Air-Fried Salmon Cubes: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook salmon cubes, yielding a tender, flaky, and crispy texture. The cooking time is short, and the cleanup is a breeze. You can use fresh or frozen salmon, but it's essential to thaw it first. The salmon cubes are seasoned or marinated, then air-fried for around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. The air fryer's magic results in a crusty exterior and a juicy, buttery interior.

Salmon prep: how to cut and season the salmon

Cutting the salmon

First, remove the skin from the salmon. Then, cut the salmon into cubes that are roughly the same size. Aim for cubes that are around 1 inch in size.

Seasoning the salmon

There are several ways to season salmon cubes for the air fryer. Here are a few options:

• Olive oil, lime juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper
• Olive oil spray, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper
• Salt, black pepper, melted butter, lemon juice, and garlic
• Olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and kosher salt
• Brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cornstarch, kosher salt, and avocado or olive oil
• Salt, garlic powder, pepper, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, cornstarch, and water

Once you've chosen your seasonings, combine them in a bowl and toss the salmon cubes in the mixture until they are thoroughly coated.

Air fryer settings: temperature and time

The temperature and time settings for your air fryer will depend on the type of salmon cubes you want to make. For example, if you're looking for blackened salmon bites, you'll want to cook them at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This will give you crispy, well-browned salmon.

On the other hand, if you're aiming for a more medium doneness, you can reduce the cooking time to 6 or 7 minutes. This will result in salmon that is cooked but still juicy and buttery on the inside.

If you're making salmon bites with a sweet and savoury sauce, you'll want to air fry them at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will give the salmon a nice crispy texture while keeping the inside moist and tender.

For salmon bites coated in a lemon garlic butter sauce, you'll also want to cook them at 400°F, but for 5 to 7 minutes without shaking the basket. This ensures that the sauce doesn't fall through the basket.

It's important to note that air fryer models can vary, so you may need to adjust the temperature and time settings slightly to achieve your desired level of doneness. Additionally, if you're using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

How to make a sauce: ingredients and method

The sauce is a key component of this dish, adding flavour and moisture to the salmon cubes. Here is a detailed guide on how to make a delicious sauce to accompany your air-fried salmon.

Ingredients

• Fresh garlic
• Lemon juice
• Butter or ghee
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Honey
• Ginger
• Cornstarch
• Water

Method

• In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic, lemon juice, butter or ghee, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Optionally, you can add honey, ginger, cornstarch, and water to the mixture for a sweeter and thicker sauce.
• Whisk the sauce until it is well combined and has a smooth consistency.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more lemon juice for acidity, honey for sweetness, or salt and pepper for extra flavour.
• Set the sauce aside while you prepare the salmon cubes.
• Once the salmon cubes are cooked, toss them gently in the sauce until they are well coated. Alternatively, you can drizzle the sauce over the salmon cubes or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.

How to store and reheat the salmon

How to Store and Reheat Salmon Cubes

Salmon cubes cooked in an air fryer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To store them, first let the salmon cool to room temperature, which should take no longer than two hours. Then, place the salmon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Label the container with the date and "cooked salmon" so you know what it is and when it was stored.

When you're ready to reheat the salmon, there are a few different methods you can use:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Place the salmon in an oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet. Cover the dish or sheet with foil to prevent the salmon from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
• Microwave: Place the salmon in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then place it in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then place it in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

When reheating salmon, it's important to avoid overheating, which can dry out the fish. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). You should also avoid reheating the salmon too many times, as this can affect its quality and flavor.

How to remove the skin from salmon

Removing the skin from salmon is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

What You'll Need:

• A cutting board: Place the cutting board on a damp dish towel to create a slip-proof surface and prevent it from moving around.
• Needle-nose pliers (optional): If your salmon fillet still has pin bones, you can use clean pliers to remove them carefully.
• Kitchen towel (optional): This can help you get a better grip on the slippery salmon skin.
• A sharp knife: A chef's knife or a fillet knife is recommended. If you're a beginner, a slightly dull knife can be easier to handle as it reduces the risk of cutting through the skin accidentally.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Pat the salmon dry: Remove the salmon from its packaging and use paper towels to pat it dry.
• Check for pin bones: Usually, the pin bones are removed by the fishmonger, but it's good to double-check. Run your finger along the fillet, and if you feel any tiny, opaque bones, use the pliers to remove them carefully.
• Position the salmon: Place the salmon fillet skin-side-down on the cutting board. If there's a tailpiece, point it toward your non-dominant side.
• Make the initial cut: Cut between the fish and the skin to expose it. This first cut might go through some of the flesh, and that's okay. The goal is to reveal enough of the skin to grip it firmly.
• Grip the skin: Use your non-dominant hand to hold the exposed skin firmly. If it's too slippery, use the kitchen towel to improve your grip.
• Cut the skin off: Angle your knife slightly downward, and gently saw it back and forth. At the same time, pull the skin forcefully in the opposite direction of your knife. Continue this motion until the entire skin is removed.

Expert Tips:

• If you make a mistake and cut through the skin, try to continue the cut and fix any missed areas afterward. Flip the salmon, use a thin, sharp boning knife, and carefully shave away any remaining skin.
• You can also ask the person behind the seafood counter to remove the skin for you. Some grocery stores offer this service for free.
• Consider using a slightly dull knife when learning this technique to avoid accidentally cutting through the skin.

Now that you know how to remove the skin from salmon, you can continue preparing your salmon cubes for the air fryer!

Frequently asked questions