Air-Fried Salmon Steaks: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a delicious meal. Air-fried salmon is tender, juicy, and flaky, with a slightly crispy exterior. It's also versatile, allowing you to experiment with different seasonings and marinades to create a variety of flavours. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to make perfect salmon steaks in your air fryer, including preparation, cooking, and serving suggestions.

Choosing the right salmon steaks

Type of Salmon

The three primary differences between salmon varieties are size, colour, and oil content. King (Chinook) salmon is the largest, pinkest, and has the highest oil content, making it the most expensive option. At the other end of the spectrum, Chum (Dog) salmon and Pink salmon are the smallest, palest, and have the lowest oil content, often sold in cans or pouches. In between, you have Sockeye (Red), Coho (Silver), and Atlantic salmon, with varying levels of colour intensity and oil content, and therefore, pricing.

Wild-Caught or Farmed

Wild-caught salmon is caught in an uncontrolled environment and tends to have a higher price tag. It also has more good-for-you unsaturated fats than farmed salmon. Farmed salmon, labelled as "farm-raised" or "sustainably-farmed," is more readily available, with Atlantic salmon being exclusively farm-raised. While fish farms have environmental downsides, advancements in technology have made some farming practices safe and sustainable.

Fresh or Frozen

Fresh, never-frozen salmon is ideal, especially if you can access locally caught salmon. However, frozen salmon can be a smarter option as it is often "flash-frozen" immediately after being caught, preserving its flavour, texture, and nutrients.

Cut of Salmon

The cut of salmon depends on your intended cooking method and the number of people you are serving. For a crowd, a whole side of salmon or a large piece (2-3 pounds) is best for roasting and then dividing into portions. Individual fillets, which have the skin on the bottom, are great for pan-searing, roasting, grilling, or poaching and are the easiest to work with. Salmon steaks, on the other hand, have the skin around the outside and may require additional bone removal. They are best served pan-seared or grilled and create an impressive plate presentation.

When selecting your salmon steaks, look for thick, moist, vibrant flesh, free of any bruises or spots. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect salmon steaks for your air fryer creation!

Marinating the salmon

Firstly, prepare your salmon by washing and patting it dry. Place the salmon steaks in a bowl or a medium-sized Ziploc bag. The Ziploc bag method ensures that the salmon is thoroughly coated in the marinade.

Next, prepare your marinade. A simple yet effective marinade can be made by combining brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce or coconut amino, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add a touch of smoked paprika for a smokier flavour. For an Asian-inspired marinade, try mixing Worcestershire sauce, rice vinegar, garlic paste, sesame oil, and salt.

Once you have prepared your marinade, pour it over the salmon steaks, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the Ziploc bag. Allow the salmon to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, leave it overnight.

After the salmon has finished marinating, it is ready to be cooked in your air fryer. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and place the salmon inside. Do not discard the remaining marinade, as you can add it to the salmon during the cooking process for extra flavour.

Cook the salmon for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After this time, open the basket, turn the salmon over, and add the remaining marinade. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Finally, remove the salmon from the air fryer, garnish with parsley or sesame seeds, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and flavourful air-fried salmon!

Cooking the salmon

The first step to cooking salmon in an air fryer is to cut the salmon fillets into even sizes. You can also buy them pre-cut. You can choose to remove the skin, but it is not necessary.

Next, season the salmon. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and old bay Cajun seasoning. You can also marinate the salmon in a blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger before cooking.

After seasoning, place the salmon in the air fryer. Depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer, the cooking time will vary. On average, air fryer salmon will be cooked within 7-9 minutes, or 14-16 minutes if the salmon is thicker. You can check if the salmon is ready by using a fork to see if it flakes off easily.

If you are cooking more than one piece of salmon, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket as this can affect the cooking. It is better to cook the salmon in batches if needed.

Finally, remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can serve it with a side of salad, roasted vegetables, quinoa, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Serving suggestions

Salads

A fresh, crunchy salad is a great way to complement the rich, oily flavour of salmon. Try a simple garden salad, or something more complex like a corn, tomato, and avocado salad, or a cauliflower tabbouleh salad. If you want to lean into the Asian flavours, you could try a vegetable lo mein or a Chinese meal using Asian greens like pak choi, choy sum, or tatsoi.

Rice and Grains

Rice is a great option to serve with salmon, especially if you want to lean into the Asian inspiration of the dish. Try it with Lebanese rice, Mediterranean couscous salad, turmeric rice salad, or simple boiled rice. Quinoa is another good option, and it's packed with protein.

Vegetables

You can cook your vegetables in the air fryer with the salmon, or separately. Try air fryer Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or broccoli. Green beans are also a good option, and they only take 2-4 minutes in the air fryer.

Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a great option to serve with salmon, or you could try air fryer baby potatoes for something a little crispier.

Sauces

Your salmon steaks will go well with a citrus-based sauce or pesto. You could also try a lemon butter sauce, or a glaze made from balsamic vinegar.

Other

Avocado slices will add some creaminess and healthy fats to your dish. You could also experiment with different seasonings and marinades, like a soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger blend.

Reheating and storing the salmon

Storing and reheating your salmon steaks correctly is key to preserving their taste and texture. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you do just that.

Storing Salmon

If you have cooked salmon steaks that you want to eat another time, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Reheating Salmon

There are several ways to reheat salmon steaks, including using an air fryer, an oven, a stovetop, steaming, or a microwave.

Air Fryer

To reheat your salmon steaks in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F-360°F (180°C). Place the salmon skin-side down in the basket, which has been lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cook for 3-4 minutes-5 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer—it should be at least 125°F-145°F (52-54°C).

Oven

Preheat the oven to 275°F-300°F (135°C). Remove the salmon from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Place the salmon in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through. Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer—it should be at least 145°F (63°C).

Stovetop

If you want your salmon to have a crispy exterior, a stovetop is a good option. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the skin is crispy. Flip the salmon and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer—it should be at least 145°F (63°C).

Steaming

Steaming is a gentle and moist cooking method that helps prevent the salmon from drying out. Simply fill a pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the salmon in a steamer basket or on a heatproof plate that fits inside the pot. Place the basket or plate inside the pot, ensuring it is elevated above the water level. Cover the pot and steam the salmon for 4-7 minutes, or until heated through. Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer—it should be at least 145°F (63°C).

Microwave

Microwaving is the quickest method, but it can dry out the salmon. Cover the salmon and add moisture to the microwave-safe container. Heat for 30 seconds at a time until the salmon is hot. Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer—it should be at least 145°F (63°C).

Tips for Reheating Salmon

• Be patient: Take your time and don't rush the reheating process.
• Add moisture: Salmon loses moisture when heated, so add olive oil or lemon juice to preserve its natural flavour and moisture.
• Cover the salmon: Use foil to help trap the moisture and prevent odours from escaping.
• Don't overcrowd the cooking vessel: Leave space around the salmon to allow for even reheating.
• Let the salmon reach room temperature before reheating: This ensures the salmon cooks evenly.
• Don't reheat multiple times: Reheating salmon too many times can degrade its quality and flavour.

Frequently asked questions