Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a game changer for busy home cooks. It’s fast, easy, and yields salmon that’s crispy on the outside, tender and moist inside. If you’ve been wondering how to cook salmon in an air fryer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get delicious results with minimal effort.
Why Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer?
The air fryer uses hot circulating air to cook food quickly and evenly. For salmon, this means:
– Faster cooking times compared to baking or pan-searing.
– Crispy edges with a moist, flaky interior.
– No need to flip the fish during cooking.
– Less mess and no need to preheat a large oven.
– A foolproof way to get perfectly cooked salmon every time.
Choosing the Best Salmon for Air Frying
You can use any salmon fillets, but 4- to 5-ounce portions work best. This size allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each piece, ensuring consistent cooking. Skin-on fillets are preferred for extra flavor and to help keep the fish moist, but skinless works too.
Preparing Salmon for the Air Fryer
- Pat dry: Use paper towels to dry the salmon. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes crispiness.
- Season: Brush the salmon with olive oil or a mix of olive oil and lemon juice. Then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite spices. Some like to add a thin layer of mustard for extra flavor and to help spices adhere.
- Avoid sprays: Don’t use aerosol non-stick sprays on the air fryer basket, as they can damage the coating and cause smoking. Instead, lightly brush oil or use a spray bottle with olive oil.
Cooking Instructions
– Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C).
– Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the basket, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
– Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness. A good rule of thumb is 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
– Check doneness by seeing if the fish flakes easily with a fork or by using a meat thermometer (125°F for medium rare, 130°F medium, 140°F well done).
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
– Use fillets of similar size to ensure even cooking.
– Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed.
– Preheating the air fryer helps get a nice sear on the salmon.
– If you want, baste the salmon halfway through cooking with a marinade or sauce for extra flavor.
– Let the salmon rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
Flavor Variations and Serving Suggestions
– Simple seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
– Asian-inspired: Soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper marinade.
– Lemon garlic butter: Drizzle with a sauce made from melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic after cooking.
– Serve with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or rice for a quick, healthy meal.
Cooking salmon in the air fryer is a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy this nutritious fish. With minimal prep and just 10 minutes of cooking, you can have a satisfying dinner on the table any night of the week. Ready to try it yourself?