Air-Fried Salmon Fillet: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy, delicious meal. The air fryer cooks salmon to perfection, resulting in a tender, flaky centre with a beautifully browned crust. The best part? It only takes about 10 minutes!

To make salmon fillet in an air fryer, start by cutting the salmon fillets into even sizes. You can remove the skin if you prefer, but it's not necessary. Season the fillets with your choice of spices—a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works well. You can also add a touch of olive oil to help the spices stick and give the salmon a moist texture.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded, as this can affect the cooking process. Cook the salmon for 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

Serve your air fryer salmon with a fresh salad, grains like rice or couscous, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!

Choosing the right salmon fillets

Freshness

Salmon is highly perishable, so it's important to choose fresh fillets. Look for fillets with bright, shiny flesh and moist appearance. Avoid fillets with dull, dry-looking flesh or discoloured edges. If buying from a local fishmonger, ask them to confirm the salmon's freshness.

Source

Consider the source of the salmon. Wild-caught salmon tends to have a richer flavour and higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than farm-raised salmon. However, farm-raised salmon is more readily available and often more affordable. Check the packaging or ask the seller about the source of the salmon.

Colour

The colour of the salmon fillets can vary depending on the species and diet of the salmon. King salmon, for example, tends to have a deeper orange-red colour, while coho salmon has a lighter pink hue. Choose a colour that appeals to your taste preferences.

Size and Thickness

Select salmon fillets that are similar in size and thickness. This ensures even cooking in the air fryer. Thicker fillets will take longer to cook, so plan accordingly. If using a recipe, follow the recommended fillet size for the best results.

Skin

You can choose salmon fillets with or without skin. Skin-on fillets can help hold the fish together during cooking and produce moister, flakier results. However, skinless fillets are also a good option if you prefer not to deal with removing the skin after cooking.

Storage

If you're not using the salmon fillets immediately, proper storage is essential. Fresh salmon should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days of purchase. Frozen salmon is also a good option, and it can be thawed before cooking or cooked directly from frozen.

By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the right salmon fillets for your air fryer, ensuring delicious and perfectly cooked results every time.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you start cooking your salmon fillet in the air fryer, there are a few things you need to do to ensure the best results. Firstly, make sure your air fryer is clean and ready to use. If this is your first time using it, be sure to give it a thorough clean according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Next, you'll want to preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 370°F and 400°F for around 5 minutes. This step is important as it helps to give the salmon a nice colour and crust. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the salmon fillet by patting it dry with a paper towel and applying any desired seasonings or marinades.

Some recipes also recommend lining the air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper, aluminium foil, or an air fryer liner to make cleanup easier, especially if your salmon has the skin on. If you do use a liner, give it a light spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Now your air fryer is ready to go! Simply place your seasoned salmon fillet, skin-side down, into the basket and let the air fryer work its magic.

Seasoning the salmon

Now it's time to add the seasonings. For a simple yet delicious combination, sprinkle each fillet with salt and pepper, then add garlic powder and paprika. You can eyeball the measurements, but be generous with the garlic powder and paprika for a more intense flavour. For an extra kick, include some smoked paprika, which will give the salmon a lovely, smoky taste.

If you want to get creative, there are numerous other seasonings you can experiment with. For a sweet and tangy flavour, add some brown sugar or honey to the salmon. This will also help the salmon to caramelize. For a savoury twist, include some Dijon mustard, which will keep the salmon moist and add a tangy flavour. Soy sauce is another great option, providing a salty, umami bomb of flavour. A pinch of ginger will add a subtle, lively touch to the dish.

Once you've seasoned the salmon to your liking, it's ready to be placed in the air fryer!

Cooking the salmon

The first step is to prep the salmon. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick better.

Next, add the mustard. Spread around half a tablespoon of mustard evenly onto each fillet. You can use a brush or the back of a spoon to do this.

Now it's time to add the seasonings. Sprinkle each spice onto the salmon fillets. You can eyeball it to match the measurements in the recipe, but it doesn't have to be exact. Start with salt and pepper, then coat generously with 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 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of your air fryer. The salmon is done when it's flaky and can be easily cut with a fork. Then, repeat with any remaining salmon fillets.

Note that you only need to season the top side of the salmon fillets. You don't need to flip the salmon while it's cooking, and there's no need to remove the skin before cooking. Simply lay the salmon in the air fryer skin-side down, and the skin will be super easy to peel off once it's cooked if you'd like to do so before serving.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air fryer salmon, and it can be accompanied by a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Salads: A fresh salad is a great option to serve with air fryer salmon. Try a Corn Tomato Avocado Salad, Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad, or Arugula Salad.
• Grains: Rice, couscous, barley, and farro are all excellent accompaniments to salmon, providing a filling and nutritious meal. Some specific suggestions include Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, or Turmeric Rice Salad.
• Vegetables: You can cook a variety of vegetables in the air fryer alongside the salmon. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, Green Beans with Almonds, or Air Fryer Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts, or Broccoli are all great choices.
• Whole grains: Adding whole grains like brown rice or quinoa provides fiber and healthy carbohydrates to the meal.
• Other sides: Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Sauteed Brussels Sprouts, or Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are also delicious options to serve with air fryer salmon.

Frequently asked questions