Air-Fried Salmon Skewers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

how to cook salmon skewers in air fryer

Salmon skewers are a quick and easy way to enjoy the rich flavour of salmon with a variety of marinades and seasonings. With the rise of air fryers, this dish has become even more accessible, allowing home cooks to achieve that perfect grilled taste with minimal effort. This method not only locks in moisture, keeping the salmon tender and juicy, but also delivers a beautiful caramelisation on the outside. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook salmon skewers in an air fryer, including tips on preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions. So, get ready to grill up some delicious and healthy salmon skewers with that perfect crispy texture!

Characteristics Values
Cook time 6-10 minutes
Temperature 180°C (350°F) to 200°C (392°F)
Marinade ingredients Oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Italian herbs, salt, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil
Additional ingredients Salmon, courgette, bell peppers, onion, broccoli, rice, noodles
Skewer type Wooden or bamboo
Skewer length 8 inches

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Salmon and vegetable prep

To make salmon skewers in an air fryer, you'll need to prepare the salmon and any vegetables you want to include. Here's a detailed guide on how to do that:

Salmon Prep:

Start with fresh salmon fillets, preferably thick ones, to ensure the salmon doesn't fall off the skewers during cooking. You can use skin-on or skinless fillets, whichever you prefer. Pat the fillets dry and cut them into bite-sized cubes. If you want to add a glaze to your salmon, you can brush it on before or after cooking. Here are some glaze options:

  • Maple Dijon: Mix 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup and brush it on the salmon.
  • Teriyaki Glaze: Brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Smoky BBQ: Use smoked paprika and add brown sugar for a sweet and smoky flavour.
  • Spicy Honey: Drizzle the cooked salmon with hot honey for a touch of heat and sweetness.

Vegetable Prep:

You can choose a variety of vegetables to accompany the salmon on the skewers. Popular options include zucchini (courgette), bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Cut the vegetables into large bite-sized chunks, similar in size to the salmon cubes. This ensures that everything cooks evenly. You can also add other ingredients like broccoli florets, which can be tossed with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of sesame oil before air frying.

Marinade:

To enhance the flavour of your skewers, you can prepare a marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of neutral-flavoured oil (such as vegetable, canola, or avocado oil) with the zest and juice of one lemon, 4 cloves of fresh garlic (or 2 teaspoons of garlic powder), 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix these ingredients well. You can also add soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil to the marinade for a different flavour profile.

Assembly:

Once your salmon and vegetables are cut into bite-sized pieces, it's time to assemble the skewers. If you're using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in cold water before adding the ingredients. This will prevent them from burning during cooking. Thread the salmon and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the two for a balanced skewer. You can also add thin slices of lemon between the salmon and vegetables for a burst of flavour.

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Marinade ingredients

Salmon skewers are a quick and easy way to enjoy the rich flavour of salmon with a variety of marinades and seasonings. The air fryer locks in moisture, keeping the salmon tender and juicy, while also delivering a beautiful caramelisation on the outside.

  • Soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and lemon juice.
  • Olive oil, garlic, and salt.
  • Lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
  • Lemon juice, zest, garlic, Italian herbs, and salt.
  • Lemon slices.
  • Salmon seasoning.
  • Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Maple syrup, and Dijon mustard.
  • Teriyaki sauce.
  • Smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
  • Hot honey.
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Skewer assembly

Firstly, ensure you have the right skewers for your air fryer. It is recommended to use 8-inch skewers, or a similar size that fits your air fryer basket, to ensure even cooking. Soak the skewers in cold water while you prepare the other ingredients to prevent them from burning during the cooking process.

For the salmon, start with fresh salmon fillets and pat them dry. Cut the fillets into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they are not too small to prevent them from falling off the skewers. Thick cubes are ideal as they will stay on the skewers and cook evenly. You can leave the skin on or remove it, depending on your preference.

If you want to add vegetables to your skewers, zucchini (courgette), bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms are great options. Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces as the salmon, aiming for large bite-sized chunks. You can also add thin slices of lemon to alternate with the salmon for a zesty flavour.

Now, it's time to assemble the skewers. Thread the salmon and vegetable pieces onto the skewers, alternating between the two. Leave a little space at the bottom and top of each skewer for easy handling. Continue until all your ingredients are used, creating multiple skewers.

Finally, brush the assembled skewers with your chosen marinade. You can make a simple marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, or try something different like a teriyaki glaze or a smoky BBQ sauce. Ensure the skewers are well-coated, and if you have time, let them marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours for maximum flavour.

Your salmon skewers are now ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

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Air fryer settings

Before you start cooking your salmon skewers, it's important to prepare your air fryer. Make sure to preheat your air fryer, with one source recommending a temperature of 180°C (350°F) and another suggesting 200°C. The temperature will depend on the specific model of your air fryer and its settings, so it's always good to check the manual or instructions.

When preparing your salmon skewers for the air fryer, it's important to ensure they fit comfortably in the basket. Use skewers that are an appropriate length for your air fryer, such as 8-inch skewers, and remember to soak them in cold water to prevent burning. Additionally, ensure your salmon pieces are cut into large bite-sized chunks to prevent them from falling off during cooking.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to arrange the skewers inside. Place them in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap with each other. This ensures even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the skewers in batches.

Now, you can set the timer and let the air fryer work its magic. The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model and the level of doneness you prefer. As a guide, cook the skewers for around 6 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can check if the salmon is cooked to your liking by using a fork to see if it flakes off easily. If you prefer a more well-done salmon, you can add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

After cooking, you can finish your salmon skewers with a delicious glaze. Simply brush on your chosen glaze during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking and let the heat caramelize it. This adds a tasty, slightly charred coating to your skewers.

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Cooking and serving

First, prepare your ingredients. You'll need salmon fillets, olive oil, and any vegetables you want to include—courgettes, bell peppers, and onions are popular choices. Cut the salmon and vegetables into large bite-sized chunks. Make sure they're not too small, or they'll fall off the skewers during cooking.

Next, make your marinade. A simple mixture of oil, lemon juice, garlic, and any desired herbs or spices will do. You can also experiment with different sauces and glazes, such as teriyaki sauce, BBQ sauce, or honey. Soak your skewers in cold water, then thread the salmon and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the two. Place the skewers in the fridge to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to between 180°C and 200°C. Place the skewers inside in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap for even cooking. Cook for 6 to 10 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and the thickness of your salmon pieces, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Once they're cooked to your liking, remove the skewers from the air fryer and serve immediately. Salmon skewers go great with rice, noodles, or a fresh side salad. You can also drizzle any leftover marinade over the cooked skewers for extra flavour.

Frequently asked questions

It takes 6-10 minutes to cook salmon skewers in an air fryer.

The air fryer should be preheated to between 180°C (350°F) and 200°C.

Cut the salmon fillets into bite-sized cubes. You can season the salmon with olive oil, garlic, and salt or a mix of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and lemon juice.

Salmon skewers go well with zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. Broccoli is also a good option.

Soak the skewers in cold water while the salmon marinates to prevent them from burning.

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