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

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook salmon, and it only takes 10-12 minutes! This guide will show you how to make a delicious, flaky stuffed salmon in your air fryer. The process is simple: make your filling, stuff your salmon, and then air fry. You can fill your salmon with a variety of ingredients, including crab meat, cream cheese, spinach, and breadcrumbs. The air fryer will give your salmon a crispy texture, and the whole dish will be ready in less than 15 minutes.

Choosing your salmon

Fresh salmon is always preferable, and you can source this from your local fish market or the seafood counter at your grocery store. If you can't get fresh salmon, you can use frozen salmon fillets, but be sure to defrost them completely before cooking.

When preparing your salmon, make a slit down the middle of the fillet to form a pouch for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through the salmon. It's important to keep the skin intact, as this will help keep the fish moist during cooking. You can remove the skin before serving if you prefer.

Now you're ready to stuff your salmon! There are many delicious stuffing options to choose from, so get creative and enjoy the process.

Making the filling

There are a variety of fillings that can be used for stuffed salmon in an air fryer. Here are some options:

Option 1: Crab Cake Style Stuffing

This filling is similar to a crab cake mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of fresh crab meat, 2 oz of softened cream cheese, the juice from half a lemon, 2 tbsp of fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp of Old Bay seasoning, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Mix the ingredients well to create a crab cake style stuffing that is both tender and crispy.

Option 2: Ricotta, Spinach, and Harissa Filling

Place frozen spinach in the microwave to defrost, then squeeze out any excess liquid. In a separate bowl, add the spinach, ricotta cheese, harissa paste, pepper, and salt to taste. Mix the ingredients to form a creamy and mildly spicy filling.

Option 3: Breadcrumbs and Parmesan Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp of chopped fresh dill, 2 tbsp of minced garlic, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, 1/4 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of pepper. Mix the ingredients to create a flavourful and crispy stuffing.

Option 4: Spinach and Artichoke Filling

In a mixing bowl, add an 8 oz block of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of cooked chopped spinach (about 2 cups raw), 1 can of drained and chopped artichoke hearts, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to create a creamy and savoury filling.

Option 5: Crab Meat and Cream Cheese Filling

Combine 1 cup of crab meat, 4 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of diced sweet onion, 2 tbsp of hot sauce (optional), and salt and pepper to taste. Try not to break up the crab meat too much while mixing. This filling offers a delicious combination of creamy and savoury flavours.

Stuffing the salmon

Stuffing salmon is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to stuff salmon for air frying:

Firstly, prepare your salmon fillets. It's important to use fresh salmon for the best flavour and texture. Look for thick fillets that will be easier to stuff. You can ask your fishmonger for a thicker cut, or buy a whole side of salmon and cut it into fillets yourself. Make sure to leave the skin on, as this will help keep the salmon moist during cooking.

Once you have your fillets, it's time to create a pocket for the stuffing. Using a sharp knife, gently slice down the centre of each fillet, lengthways, taking care not to cut all the way through. You want to create a pouch that will hold your stuffing without leaking. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel and brush or drizzle with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, or your chosen herbs and spices.

Now it's time to make the stuffing. There are endless combinations of ingredients you can use, but a few popular options include crab meat and cream cheese, spinach and ricotta, or breadcrumbs and Parmesan. For instance, to make a crab cake-style stuffing, mix crab meat, breadcrumbs, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, lemon juice, fresh parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also add ingredients like garlic, onion, or chilli paste for an extra kick. Play around with different flavours and textures to find your favourite combination.

Once your stuffing is ready, it's time to fill those salmon pouches. Spoon the mixture into each fillet, ensuring it is tightly packed and overflowing. Place any remaining stuffing on top of the fillets.

Finally, place your stuffed salmon onto tinned foil and drizzle with a little more oil. You're now ready to air fry your delicious creation!

Cooking the salmon

Now that your salmon is stuffed, it's time to cook it! Place your stuffed salmon in the air fryer basket or tray. If you're cooking multiple pieces, make sure they fit comfortably in the air fryer with a little space around each for the hot air to circulate.

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature will depend on your air fryer model and your preferred level of doneness for the salmon. A temperature range of 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C) is commonly recommended. Preheat your air fryer for at least 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to set the timer. The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the type of stuffing used. As a general guideline, cook the stuffed salmon for about 10 to 15 minutes. For a more precise estimation, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F to 165°F (63°C to 74°C).

While the salmon is cooking, you can prepare any side dishes to accompany your meal. This could include roasted vegetables, quinoa, couscous, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.

Keep an eye on your salmon as it cooks. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your desired level of doneness. The salmon is ready when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and has a crispy exterior. The stuffing should be hot and nicely browned.

Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and tender fillet.

Finally, serve your delicious stuffed salmon! It pairs well with a variety of sides and can be drizzled with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or fresh lemon juice for added flavour. Enjoy your homemade air-fried masterpiece!

Serving suggestions

There are many different ways to serve air fryer stuffed salmon. Here are some suggestions:

Starch

• Pasta
• Rice
• Mashed Potato

Vegetable

• Roasted vegetables
• Green beans
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Carrots
• Cabbage
• Leafy greens
• Salad

You could also serve it with a starch and vegetable, such as:

• Air fryer smashed potatoes with oven-roasted broccoli
• Roasted baby potatoes with garlic broccolini
• Mashed sweet potatoes with honey-garlic butter roasted carrots
• Crispy skillet-fried potatoes with easy 10-minute garlic broccolini

Frequently asked questions