Air-Fryer Crispy Salmon: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Air fryer salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook salmon that results in a tender, flaky, and juicy fillet with a crispy skin. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air ensures even cooking and a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil or fat. This method is ideal for those who crave a nice crisp on the outside and a tender inside without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Choosing the right salmon fillets

• Thickness and Size: Opt for salmon fillets that are around 1.5 inches thick and of uniform size. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking or undercooking.
• Colour and Appearance: Look for fillets with a consistent orange colour. Avoid fillets with torn skin or those that appear dry.
• Freshness: If using fresh salmon, check for a glossy appearance and a fresh sea-like scent. Avoid fillets with dull or dry-looking flesh.
• Fattiness: Fattier cuts of salmon, such as Atlantic or King Salmon, tend to produce better results. The higher fat content keeps the salmon tender and moist, leading to a more flavourful dish.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: While fresh salmon is generally recommended for the best results, some people have successfully cooked frozen salmon in their air fryers. If using frozen salmon, ensure it is completely thawed before cooking, and consider adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
• Sustainability: If possible, opt for sustainable and wild-caught salmon. This not only supports environmentally responsible fishing practices but can also result in a higher-quality product.
• Dyes: Avoid salmon fillets that contain artificial dyes.

Remember, the quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final dish. Taking the time to select the right salmon fillets will make your crispy air-fried salmon even more delicious!

Preparing the salmon

Next, you'll want to prepare a dry rub or seasoning mix. You can use a simple mix of salt and pepper, or create a more complex blend with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chilli powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix your chosen spices in a small bowl.

Now, it's time to pat the salmon dry and apply a thin layer of butter or oil to the side without the skin. This step helps the dry rub stick to the salmon and also adds a nice crispy texture. Take your dry rub and sprinkle it over both sides of the salmon fillets, ensuring a generous coating.

Finally, place your salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each fillet to allow for even cooking. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and time—most recipes recommend cooking the salmon at around 400°F for 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.

And that's it! You're ready to cook your salmon to crispy perfection.

Cooking the salmon

To make crispy salmon in an air fryer, start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help to create a golden exterior and crispy skin. If your salmon has skin, place it skin-side down on the chopping board and use a sharp knife to cut it into two portions.

Next, prepare the oil mixture by whisking together olive oil and lemon juice in a small bowl. Brush the oil mixture over both sides of the salmon fillets.

Now it's time to season the salmon. Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, sea salt, paprika, and black pepper. You can also add onion powder for extra flavour. Rub the seasonings into the salmon to spread them evenly.

Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down, leaving space between them to allow air to circulate. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 6-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit; for medium, 130-135 degrees; and for well-done, 140-145 degrees.

If you prefer your salmon with crispier skin, you can remove the skin from the top of the salmon portions once it reaches your desired internal temperature and place it back in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes. This will give you salmon bacon!

Finally, serve your crispy salmon with your favourite sides and enjoy!

Resting the salmon

For the best results, cover the salmon fillets with aluminium foil while they rest. This helps to keep the heat in and ensures the salmon stays warm. The resting time also gives you a chance to prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your meal. Some great side dish options include roasted vegetables, steamed rice, salads, or even air-fried vegetables cooked right alongside the salmon in the air fryer.

Remember, the internal temperature of the salmon will continue to rise during the resting period, so it's important not to rest it for too long. After resting, the salmon's core temperature can increase by up to 10 °F before it starts to cool down again. This extra time allows the salmon to cook a little more and ensures it's safe to eat, as the FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145 °F.

Serving suggestions

There are many different ways to serve your crispy air fryer salmon. Here are some suggestions:

• Rice: Try steamed brown rice, coconut rice, or cilantro-lime rice.
• Pasta: Opt for pasta salads, such as Italian pasta salad, or pasta dishes like creamy spinach Parmesan orecchiette, lemon herb pasta salad with green beans, or lemon pasta.
• Vegetables: Air fryer Brussels sprouts, stir-fry vegetables, roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus are all great choices. You could also serve it with a simple side salad, such as a Greek salad, or roasted vegetables like garlic herb roasted vegetables, or even roasted potatoes.
• Casseroles: Cheesy roasted cauliflower, or a simple cauliflower casserole.
• Salads: Try a strawberry spinach salad, a simple arugula salad, or a Mediterranean couscous salad.
• Other grains: Mediterranean couscous salad, or pearl barley risotto with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.

Frequently asked questions