Tiffany Haney
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. The air fryer cooks salmon with a crispy exterior and a flaky, tender interior, locking in the juices without the need for added oil or fat. The temperature and time needed to cook the salmon in an air fryer vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer, but generally, it cooks at around 350-400°F for 6-11 minutes.
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for salmon in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the thickness of the salmon, the size of the air fryer, and personal preference for doneness. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the salmon, which can be done in about 3 to 5 minutes.
For 6-ounce salmon fillets, a cooking time of 6 minutes is suggested, but this may need to be adjusted depending on the make and model of the air fryer. It is generally recommended to cook salmon in the air fryer for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer. If the fillets are around 1 inch thick, they will likely need 8 to 9 minutes. For thicker fillets, an additional minute or two may be needed. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, and if necessary, cook the salmon in batches.
To check if the salmon is done, the best method is to use a fork to see if it flakes off easily. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon should reach 145°F for well-done salmon, or 135°F for medium doneness. If the salmon is cooked to 135°F and then removed to rest, the carryover cooking will bring it to the desired temperature, resulting in moist and flaky salmon.
It is worth noting that some recipes suggest cooking salmon at 350°F, while others recommend 390°F or even 400°F. The cooking time may also depend on whether the salmon is fresh or frozen, with frozen salmon requiring a longer cooking time. For frozen salmon, it is suggested to preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed before adding the seasoning and cooking for an additional 6 to 11 minutes.
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Pre-cooking prep
Air-frying salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a flaky centre and seared edges. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare salmon before air-frying it:
Prepare the salmon fillets:
- Choose skin-on or skinless salmon fillets. Skin-on fillets help the fish cook more evenly and hold together better, but skinless fillets can also be used.
- Ensure the fillets are of even thickness, as this will ensure they cook evenly at the same time.
- If using frozen salmon, let it thaw completely before cooking.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, as this can lead to soggy fish.
Prepare the air fryer basket:
- Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- If not using foil or paper, grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent the salmon from sticking.
Season the salmon:
- Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil, melted butter, or a mixture of both. This helps the seasonings stick to the fish and keeps it moist.
- Create a seasoning mix by combining ingredients such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, and herbs.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well-coated.
- For a glaze, try mixing maple syrup and Dijon mustard, or honey and soy sauce.
Preheat the air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350°F to 400°F, for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Remember, the key to successful air-fried salmon is ensuring even cooking and avoiding overcooking, which can lead to dry and flaky salmon.
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Seasoning and glaze
Seasoning and glazing your salmon is a great way to add flavour and texture to your dish.
Seasoning
Salmon is a versatile fish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is a classic choice, but you can also add garlic powder, paprika, and herbs for extra flavour. If you want a more crispy exterior, adding a touch of brown sugar to your seasoning mix will help to caramelize the fish. Smoked paprika, onion powder, and fresh or granulated garlic are also great options for enhancing the flavour of the fish and giving it a lovely, smoky aroma.
When seasoning your salmon, it's important to pat the fillets dry with a paper towel first to remove any moisture, which can lead to soggy fish. You can then brush the fillets with olive oil or melted butter to help the seasoning stick and keep the salmon moist. Next, generously sprinkle your chosen seasoning mixture over the fillets, ensuring an even coating.
Glaze
A glaze can add a delicious layer of flavour to your salmon and can be applied before or after cooking. Honey, teriyaki sauce, and sweet chilli sauce are all great options for a sweet and sticky glaze. For a more savoury option, try brushing the salmon with soy sauce, dijon mustard, or a mixture of both.
If you want to glaze your salmon before cooking, it's best to add the glaze in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to avoid burning. Alternatively, you can reduce the temperature of your air fryer to 350°F and cook the salmon for a little longer. If you're concerned about the glaze burning, you can also opt to add it after cooking by simply drizzling it over the cooked salmon.
Cooking Tips
When cooking your seasoned and/or glazed salmon in the air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, cook the salmon in batches if needed.
- Check the salmon for doneness using a fork - it should flake easily when fully cooked.
- The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for salmon.
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Cooking methods
Air-frying salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a flaky centre and seared edges. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the salmon pieces and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook the salmon for 6 to 11 minutes at 400°F (204°C).
Before cooking, the salmon should be seasoned. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to ensure there is no moisture, which can result in soggy fish. Brush the fillets with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle on a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and brown sugar.
When cooking the salmon, place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Make sure the salmon fillets are of similar thickness to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of the air fryer, you may need to cook the salmon in batches. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
There are several ways to customise the flavour of the salmon. You can brush the salmon with a glaze, such as maple Dijon, teriyaki sauce, or honey. You can also add lemon wedges or serve the salmon with tartar sauce, Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, or hot sauce.
Additionally, you can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and cook the salmon for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Then, follow the same cooking instructions as for fresh salmon.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy meal to prepare, and it goes with a variety of sides. You can serve it with vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, or with grains like quinoa or rice. For a more indulgent option, you could try roasted fingerling potatoes.
If you're looking for a healthy meal, air fryer salmon is a great option as it's a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and you don't need to add any extra oil or fat during cooking. You can also serve it with a salad, such as a veggie salad with Asian greens like pak choi, choy sum, or tatsoi.
For an extra flavour boost, you can glaze the salmon with a variety of sauces. Try something sweet like maple syrup or honey, or add a kick of spice with hot honey, hot sauce, or chili sauce. Alternatively, go for a classic pairing with lemon wedges and tartar sauce, or a Greek yogurt sauce.
If you're cooking for guests, you can serve the salmon with the skin on and let them peel it away themselves. The cooked salmon will easily flake off with a fork.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. However, some recipes suggest reducing the temperature to 350°F if you want to cook with a glaze from the start.
It depends on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the model of the air fryer. Generally, it takes 6 to 11 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer. For 6-ounce fillets, it may take 6 minutes, while thicker fillets may need 8 to 10 minutes.
The best way to check is to use an instant-read thermometer. Per the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part. You can also check by inserting a fork to see if the salmon flakes off easily.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Then, brush the fillets with olive oil or melted butter and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and other desired spices.
