Tiffany Haney
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious, healthy meal. The air fryer locks in moisture and cooks salmon to perfection in under 15 minutes, resulting in a tender, flaky centre and a crispy exterior. This method is also versatile, allowing you to season or marinate the salmon to your preference, and pair it with a variety of sides.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 6-11 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Salmon | Fresh or frozen |
| Salmon Skin | On or off |
| Salmon Fillet Thickness | Comparable thickness for even cooking |
| Salmon Size | Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket |
| Salmon Quantity | 2 fillets at a time |
| Oil | Olive, avocado, or melted unsalted butter |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, honey, dijon mustard |
| Sauce | Tartar, Greek yogurt, honey mustard, hot, sweet chilli, honey soy |
| Glaze | Maple dijon, teriyaki, BBQ, spicy honey |
| Vegetables | Asparagus, brussels sprouts, broccoli |
| Starch | Mashed potatoes, roasted lemon honey asparagus, panzanella salad, quinoa |
| Clean-up | Line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper |
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What You'll Learn
Salmon preparation and seasoning
Salmon is a versatile fish that can be cooked in many ways, but air frying is one of the easiest and fastest ways to cook it. It is also a healthy option as it allows you to enjoy all the health benefits of salmon without added oil or fat.
Before you start cooking, you will need to prepare your salmon fillets. You can use either skin-on or skinless salmon fillets. If you are using skin-on fillets, you can skip this step, but if you are using skinless fillets, you will need to grease your air fryer basket to prevent sticking. You can use olive oil or avocado oil for this. It is also important to ensure that your salmon fillets are of similar thickness so that they cook evenly at the same time. If you are using frozen salmon, you will need to thaw it before cooking. The salmon should be clean, brightly coloured, and free from soft spots or discolourations.
Once your salmon fillets are prepared, you will need to season them. You can use any seasoning or marinade you like. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper will work, but if you want to add a little more flavour, you can use garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil. You can also try other seasonings such as chilli powder, brown sugar, honey, dijon mustard, or smoked paprika. If you are using olive oil, add it to a small bowl with the salmon and mix before adding your seasonings and rubbing them onto the fish.
If you want to get creative, you can try making a glaze for your salmon. One option is to mix one tablespoon of dijon mustard with one teaspoon of maple syrup and brush it on the salmon before air frying. You can also try a teriyaki glaze by brushing the salmon with teriyaki sauce in the last couple of minutes of cooking. If you want a sweet and smoky flavour, swap the paprika for smoked paprika and add some brown sugar. For a touch of heat and sweetness, try drizzling the cooked salmon with spicy honey.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking salmon in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the thickness of the salmon fillets, the model of the air fryer, and whether the salmon is fresh or frozen.
When cooking fresh salmon, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cook for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork or when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check the colour of the salmon to determine doneness.
For frozen salmon, preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen salmon on a piece of aluminum foil in the air fryer and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Remove the foil and continue cooking for another 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
It is important to note that different air fryer models may require slight adjustments in cooking time, so it is recommended to check the salmon periodically to avoid overcooking. Additionally, if you are using any glazes or sauces, consider reducing the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burning and cook for a slightly longer time.
Air fryer salmon is typically ready in under 10 to 15 minutes and is praised for its ease, speed, and foolproof nature. The high-powered convection cooking of air fryers ensures a crispy exterior without drying out the salmon, resulting in a moist, tender, and flaky dish.
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Cooking frozen salmon
Prepare the Air Fryer and Salmon:
First, preheat your air fryer to 360-390 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your frozen salmon fillets. It is recommended to use skin-on salmon as it helps the fish hold together during cooking, but skinless fillets can also be used. Place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, on a layer of aluminum foil or parchment paper inside the air fryer basket. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the skin from sticking to the air fryer.
Season the Salmon:
You can season the salmon with a variety of spices, herbs, and citrus flavors. A simple seasoning blend can include olive oil or avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. You can also add lemon or lime zest, fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro, or a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a citrusy twist. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup to the seasoning blend.
Cook the Salmon:
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the frozen salmon fillets in the air fryer and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, remove the salmon from the air fryer and brush the seasoning mixture over the top of the fillets. Place the salmon back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The total cook time for frozen salmon in an air fryer can range from 12 to 18 minutes.
Check for Doneness:
To ensure your salmon is cooked properly, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety. However, if you prefer a more medium cook, you can aim for a temperature of 125 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit, which will result in a more tender texture. The salmon is done when it is opaque in color, slightly browned on the edges, and flakes easily when gently scraped with a fork.
Serving Suggestions:
Air fryer frozen salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. You can enjoy it with rice, quinoa, salad, vegetables, or use it in casseroles, pasta dishes, or salmon patties. For a healthier option, pair it with air-fried asparagus, baby carrots, or green beans.
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Avoiding overcooking
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. However, it's important to avoid overcooking the fish, as this can result in a dry and rubbery texture. Here are some tips to prevent overcooking your salmon:
Firstly, it's crucial to select the right salmon fillets. Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon with firm, moist flesh and a vibrant colour. Avoid salmon that has a strong fishy odour or appears dull and dry. If you're using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it properly before cooking. Place it in the refrigerator overnight for slow thawing, or for a quicker method, submerge the sealed salmon in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Before cooking, ensure your salmon fillets are of similar thickness to promote even cooking. If your fillets are uneven, consider cutting them into more uniform pieces or adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Thicker fillets may need a few extra minutes, while thinner ones will cook faster.
Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350°F and 400°F, for about 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the salmon cooks evenly and helps achieve those crispy edges.
When it comes to cooking, place your seasoned salmon fillets in a single layer inside the basket, leaving space between them for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.
The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, cook the salmon for 6 to 11 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. However, start checking the salmon a couple of minutes before the suggested cooking time ends to prevent overcooking. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque, yet still slightly translucent in the centre for a moist, tender texture.
Finally, it's essential to handle the cooked salmon gently when removing it from the air fryer to avoid breaking it apart. Serve the salmon with your favourite sides and enjoy the delicious, perfectly cooked fish!
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Clean-up and storage
If you do not line the basket, you may need to grease the air fryer basket with oil or butter to prevent the salmon from sticking. This is particularly important if you are cooking skinless salmon fillets.
Once you have finished cooking, you can store leftover salmon in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best to place the salmon in the refrigerator as soon as possible after cooking.
You can also freeze cooked salmon for up to two months. To do this, place the cooked and cooled salmon in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer. When you are ready to eat the frozen salmon, you can reheat it in the air fryer to keep the crust crispy. Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and heat the salmon for 4-5 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 6 to 11 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 360 degrees F if you are cooking frozen salmon. For fresh salmon, the temperature can be set to 400 degrees F.
The best way to know when salmon is done is to use an instant-read thermometer. Per the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F in the thickest part of the fillet. If you don't have a thermometer, you can check if the salmon flakes off easily with a fork.
Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper before placing the salmon in it. Alternatively, you can spray some oil on the basket to prevent sticking.
Some good seasonings for salmon include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, olive oil, and lemon wedges. You can also use a mixture of dijon mustard and maple syrup, or brown sugar, garlic, and chili powder for a sweet and savory flavor.
