Air-Fried Salmon: Moist, Tender, And Quick

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, tender, and flaky piece of fish with a gorgeous outer crust. It's also a healthy option, as you can enjoy all the benefits of salmon without added oil or fat. The air fryer ensures the fish is cooked evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a moist, flaky centre.

To make moist salmon in an air fryer, you'll need salmon fillets, seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, and a touch of olive oil. You can also add a sweet element like honey or brown sugar, and a savoury element like Dijon mustard or soy sauce.

First, cut the salmon fillets into even sizes and preheat your air fryer. Season the fillets, rubbing the spices in for the best flavour. Place the salmon in the air fryer, cooking for around 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

You can serve air fryer salmon with a variety of sides, including salad, grains like rice or couscous, or vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.

Choosing your salmon: Fresh vs frozen

When it comes to choosing between fresh and frozen salmon, there are a few things to consider. Both options are great, but they do have some differences.

Fresh salmon is often considered the best option, as it hasn't been frozen and has a more delicate texture. It's also easier to check the quality of fresh salmon before cooking. However, fresh salmon can be more expensive and may not last as long in the fridge as frozen salmon.

Frozen salmon is a convenient option, as it can be stored in the freezer for up to six months without losing quality. It's also usually more affordable than fresh salmon, and freezing helps to preserve the nutrients and prevent bacterial growth. However, frozen salmon can be a bit drier after cooking, and it's important to thaw it properly before cooking to ensure even cooking.

When cooking salmon in an air fryer, you can use either fresh or frozen salmon. Fresh salmon will take about 7-9 minutes to cook, while frozen salmon will take a bit longer, around 15 minutes. If using frozen salmon, make sure to pat it dry and remove any ice or excess water before cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Whether you choose fresh or frozen salmon, make sure to season it well and consider adding a tasty glaze or marinade to boost the flavour. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, moist salmon!

Seasoning the salmon

Pat the Salmon Dry:

Before applying any seasonings, it is important to pat the salmon dry using paper towels. This step helps the seasonings stick better to the surface of the fish.

Salt and Pepper:

A basic yet essential step is to season the salmon with salt and pepper. You can sprinkle salt and pepper lightly on both sides of the salmon or add them to taste.

Olive Oil:

Adding a small amount of olive oil to the salmon will help the seasonings stick and also prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket. Drizzle a little olive oil on top of the salmon or coat the salmon with oil in a small bowl before adding the other seasonings.

Garlic:

Garlic is a popular seasoning choice for salmon and can be used in a few different forms. You can use garlic powder, sprinkling it generously on the salmon, or fresh minced garlic for a more pungent flavour.

Paprika:

Paprika adds a beautiful browned colour to the salmon when cooked. It provides a subtle heat and a touch of sweetness. You can use sweet paprika or smoked paprika for a smokier flavour profile.

Dijon Mustard:

Spreading a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the salmon before adding other seasonings keeps the fish moist and adds a unique flavour boost. You can also use stone-ground mustard for added texture.

Brown Sugar:

Brown sugar is the secret ingredient to achieving a crispy, caramelized exterior on your salmon. It provides a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the other seasonings.

Other Seasonings:

You can also experiment with other seasonings like chili powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, ginger powder, or cayenne pepper to add more depth of flavour to your salmon.

Remember, you can eyeball the measurements and be generous with the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. After seasoning the salmon, let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld before placing it in the air fryer.

Cooking the salmon

To cook the salmon, first, prep the fish. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel—this will help the seasoning stick better.

Next, add the mustard. Spread a thin layer of mustard (about half a tablespoon) onto each fillet. You can use a brush or the back of a spoon to do this.

Now, add the seasonings. Sprinkle each spice onto the salmon fillet. You can eyeball the measurements, but be sure to be generous with the garlic powder and paprika. Finish with a quick spray of olive oil on top to keep the salmon moist.

Finally, it's time to air fry. Add two salmon fillets to the air fryer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky when tested with a fork. Then, repeat with any remaining salmon fillets.

Note that the size and thickness of your salmon fillets will impact the cooking time. All air fryers cook a bit differently, so be sure to check on the salmon at around 8 minutes to prevent overcooking or burning. It's always best to slightly undercook the salmon and add more time as needed.

If you're cooking frozen salmon, there's no need to thaw it first. Simply increase the cooking time by a minute or two.

Storing and reheating the salmon

Storing and reheating leftover salmon is a great way to enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish again without compromising on flavour or texture. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you master the art of storing and reheating salmon, specifically with an air fryer.

Storing Salmon:

Before storing your leftover salmon, allow it to cool down to room temperature. This step helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps your fish in optimal condition. Once it has cooled, wrap the salmon securely in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, ensuring there are no gaps to keep the air out and lock in moisture. Place the wrapped salmon in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag, then store it in the refrigerator. It is recommended to consume leftover salmon within 1-2 days for the best flavour and texture.

If you don't plan on eating the salmon right away, consider freezing it. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen salmon can be stored for 2-3 months without losing its quality. Don't forget to label the container or bag with the storage date.

Reheating Salmon in an Air Fryer:

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover salmon, the air fryer is an excellent appliance to reheat it while retaining moisture and flavour. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
• While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your leftover salmon. If your salmon has skin, place it skin-side down on a microwave-safe dish or plate. If you prefer crispy skin, apply a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray.
• Sprinkle your choice of seasonings and herbs over the salmon fillets. Popular options include garlic powder, lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper.
• Wrap the salmon fillets in aluminium foil to retain moisture during reheating. Ensure the foil is sealed but loose enough to allow hot air circulation.
• Place the foil-wrapped salmon in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is in a single layer without stacking.
• Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook the salmon for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking, as the exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model.
• For precision, 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.
• Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two before unwrapping and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavourful bite.
• Garnish your reheated salmon with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or your favourite sauce for added freshness.

Tips for Reheating Salmon:

• Invest in an instant-read thermometer to ensure your salmon reaches the ideal internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C).
• Arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. If you have multiple fillets, consider reheating them in batches.
• Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to add a unique twist to your reheated salmon.
• Allow leftover salmon to come to room temperature before reheating for more even results.
• When wrapping the salmon in aluminium foil, leave a bit of space for hot air circulation to ensure even heating.
• Rest the salmon briefly after removing it from the air fryer before unwrapping and serving to enhance both flavour and tenderness.
• Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of sauce to add freshness to your reheated salmon.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different cooking times, temperatures, and seasonings to find the combination that suits your taste preferences.

What to serve with the salmon

There are many options for what to serve with your air fryer salmon. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great option to serve with salmon. You could try:

• Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, red peppers, purple onions, yellow squash, eggplant, or cauliflower steaks
• Oven-roasted asparagus
• Green beans almondine
• Roasted zucchini with parmesan
• Microwave asparagus
• Broccoli
• Roasted parmesan rosemary potatoes
• Greek lemon-roasted baby potatoes
• Hasselback potatoes
• Sweet potato fries

Salad

A fresh salad is a great side dish to accompany salmon. You could try:

• Harvest salad with quinoa and arugula
• Blueberry walnut salad
• Asian cucumber and peanut salad
• Kale, quinoa, and avocado salad with lemon Dijon vinaigrette
• Mediterranean farro salad
• Corn tomato avocado salad
• Arugula salad
• Cucumber salad with sour cream and dill

Grains

Grains such as rice, couscous, barley, and farro also make excellent accompaniments to salmon. You could try:

• One-pot rich lemon rice
• Rice pilaf
• Lebanese rice
• Mediterranean couscous salad
• Turmeric rice salad
• Ramen and snow peas
• Instant pot brown rice

Frequently asked questions