Cody Casey
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They can cook food quickly and easily, with minimal clean-up required. One of the best things to cook in an air fryer is salmon. It's healthy, delicious, and can be ready in under 15 minutes. The air fryer's intense circulation of hot air cooks delicate salmon fillets beautifully, resulting in tender, flaky fish with a crispy exterior. The key to achieving this perfect balance of textures is to cook the salmon at the right temperature for the right amount of time, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 8-15 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Preheat temperature | 360-390°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Filet thickness | 1 inch |
| Filet number | 2-4 |
| Skin | On or skinless |
| Seasoning | Olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon, honey, dijon mustard, hot sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, maple syrup, teriyaki sauce |
| Sides | Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, hot sauce, quinoa, greens, grains, lemon, herbs, asparagus, roasted fingerling potatoes |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning and spices
A simple yet classic combination of spices includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add olive oil to help the seasoning stick and keep the salmon moist. If you want to add a tangy kick to your salmon, brush the fillets with mustard before sprinkling on the spices. You can use Dijon mustard or a mix of mustard and honey for a sweet and spicy flavour.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try a teriyaki glaze, a smoky BBQ rub, or a spicy honey drizzle. For a teriyaki glaze, brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. For a smoky BBQ flavour, swap the paprika in your spice mix for smoked paprika and add brown sugar. If you want a little heat and sweetness, drizzle the cooked salmon with hot honey.
Remember, the key to getting an evenly coated crust is to shake the spices directly from the spice bottle onto the salmon. You can also use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread a thin layer of mustard or olive oil onto the fillets before adding the seasonings.
Additionally, the thickness of your salmon fillets will impact the cooking time and how well the seasonings penetrate the fish. It's recommended to use fillets that are around 1 inch thick, as they cook more evenly and retain their moisture better. If your fillets are extra thick, you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.
With so many seasoning options, you can easily customise your air-fried salmon to suit your taste preferences.
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$22.45 $24.95
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for salmon in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the salmon pieces, the model of the air fryer, and personal preference for doneness. Most sources recommend cooking salmon in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes at 390°F (180°C) for a crispy exterior and a tender, flaky interior. However, some sources suggest cooking it at a higher temperature of 400°F for 6 to 11 minutes.
For even cooking, it is recommended to use salmon fillets of similar thickness and to preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (or 135°F for medium doneness) in the thickest part of the fish. To prevent overcooking, it is better to slightly undercook the salmon and add more time as needed.
Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the number of salmon fillets being cooked simultaneously. Most air fryers can cook two fillets at a time, and thicker fillets may require slightly longer cooking times.
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Skin on or skin off
When it comes to cooking salmon in an air fryer, you can choose to cook it with the skin on or off. There are advantages to both methods.
Skin On
Leaving the skin on while cooking salmon in an air fryer is a good option as the skin helps to hold the fillet together. It also results in a moister and flakier fillet. If you like crispy skin, you can achieve this in the air fryer by cooking the salmon skin-side down. The skin will crisp up and you can choose to eat it or peel it off before serving.
Skin Off
Cooking salmon with the skin off in an air fryer is also a viable option. This method might be preferable if you do not want to eat the skin or achieve crispiness. Simply cook the salmon fillet according to your recipe and then remove the skin before serving.
General Tips
Regardless of whether you choose to cook your salmon with the skin on or off, there are a few general tips to keep in mind when using an air fryer:
- Ensure your salmon fillets are of even thickness to promote even cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to achieve crispier edges.
- Use cooking spray, aluminium foil, or parchment paper to line the basket for easier cleanup.
- Check the doneness of the salmon with a fork; it is ready when the salmon flakes easily.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
- For frozen salmon, season as you would with fresh salmon and increase the cooking time.
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Glazes and sauces
There are a variety of glazes and sauces that you can use to add flavour to your salmon when cooking it in an air fryer.
A popular option is a honey garlic glaze, which you can make by whisking together honey, soy sauce, and garlic or garlic powder. You can also add salt and pepper to season. If you don't have honey, you can use maple syrup instead. This glaze can be poured over the salmon fillets before cooking.
Another option is a maple soy glaze, which can be made by combining maple syrup, soy sauce, sriracha, and garlic. You can marinate the salmon in this mixture for 10 to 20 minutes, then reserve the marinade and air fry the salmon. Meanwhile, simmer the marinade in a saucepan over medium-low heat until it thickens into a glaze, then spoon it over the salmon before serving.
If you're looking for something more simple, you can just season the salmon with salt and black pepper, and finish it with freshly squeezed lemon.
Other glaze and sauce options include:
- Maple Dijon: Mix 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup and brush it on the salmon before air frying.
- Teriyaki Glaze: Brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce in the last couple of minutes of cooking.
- Smoky BBQ: Use smoked paprika and add brown sugar for a sweet and smoky flavour.
- Spicy Honey: Drizzle with hot honey after cooking for a little heat and sweetness.
Remember, when using glazes with honey or maple syrup, there is a risk of burning. To avoid this, you can brush on the glaze during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, or add it after the salmon is cooked.
Additionally, lining your air fryer basket with foil can help to prevent the glaze from sticking and make cleanup easier.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your leftover salmon properly is key to ensuring that it stays tasty and safe to eat. If you're planning to eat it within three to four days, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge. For longer storage, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic, then place it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze it. Make sure your salmon is completely cool before freezing.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover salmon, there are a few ways to reheat it. One option is to use an air fryer, which can help retain the moisture in the fish, leaving it juicy and tender. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). While it's preheating, prepare your leftover salmon. If your salmon has skin, place it skin-side down on a plate or in a microwave-safe dish. If you want crispy skin, use a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray.
Sprinkle your choice of seasonings and herbs over the salmon fillets. Popular options include garlic powder, lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper. Wrap the salmon fillets in aluminum foil, ensuring it's sealed tightly enough to allow hot air to circulate. This helps keep the salmon moist during reheating. Place the wrapped salmon in the air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent overcooking. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C).
Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two before unwrapping and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite. You can also reheat your salmon in the microwave or oven, but be cautious to prevent it from drying out.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 6 to 15 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer. The time varies depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer.
The temperature depends on the model of your air fryer. Some sources recommend 350°F, while others suggest 360°F, 390°F, or 400°F.
It is recommended to cook two salmon fillets at a time in the air fryer to ensure even cooking. However, the size of your air fryer may vary, so you can adjust the number of fillets accordingly.
You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and extra virgin olive oil. You can also experiment with different flavors like harissa and lime, za'atar and garlic, or lemon and pesto.
