Ella Walter
Wild-caught salmon has a fresher and more robust flavor than farm-raised salmon, and cooking it in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare it. The air fryer locks in the juices, resulting in tender, flaky, and juicy salmon with a crispy exterior. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon pieces and the model of the air fryer, but it typically takes around 6 to 11 minutes. To prepare, simply season the salmon fillets, place them in the air fryer, and serve when they reach the desired doneness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 6-11 minutes |
| Temperature | 350°F - 400°F |
| Salmon fillet thickness | 1 inch |
| Salmon weight | 6-ounce |
| Salmon type | Skin-on or skinless, wild-caught or farm-raised |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, olive oil, avocado oil, lemon wedges, maple syrup, dijon mustard, honey, hot sauce, brown sugar |
| Glaze | Teriyaki sauce, BBQ sauce, honey |
| Sauce | Sweet chilli sauce, honey soy sauce |
| Sides | Rice, salad, steamed vegetables, air fryer vegetables (brussels sprouts, asparagus, broccoli) |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for wild-caught salmon in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the salmon pieces, the model of the air fryer, and personal preference for doneness.
Most sources recommend cooking salmon in the air fryer for around 6 to 11 minutes. However, some sources suggest that the cooking time can be as short as 3 minutes or as long as 15 minutes. It's important to note that the size and thickness of the salmon fillet will impact the cooking time. If the fillets are extra thick, you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time. Additionally, different air fryers cook at different temperatures, so it's important to check on the salmon regularly to prevent overcooking or burning.
To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to use salmon fillets of comparable thickness and to preheat the air fryer before adding the seasoned salmon. Preheating the air fryer can help speed up the cooking time and give the salmon a more crisped edge. The ideal internal temperature for salmon is 145°F for well-done and 135°F for medium. It's always best to slightly undercook the salmon and add more time as needed, rather than accidentally overcooking it.
When cooking frozen salmon, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to a lower temperature, around 350-360°F, and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed before adding any seasonings or sauces.
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Choosing salmon fillets
When choosing salmon fillets for air frying, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is important to select fillets of similar thickness to ensure even cooking. Aim for fillets that are around 1 inch thick, as thinner fillets may cook too quickly and become dry, while thicker ones may require a longer cooking time. If you are cooking multiple fillets, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket, which can affect the overall texture of the salmon.
You can choose salmon fillets with or without skin, depending on your preference. Skin-on salmon can help hold the fillet together during cooking and yields a moister, flakier texture. It also crisps up nicely, adding a crunchy element to your dish. However, if you prefer skinless salmon, simply grease your air fryer basket generously to prevent sticking.
When purchasing salmon fillets, consider opting for wild-caught salmon, which has a fresher and more robust flavour than farm-raised salmon due to its natural diet and habitat. If you are unsure about the freshness of the fish available, frozen salmon is a great alternative. It is typically flash-frozen right after being caught, preserving its freshness.
When preparing your salmon fillets for air frying, it is important to pat them dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, as this can lead to soggy fish. Additionally, you can brush the fillets with olive oil or avocado oil to help the seasoning stick and prevent the salmon from drying out during cooking.
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Seasoning and marinade
Next, brush the fillets with a high-temperature oil, such as avocado or olive oil, or melted butter. This will help the seasoning stick and prevent the salmon from drying out. You can also add a touch of brown sugar or honey to the oil, which will help the salmon caramelise and give it a subtle sweetness.
When it comes to seasoning, a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is a popular choice. You can use regular or smoked paprika, depending on your preference for a mild or smoky flavour. If you want to add a little heat, swap the paprika for smoked paprika and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Alternatively, use a pre-made seasoning blend, but be mindful of the salt content and adjust accordingly.
For a more complex flavour, you can create a marinade or glaze for your salmon. A sweet and spicy rub can be made with a blend of spices, such as smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder. You can also try a maple Dijon glaze by mixing one tablespoon of Dijon mustard with one teaspoon of maple syrup, or a teriyaki glaze with one tablespoon of teriyaki sauce. For a sweet and savoury option, mix soy sauce, honey, and a touch of hot sauce. These glazes can be brushed on before cooking, but be mindful that they may burn. It is best to add them in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking or after the salmon is done.
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Glazes and sauces
If you want to cook with a glaze from the start, reduce the air fryer temperature to 350°F and cook for a little longer. You can also brush the salmon with a glaze in the last couple of minutes of cooking.
- Maple Dijon: Mix 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup and brush it on before air frying.
- Teriyaki Glaze: Brush the salmon with 1 tablespoon of teriyaki sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Smoky BBQ: Swap the paprika for 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika and add 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar for a sweet, smoky flavour.
- Spicy Honey: Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of hot honey after cooking for a little heat and sweetness.
- Honey Soy Sauce: Glaze the freshly cooked salmon with honey and soy sauce.
- Sweet Chilli Sauce: Add a sweet and spicy kick to your salmon with this sauce.
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Storing and reheating
Storing:
Storing your salmon correctly will ensure that it stays fresh and tasty for longer. If you plan on eating the salmon within the next 3 days, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep it fresh and tasty. If you want to keep the salmon for longer, freezing is a good option. First, ensure the salmon is completely cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It is important to note that frozen salmon should be thawed overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating:
Reheating salmon can be tricky, as it can easily become dry. To prevent this, reheat the salmon low and slow, using an air fryer, microwave, or oven. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheating your salmon in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
- While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your leftover salmon. It is recommended to bring the salmon to room temperature for even reheating.
- Take a sheet of aluminum foil and wrap it around the salmon, creating a packet. This helps to retain moisture during reheating.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, place the foil-wrapped salmon inside the basket in a single layer.
- Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as the time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of your air fryer.
- Use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should reach 125-130°F (52-54°C) to ensure it is safe to eat and perfectly reheated.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your leftover wild-caught salmon while maintaining its flavor, moisture, and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 6 to 11 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer.
The temperature depends on the recipe and the type of salmon. Set the air fryer between 350°F to 400°F.
The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F.
Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel, brush with oil or butter, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and other seasonings of your choice.
