Air-Fryer Salmon: Perfect Temperature For Delicious Results

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon that turns out tender and flaky every time. In this article, we will explore the best temperature to cook salmon in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure your salmon is cooked to perfection.

Air fry salmon at 400°F for 6 to 11 minutes

Before air frying, line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper for easy clean-up. Then, place the salmon skin-side down and coat with oil, salt and pepper. You can also add lemon slices under the salmon for extra flavour.

The best way to know when salmon is done is to use an instant-read thermometer. The FDA recommends that salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fish. If you want your salmon to be moist and flaky, remove it from the air fryer around 135°F and let it rest. The carryover cooking will bring it to the desired temperature.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked, tender and flaky air fryer salmon!

Per the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F

It's important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and thickness of your salmon fillets. As a general rule, thinner fillets will cook faster and thicker fillets will take longer. You can also adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness. If you prefer your salmon on the rarer side, you can remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F to 140°F. However, keep in mind that the FDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F for food safety reasons.

When cooking salmon in an air fryer, it's recommended to start with the salmon skin-side down. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the skin from drying out. You can also line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.

By following these guidelines and paying attention to the internal temperature of your salmon, you can ensure that your air-fried salmon is cooked to perfection every time.

Pat dry the salmon fillets to ensure there is no excess moisture

Once the salmon is patted dry, you can then coat it with oil and season with salt and pepper, or any other desired spices and herbs. This will help to create a delicious, flavourful crust on the salmon. You can also add lemon slices under each piece of salmon to add a zesty freshness to the dish.

After seasoning, place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't touching. You can place them skin-side down or skin-side up, depending on your preference. If you opt for skin-side down, the skin will become crispy and golden, adding a tasty texture to your dish.

Air fry the salmon for around 6 to 11 minutes at 400°F. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness. For a moist and flaky texture, remove the salmon from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F to 140°F. The carryover cooking will bring it to the recommended internal temperature of 145°F.

Coat the salmon with oil, then add salt and pepper

To cook salmon in an air fryer, you should first coat the salmon with oil, then add salt and pepper. You can also add brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, and rub this mixture over the salmon.

The oil will help the seasoning stick to the salmon and ensure that the outside of the fish is crispy. You can use olive oil, or another oil of your choice. Drizzle the oil over the salmon and use your hands or a brush to ensure the fish is evenly coated.

Once the salmon is coated in oil, you can add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings, such as lemon pepper or garlic powder, to enhance the flavour of the fish. Be sure to mix the seasonings together before rubbing them over the salmon to ensure they are evenly distributed.

It is important to note that the amount of oil, salt, and pepper you use may vary depending on your personal preference and the size of the salmon fillet. However, it is generally recommended to use a light coating of oil and a generous amount of salt and pepper.

Place the salmon in the air fryer basket skin-side down

To cook salmon in an air fryer, you should place the salmon in the air fryer basket skin-side down. This is because the skin will crisp up nicely and the flesh will remain tender and flaky.

Before placing the salmon in the air fryer basket, you should pat the salmon fillets dry to ensure there is no excess moisture. Then, coat the salmon with oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

It's important to note that the skin-side-down placement is not mandatory. Some people prefer to place the salmon skin-side up in the air fryer basket. This can help to ensure even cooking and prevent the skin from sticking to the basket.

The recommended temperature for cooking salmon in an air fryer is 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets, but it typically ranges from 6 to 11 minutes. To ensure the salmon is cooked perfectly, it should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon.

Frequently asked questions