally, the type of filet can impact the cooking time. Thinner fillets cut from the side of the salmon closest to the tail will cook more quickly than center-cut fillets, which tend to cook more evenly. Center-cut fillets are recommended for more even cooking.
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Cooking with the skin on or off
Cooking salmon with the skin on or off is a matter of personal preference. Leaving the skin on while cooking can help keep the salmon moist, and the skin can be removed after cooking if desired. However, cooking the skin separately can also result in a crispy treat.
If you choose to cook the salmon with the skin on, it is recommended that you place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer. This will allow the skin to crisp up while the salmon cooks. It is also important to note that thinner fillets will cook more quickly than thicker ones, so it is best to check the salmon with a fork to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
To cook salmon with the skin off, you can use fish tweezers or a sharp knife to remove the skin before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook the salmon with the skin on and remove it afterward. The skin can be cooked separately in the air fryer to create a crispy snack. Simply season the skin with salt and pepper, add it to the air fryer, and cook for about 6 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn't burn.
Some people may prefer to remove the skin before cooking, as it can be a source of bacteria and may not be appetizing to some. However, others may enjoy the crispy texture and flavor that cooked salmon skin can provide. Ultimately, the decision of whether to cook salmon with the skin on or off is a matter of personal preference and can be adjusted to suit your tastes.
When cooking salmon in an air fryer, it is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer. It is generally recommended to cook salmon in an air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, but this may need to be adjusted based on the specific circumstances.
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How to check if the salmon is cooked
The best way to check if your salmon is cooked is to use a fork to see if the fish flakes easily. The salmon should have a tender, flaky centre. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon pieces and the model of the air fryer. As a result, it is recommended to check on the salmon a few times towards the end to prevent overcooking.
If you are using an instant-read thermometer, the salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (or 135°F for medium-rare). It is recommended to remove the salmon a few degrees early and let it rest, allowing the residual heat to finish the cooking.
To ensure the salmon cooks evenly, it is important to use fillets of similar thickness and to not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your leftover salmon fillets is an important step in ensuring they remain safe to eat. It is recommended that you store your cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat it within 3-4 days. If you wish to keep your salmon for longer, you can store it in the freezer in a freezer-safe container. When you are ready to reheat frozen salmon, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.
When you are ready to reheat your salmon, there are several methods you can use, including the oven, microwave, stove, steamer, or air fryer. Reheating salmon can be tricky, as it is a delicate fish that can easily dry out, become rubbery, or be unevenly heated. To prevent this, it is recommended that you bring your salmon to room temperature before reheating and that you do not overcrowd the cooking vessel, so the salmon has space to heat evenly.
If you are in a hurry, the air fryer is a great option for reheating salmon, as it heats up quickly and cooks food faster than a traditional oven. To reheat your salmon in an air fryer, preheat it to between 350-360°F (175-180°C). While the air fryer is preheating, remove your salmon from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. You can also prepare your salmon by drizzling it with oil and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Some recipes also suggest adding a squeeze of lemon juice to your salmon and wrapping it in foil before placing it in the air fryer.
Once your salmon and air fryer are ready, place the salmon in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the exterior becomes crispy and the salmon is heated through. It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillet, so it is recommended that you use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature of your salmon. Salmon is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 125-145°F (52-63°C).
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 8 to 11 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and preheat it for about 5 minutes. Then, cook the salmon at the same temperature for 10 minutes.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush them with melted butter or olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. For medium-rare, cook it to an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
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