Air-Fried Salmon: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a delicious, tender, and flaky fish. The air fryer locks in flavour and moisture, resulting in a restaurant-quality dish. This method of cooking salmon is perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.

Choosing your salmon fillets

Type of Salmon

You can choose from various types of salmon, such as king, coho, or sockeye salmon. You could even use steelhead trout, which is a similar option. The type of salmon you choose may depend on your personal preference, availability, and budget.

Fresh vs. Frozen Salmon

When it comes to fresh or frozen salmon, both are viable options. Fresh salmon is ideally purchased from a local fishmonger to ensure optimal freshness. However, if you don't have access to a local fish shop, frozen salmon is a great alternative. Frozen salmon is typically flash-frozen right after being caught, preserving its freshness. If you opt for frozen salmon, remember to thaw it before cooking.

Salmon Fillet Size and Thickness

It is essential to select salmon fillets of similar size and weight to ensure even cooking. Opting for fillets that are comparable in thickness will help them cook evenly at the same time. If your fillets vary in size, you may need to cook them in batches or adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Skin-On or Skin-Off Salmon

You can choose to cook your salmon with or without the skin. Skin-on salmon can help the fillet hold together during cooking and often results in moister and flakier salmon. However, if you prefer, you can easily remove the skin before or after cooking.

When selecting your salmon fillets, look for ones with a meaty texture and a mild flavor. Ensure they are fresh or properly thawed if frozen. By choosing the right salmon fillets and following the cooking instructions, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and healthy air-fried salmon dish.

Preparing your air fryer

Firstly, it is important to ensure your air fryer is clean and ready for use. Give it a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue from previous use. Check that the air fryer basket is securely in place and there is no food debris left over. If your air fryer has a crisper plate, ensure that is also clean and in place.

Next, you will want to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to around 400°F (200°C). Most recipes recommend preheating for about 3-5 minutes. This step is important as it helps to ensure even cooking and gives your salmon a nice colour.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your salmon fillets. It is recommended to use salmon with the skin on, as this helps the fillet hold together during cooking and results in a moister, flakier texture. If your salmon has been frozen, ensure it is fully defrosted before cooking. You can do this by thawing it overnight in the refrigerator, or by running it under cold water to remove any ice or frost.

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the salmon and promotes even cooking.

Now it's time to season your salmon! You can use a variety of seasonings, but a simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika will add a lovely, smoky flavour to the fish. You can also add a touch of brown sugar or honey to give the salmon a subtle sweetness and a crispy exterior. Don't be shy with the seasonings; rub them generously all over the salmon fillets.

Once your salmon is seasoned, you can add a little cooking oil or cooking spray to the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. You can also line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the salmon fillets in the basket, skin-side down, making sure they are not touching.

And that's it! Your air fryer is now prepared and ready for cooking your delicious, healthy salmon. Simply follow the cooking instructions in your chosen recipe, and enjoy your perfectly cooked salmon!

Seasoning your salmon

Choose your seasonings

There are endless combinations of seasonings that you can use on salmon. A simple yet effective mix is salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. You can also add a little olive oil to help the spices stick to the salmon and keep it moist. Other popular seasonings include Dijon mustard, brown sugar or honey, soy sauce, ginger and Cajun seasoning. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

Prepare the salmon

Before seasoning your salmon, it's important to pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning to stick and create a crispier finish. If your salmon has skin, it's generally recommended to cook it skin-side down and remove the skin before serving if desired.

Apply the seasoning

Brush your salmon fillets with olive oil or melted butter, then generously sprinkle or rub your chosen seasonings onto the fish. Ensure all sides of the salmon are well coated. You can also try mixing your seasonings with the oil or butter before applying for a more even coating.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook your salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding. This will ensure even cooking and help to create a crispy texture.

Add some sauce

For an extra flavour boost, try glazing your cooked salmon with a sauce. Sweet chilli sauce, honey soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice are all great options.

Storage and reheating

Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use your air fryer if possible, as this will help maintain moisture and texture. Lightly oil the air fryer basket and heat the salmon at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.

Cooking your salmon

Air fryer salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and flavoursome piece of fish. It is also a low-calorie and low-carb option for a weeknight meal.

To cook salmon in an air fryer, you will need salmon fillets, seasonings, and a few other simple ingredients. The air fryer method typically involves preheating the air fryer, seasoning the salmon, and then cooking it for a short period, usually around 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare the salmon fillets: Cut the salmon fillets into even-sized portions. You can remove the skin if you prefer, but it is not necessary. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel, which will help the seasoning stick better.
• Season the salmon: You can use a variety of seasonings and marinades to flavour the salmon. A simple seasoning blend could include garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil. Other seasoning suggestions include Dijon mustard, brown sugar or honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder.
• Air fry the salmon: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer, making sure they are not touching. Cook the salmon for 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Check the salmon with a fork to ensure it is cooked to your desired doneness. Salmon is ready when it flakes easily.
• Serve: Salmon is best served hot. You can squeeze some lemon juice over the fish for added flavour and garnish with parsley or fresh dill.

Tips:

• It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon, which should reach 145°F in the thickest part.
• To prevent the salmon from drying out, remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of around 135°F, as the residual heat will continue to cook the salmon.
• To make cleanup easier, you can line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper.
• If you are cooking frozen salmon, there is no need to thaw it beforehand. Simply increase the cooking time by a minute or two.
• To ensure even cooking, choose salmon fillets that are similar in size and weight.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect the texture of the salmon. Cook the salmon in batches if needed.
• You can cook salmon with the skin on, as it helps hold the fillet together and keeps it moist. The skin can be easily removed before serving.

Side Dishes:

Salmon is a versatile main course that pairs well with various side dishes:

• Vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green beans, or any other vegetable of your choice.
• Grains: Rice (such as Lebanese rice, Mediterranean couscous salad, or turmeric rice salad), couscous, barley, or farro.
• Salads: A fresh salad, such as a corn, tomato, and avocado salad, or a cauliflower tabbouleh salad.

Enjoy your delicious air fryer salmon!

Serving your salmon

Now that you've cooked your salmon in the air fryer, it's time to serve it! Here are some tips and ideas to make your salmon dish even more delicious and enjoyable.

Side dishes

Salmon is quite versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are some options to consider:

• Vegetables: Air-fried vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, or green beans are healthy options that can be cooked right alongside the salmon in the air fryer.
• Grains: Rice, couscous, barley, or farro can add some fibre and carbohydrates to the meal. Try it with Lebanese rice, Mediterranean couscous salad, or turmeric rice salad.
• Salad: A fresh salad can be a great accompaniment to balance out the richness of the salmon. Try pairing it with a corn, tomato, and avocado salad or a cauliflower tabbouleh salad.
• Potatoes: Roasted fingerling potatoes or air fryer sweet potatoes would make a comforting side dish.

Sauces and garnishes

A sauce or garnish can elevate your salmon dish and add a burst of flavour. Here are some ideas:

• Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a vibrant touch to the salmon.
• Herbs: Garnish your salmon with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of colour and flavour.
• Spicy kick: If you like it hot, try pairing your salmon with a spicy sauce or chilli sauce.
• Sweet and tangy: A honey-soy sauce glaze or a sweet chilli sauce can balance out the savoury notes of the salmon.

Plating and presentation

The way you plate and present your salmon can also enhance the dining experience. Here are some tips:

• Skin on or off: You can choose to serve the salmon with the skin on or remove it before serving. If you keep the skin on, it will be easier to remove it after cooking, as it will peel off easily.
• Doneness: Check the doneness of your salmon with a fork – it should flake easily when it's ready. Avoid overcooking the salmon, as it can dry out.
• Temperature: Salmon is best served hot and fresh out of the air fryer. If you need to reheat it, use the air fryer or a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent drying out the fish.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cooked salmon for later – place it in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2-4 months.

Customisation and variations

The great thing about salmon is that it can be customised to your taste preferences. Here are some ideas to mix things up:

• Spices and seasonings: Experiment with different spices and seasonings like Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or garlic lemon.
• Sauces and marinades: Try using a teriyaki sauce, honey-garlic sauce, or a soy-ginger glaze to add a unique flavour profile to your salmon.
• Glaze: Brush the salmon with a glaze during the last few minutes of cooking to add a shiny, caramelised finish.
• Sweet touch: Adding a touch of brown sugar or honey to your salmon can give it a subtle sweetness and help it caramelise beautifully.

Frequently asked questions