Air-Fried Salmon: Juicy Perfection In Minutes

How to Make Juicy Salmon in an Air Fryer

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and juicy piece of fish. It is also a healthy option as it is low in calories and carbs.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make juicy salmon in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

- Salmon fillets

- Olive oil or avocado oil

- Salt and pepper

- Lemon wedges

- Paprika

First, preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. Then, prepare the salmon fillets by removing any bones and letting them sit at room temperature for an hour. Next, rub the fillets with oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Finally, serve the salmon with lemon wedges and enjoy!

Tips

- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning to ensure a nice brown top.

- Preheat the air fryer for more consistent results.

- If using skin-on salmon, place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer to protect the flesh and keep it moist.

- Check the doneness of the salmon by flaking it with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.

- Finish with a squeeze of lemon to add brightness and complement the natural flavors of the salmon.

Choosing the right salmon

• Freshness: Look for salmon that is bright, vibrant, and free from any discolouration or soft spots. Opt for salmon with clear eyes and moist, firm flesh. Avoid salmon with dry or cracked gills, as these are signs of ageing.
• Wild-Caught vs. Farmed: Both wild-caught and farmed salmon can be used for air frying. Wild-caught salmon tends to have a leaner and thinner profile, cooking faster. Farmed salmon or wild Alaska king salmon often has a higher fat content, making it more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
• Thickness: For even cooking, choose salmon fillets with comparable thickness. Thicker fillets may require a longer cooking time, while thinner fillets may cook faster.
• Skin-On vs. Skin-Off: You can use skin-on or skin-off salmon for air frying. Skin-on salmon helps hold the fillet together during cooking and can result in moister, flakier salmon. However, skinless salmon is also a good option and is our preference.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: You can use either fresh or frozen salmon for this recipe. If using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it before cooking. Running the frozen salmon under cold water can help remove any frost or ice crystals, and patting it dry will ensure better seasoning adhesion.

Seasoning

• Be generous with your seasonings! Don't be shy—a good amount of seasoning will enhance the flavour of your salmon.
• For a simple seasoning option, you can use salt and pepper for flavour enhancement.
• If you want to add a bit of colour and a mild flavour to your salmon, paprika is a great choice. You can use regular or smoked paprika, depending on your preference. Smoked paprika will give your salmon a nice earthy, smoky flavour.
• For a more complex blend of herbs, Italian seasoning is a good option. It typically includes a mix of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, adding a delightful aroma to your salmon.
• To add a punch of flavour, include garlic powder or fresh minced garlic to your seasoning mix.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try a combination of brown sugar, chilli powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This mix will give your salmon a sweet and savoury flavour profile.
• For a zesty touch, incorporate lemon into your seasoning. You can add lemon zest and juice to your salmon before serving or cook it with lemon slices on top.
• If you're using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it before cooking and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the seasonings stick better to the salmon.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and find the combinations that you enjoy the most!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer salmon vary depending on the thickness of the fillet and the type of air fryer used. On average, the air fryer salmon is cooked within 7-10 minutes at a temperature of 390-400°F. The best way to check if the salmon is done is by using a fork to see if it flakes off easily. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon should reach 145°F.

For a 6-ounce salmon fillet, the cooking time is typically around 10 minutes at 390°F. However, if you are using a toaster oven-style air fryer, the cooking time may be shorter, around 7-8 minutes. If your fillets are thicker, you may need to adjust the time accordingly and add a minute or two.

It is important to note that salmon should not be overcooked as it can become dry. To prevent overcooking, it is recommended to check the salmon a few times towards the end of the cooking process. Additionally, the carryover cooking will bring the salmon to the desired internal temperature of 145°F even if it is removed a few degrees early.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the salmon, while others do not require preheating. Preheating can help give the salmon a nice color on top and ensure even cooking.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon

• Choose salmon fillets that are comparable in thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the seasonings stick and promote crisping.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Cook the salmon in batches if necessary.
• Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket to protect the flesh and keep it moist. The skin will slide off easily after cooking.
• For frozen salmon, run it under cold water to remove any frost or ice crystals before cooking. There is no need to thaw frozen salmon before cooking.

Reheating and storage

Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is important to note that reheating salmon can be tricky as it tends to dry out. To prevent this, reheat the salmon low and slow either in the air fryer, microwave, or oven.

Salmon can also be frozen for later! To freeze, first, make sure the salmon is completely cooled. Then, place it on parchment paper in a storage container to prevent sticking. Salmon can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight and then reheat until warmed through.

Side dishes

Salad

A fresh salad is a great side dish to serve with salmon. Try a corn, tomato, and avocado salad, or a cauliflower tabbouleh salad for a well-balanced meal.

Grains

Rice, couscous, barley, and farro are excellent accompaniments to salmon, providing a filling and hearty meal. Try it with Lebanese rice, Mediterranean couscous salad, or turmeric rice salad.

Vegetables

You can cook whatever vegetable you like with salmon in the air fryer. Some options are cilantro lime cauliflower rice and green beans with almonds. Asparagus is also a classic pairing with salmon.

Potatoes

Roasted fingerling potatoes would be a great potato side dish to serve with salmon. For something a little moresection creative, try air fryer sweet potato cubes.

Whole Grains

Add some fiber and healthy carbohydrates to the meal by serving the salmon with a side of whole grains, such as instant pot brown rice.

Frequently asked questions