Air-Fried Salmon: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky centre and a crispy outer crust. The air fryer locks in moisture and cooks the fish evenly, ensuring it is ready in under 15 minutes.

To make air fryer salmon, simply brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of brown sugar. Place the salmon in the air fryer for 6-10 minutes, and serve immediately.

This recipe is a healthy, delicious, and convenient way to enjoy salmon, and can be easily customised with your favourite seasonings or sauces.

Choosing the right salmon fillets

Freshness and Quality

When it comes to choosing salmon fillets, freshness is key. Look for fillets that have bright, vibrant flesh without any discolouration or brown spots. The flesh should also be firm to the touch, bouncing back when gently pressed. Avoid fillets with a strong "fishy" smell, as this may indicate that the fish is not fresh. If possible, purchase your salmon from a reputable fishmonger or a store with high turnover to ensure the freshest product.

Size and Thickness

Consider the size and thickness of the salmon fillets, as this will impact the cooking time in the air fryer. For even cooking, it's best to choose fillets of similar size and thickness. Thicker fillets will take longer to cook, so if you're in a hurry, opt for thinner cuts. Keep in mind that you might need to cook the salmon in batches to ensure even cooking.

Skin-On or Skin-Off

Salmon fillets can be purchased with or without the skin. While it's not necessary to remove the skin before cooking, some people prefer to do so. Leaving the skin on can help the fillets hold together during cooking and can also add moisture to the fish. However, if you don't like the texture or taste of salmon skin, feel free to remove it before air frying.

Type of Salmon

There are different types of salmon to choose from, such as king, coho, or sockeye. Each variety has a slightly different flavour and colour, so choose the one that appeals to you the most. You could also use steelhead trout as an alternative, which has a similar taste and texture to salmon.

Sustainable and Ethical Sources

When choosing salmon fillets, consider the source and opt for sustainable and ethically sourced fish. Look for labels indicating wild-caught salmon or salmon that has been farmed using sustainable practices. This ensures that you're making a responsible choice for the environment and supporting responsible fishing practices.

Remember, selecting the right salmon fillets is an important step in creating a delicious air-fried salmon dish. By following these tips, you'll be on your way to a tasty and healthy meal that your family and friends will surely enjoy!

Seasoning the salmon

Next, you can brush or rub the salmon with olive oil. This will help the seasonings to stick and also prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Now it's time to add the seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings on salmon, depending on your preference. Some popular options include:

• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika (sweet or smoked)
• Brown sugar
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Lemon juice
• Cajun seasoning
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Jerk seasoning
• Honey

Simply sprinkle or rub your chosen seasonings onto the salmon fillets, ensuring they are coated evenly. You can also mix the seasonings with the olive oil to create a paste, which can then be brushed onto the salmon.

Once the salmon is seasoned, it's ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked according to your desired level of doneness.

Air-frying the salmon

Air-frying salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and delicious piece of fish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to air-fry salmon:

Preparing the Salmon:

First, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then, pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick better to the fish. If your salmon has skin, it is preferable to keep it on as it helps the fish cook more evenly and holds the fillet together. However, you can remove the skin if you prefer.

Seasoning the Salmon:

There are many ways to season salmon, and you can get creative with your favourite spices and herbs. A simple seasoning blend includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add a touch of olive oil to help the seasonings stick and prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket. Other popular seasonings include Dijon mustard, lemon juice, brown sugar or honey, smoked paprika, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.

Once your salmon is seasoned, place the fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook the salmon for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. For 6-ounce fillets, the cooking time is typically around 6 to 8 minutes. The salmon is done when it is flaky and reaches an internal temperature of 135-145°F.

Serving the Salmon:

Air-fried salmon goes well with many side dishes. You can serve it with vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans, or grains like rice, couscous, or barley. It also pairs well with salads, such as a corn, tomato, and avocado salad or a simple arugula salad.

Tips for Air-Frying Salmon:

• Choose salmon fillets that are similar in size and thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the salmon in batches if needed to avoid steaming the fish and affecting the crispness.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the salmon for more even cooking and a crispier edge.
• Check the doneness of the salmon with a fork. Salmon is ready when it flakes easily.

Air-frying salmon is a quick, convenient, and healthy way to prepare this delicious fish. With these simple steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for salmon in an air fryer will vary depending on the size of the fillet and your desired level of doneness. As a guide, the FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

For a 6-ounce fillet, you can expect a cooking time of around 6-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). However, it's important to keep an eye on the salmon as it cooks, as air fryers can vary and you don't want to overcook the fish. Check the salmon at around 8 minutes, and use a fork to test for doneness. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily, but be careful not to cook it for too long, as this can dry out the fish.

If you're cooking from frozen, you may need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. It's also a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure your salmon is cooked to your liking. For a medium-rare finish, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C); for medium, 130-135°F (54-57°C); and for well-done, 140-145°F (60-63°C).

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer, while others say it's not necessary. If you do choose to preheat, set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and allow a few minutes for the air fryer to heat up before adding the salmon.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded and delicious meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salad: A fresh salad is always a great option to accompany air fryer salmon. Try pairing it with a Corn Tomato Avocado Salad, Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad, or an Arugula Salad.
• Grains: Rice, couscous, barley, and farro are excellent choices to serve with salmon for a filling and nutritious meal. Try Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, or Turmeric Rice Salad.
• Vegetables: The air fryer is perfect for cooking vegetables alongside the salmon. Try Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, Green Beans with Almonds, Roasted Asparagus, or Air Fryer Asparagus.
• Whole grains: Add some fiber and healthy carbohydrates to your meal by serving the salmon with Instant Pot Brown Rice.
• Other sides: You can also serve air fryer salmon with Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Sauteed Brussels Sprouts, or a Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Frequently asked questions