Tillie Doyle
Salmon is a nutritious and healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and cooking it in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy all of its health benefits without added oil or fat. The air fryer can cook salmon with a crispy exterior and a tender, flaky interior in under 15 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. The circulating hot air cooks the salmon evenly on both sides, so there is no need to flip the salmon while cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cut and the model of the air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 6-11 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Preheat temperature | 390°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Salmon type | Fresh or frozen |
| Salmon cut | Fillet or steak |
| Skin | On or off |
| Marinade | Olive oil, avocado oil, or butter |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, dijon mustard, smoked paprika, lemon |
| Glaze | Teriyaki sauce, BBQ sauce, honey, hot sauce, balsamic glaze |
| Sides | Roasted vegetables, quinoa, rice, mashed potatoes, salad, asparagus, brussels sprouts, broccoli |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning and Marinades
Seasoning and marinade are key to enhancing the flavour of your salmon steaks. Before cooking, you should pat the salmon dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess. You can then brush the salmon with olive oil or melted butter, which will help the seasoning stick and keep the salmon moist.
For seasoning, a simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika will work well. You can also add brown sugar or honey to the mix, which will give the salmon a subtle sweetness and help it caramelise. If you want to add a smokey aroma, smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried or fresh herbs are a great addition. You can also use garlic granules instead of garlic powder, or fresh garlic if you don't mind the risk of burning.
If you want to marinate your salmon, a blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger will add flavour and help create a crispy outer crust. You can also try a maple dijon mix—combine one tablespoon of dijon mustard with one teaspoon of maple syrup and brush it on before air frying. Alternatively, you can glaze the salmon with sweet chilli sauce, honey soy sauce, or balsamic glaze after cooking for an extra pop of flavour.
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Cooking Time and Temperature
The cooking time and temperature for salmon steaks in an air fryer depend on various factors, such as the thickness of the salmon steaks, the model of the air fryer, and personal preference for doneness.
For a 6-ounce salmon fillet, a cooking time of 6 minutes is recommended. Depending on the make and model of the air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time and cook it a little longer. It is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket, and if needed, cook the salmon in batches.
When cooking frozen salmon, preheat the air fryer to 360°F and lay the salmon on aluminum foil. Cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, follow the two-step method by drizzling a soy/mustard mixture over the fillets and cooking for another 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness.
For thicker salmon steaks, you may need to increase the cooking time by a minute or two. The best way to check for doneness is by using a fork to see if the salmon flakes off easily. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part. 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.
To achieve crispy edges, preheating the air fryer is essential. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 390°F or 400°F for about 5 minutes before placing the salmon inside. The cooking time at this temperature is typically around 10 minutes for skin-on salmon fillets, and 8 to 10 minutes for larger fillets.
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Skin On or Skin Off
Whether you choose to cook your salmon steaks with the skin on or off is a matter of personal preference. Leaving the skin on while cooking can help the fish hold together better, and it can also result in a moister and flakier texture. However, if you prefer crispier skin, you might want to remove the skin before cooking or cook the skin separately after the salmon is cooked.
If you're cooking the salmon with the skin on, it's generally recommended to cook it skin-side down. This allows the skin to get crispy without overcooking the salmon. Cooking skin-side down also means that you don't need to flip the salmon during the cooking process, as the circulating hot air in the air fryer will cook the salmon evenly on both sides.
If you prefer your salmon well-done, cooking it skin-side up will result in crispier skin, although the salmon may become too dry. In this case, you can remove the skin before the salmon is fully cooked and return the skin to the air fryer to crisp up separately.
When cooking salmon steaks in an air fryer, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steaks. For thicker cuts, you may need to increase the cooking time by a minute or two. Additionally, the ideal cooking temperature varies across recipes, with some recommending temperatures as low as 360°F and others as high as 400°F.
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Glazes and Sauces
- Maple Dijon: Mix 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup and brush it on the salmon before air frying or after cooking.
- Teriyaki Glaze: Brush the salmon with 1 tablespoon of teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking or after cooking.
- Smoky BBQ: Swap the paprika in the seasoning for 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika and add 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar for a sweet and smoky flavour.
- Spicy Honey: Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of hot honey after cooking for a touch of heat and sweetness.
- Sweet Chilli Sauce: Glaze the freshly cooked salmon with sweet chilli sauce.
- Honey Soy Sauce: Glaze the freshly cooked salmon with honey soy sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the cooked salmon steak or make a butter sauce with melted butter and lemon juice to spoon over the salmon.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the cooked salmon for an extra pop of flavour.
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Sides and Accompaniments
Salmon steaks cooked in an air fryer are a delicious, healthy meal, ready in minutes. But what should you serve with them? Here are some ideas for sides and accompaniments to go with your air-fried salmon.
Roasted or Grilled Vegetables
Asparagus is a classic pairing with salmon, but you could also try roasted or grilled fingerling potatoes, air-fried Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or air fryer cod. If you want to keep things simple, just steam some vegetables to serve alongside your salmon.
Grains
Quinoa is a great option to serve with salmon, as it is a protein-packed grain that will keep you feeling satisfied. Alternatively, you could serve your salmon with rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
Salad
A fresh, healthy salad makes a great side dish for salmon. Try a veggie salad with greens and grains, or a Chinese-style salad with Asian green vegetables such as pak choi, choy sum, or tatsoi.
Sauces and Glazes
Salmon steaks pair well with citrus-based sauces, like a squeeze of fresh lemon or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You could also try a honey soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, or a honey-mustard sauce. For a spicy kick, add a drizzle of hot honey or hot sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 6 to 16 minutes to cook salmon steaks in an air fryer. The time varies depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F or 350°F and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. Then, set the air fryer to the "air fry" setting at 390°F for 10 minutes.
The best way to know when salmon is done is to use an instant-read thermometer. Per the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the salmon. The salmon will also flake easily with a fork when it is done.
You can marinate the salmon steaks in your favorite marinade for at least 30 minutes before air frying. You can also pat the salmon dry and brush it with olive oil or melted butter, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and other spices.
No, there is no need to flip the salmon steaks while cooking in the air fryer. The circulating hot air will cook the salmon evenly on both sides.
