Air frying is a healthier and easier way to cook salmon. It's crispy on the outside, moist and tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Plus, it's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a great way to get a delicious and healthy meal on the table in a matter of minutes. This versatile cooking method allows you to easily customize your salmon to your liking, from crispy and golden to tender and flaky. Whether you prefer a simple seasoning or a more elaborate marinade, air frying brings out the best in this flavorful fish.
To get started, you'll need a few simple ingredients: salmon fillets, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add additional spices or herbs, such as lemon pepper, garlic powder, or dill, to taste. Once you have your ingredients, you'll just need to follow a few simple steps to cook perfect salmon in your air fryer.
how to cook salmon in air fryer
To help you get started, here are 8 important points to remember when cooking salmon in an air fryer:
- Preheat air fryer.
- Season salmon fillets.
- Lightly oil salmon fillets.
- Place salmon fillets in air fryer basket.
- Cook salmon fillets for 8-12 minutes.
- Flip salmon fillets halfway through cooking.
- Cook until salmon is cooked through.
- Serve immediately.
These simple tips will help you cook perfect salmon in your air fryer every time.
Preheat air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes before cooking the salmon. This will help to ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and quickly.
- Preheating allows the air fryer to reach its target temperature quickly.
This is important because it helps to cook the salmon evenly and prevents it from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Preheating helps to create a crispy outer layer on the salmon.
The hot air circulating in the air fryer will help to create a crispy crust on the outside of the salmon, while keeping the inside moist and tender.
- Preheating helps to reduce cooking time.
By preheating the air fryer, the salmon will cook more quickly and evenly, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Preheating is a simple step that makes a big difference in the final result.
Taking the time to preheat your air fryer will help you to achieve perfectly cooked salmon every time.
Now that you know why it's important to preheat your air fryer, here are some tips for doing it properly:
- Make sure that the air fryer basket is clean and dry before preheating.
- Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and let it preheat for at least 5 minutes, or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, add the salmon fillets and cook according to the recipe instructions.
Season salmon fillets.
Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to season the salmon fillets. This is an important step, as it will help to enhance the flavor of the fish and make it more delicious. There are many different ways to season salmon, but here are a few simple and flavorful options:
Lemon and dill: This classic combination is always a winner. Simply sprinkle the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. You can also add a pat of butter to each fillet before cooking.
Garlic and herbs: This is another great way to add flavor to salmon. Rub the fillets with a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
Spicy chili rub: If you like a little heat, try this spicy chili rub. Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub the mixture onto the salmon fillets and let them sit for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
Teriyaki glaze: This sweet and savory glaze is perfect for salmon. Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, and ginger in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let the glaze simmer for 5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Brush the glaze onto the salmon fillets before cooking.
No matter which seasoning you choose, make sure to season the salmon fillets on both sides. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
Lightly oil salmon fillets.
Once the salmon fillets are seasoned, it's time to lightly oil them. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket and will also help to create a crispy outer layer.
- Oiling the salmon fillets will help to prevent them from drying out.
The hot air circulating in the air fryer can quickly dry out the salmon, so it's important to add a little oil to help keep it moist.
- Oiling the salmon fillets will help to create a crispy outer layer.
The oil will help to brown the salmon and create a crispy crust, while keeping the inside moist and tender.
- You can use any type of oil you like, but olive oil and avocado oil are good options.
These oils have a high smoke point, which means that they can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning.
- To oil the salmon fillets, simply brush them with a pastry brush dipped in oil.
You can also use your fingers to rub the oil onto the fillets. Make sure to coat both sides of the fillets evenly.
Once the salmon fillets are oiled, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer basket.
Place salmon fillets in air fryer basket.
Once the salmon fillets are oiled, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer basket. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure that the air fryer basket is clean and dry before adding the salmon fillets.
This will help to prevent the fillets from sticking.
- Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the air from circulating properly and will result in uneven cooking.
- If you are cooking multiple salmon fillets, make sure that they are all of similar size and thickness.
This will help to ensure that they cook evenly.
- Once the salmon fillets are in the air fryer basket, you can close the basket and start cooking.
Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and time, and then let the salmon cook until it is cooked through.
The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the desired level of doneness. For medium-rare salmon, cook for 8-10 minutes. For medium salmon, cook for 10-12 minutes. And for well-done salmon, cook for 12-14 minutes.
Cook salmon fillets for 8-12 minutes.
Once the salmon fillets are in the air fryer basket, it's time to cook them. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Set the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C).
This will help to ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and quickly.
- Set the cooking time for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the desired level of doneness.
For medium-rare salmon, cook for 8-10 minutes. For medium salmon, cook for 10-12 minutes. And for well-done salmon, cook for 12-14 minutes.
- Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer basket and flip the salmon fillets.
This will help to ensure that the salmon cooks evenly on both sides.
- Once the cooking time is complete, open the air fryer basket and check the salmon fillets to see if they are cooked through.
The salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork.
If the salmon is not cooked through, simply put it back in the air fryer and cook for a few more minutes.
Flip salmon fillets halfway through cooking.
Flipping the salmon fillets halfway through cooking is an important step to ensure that they cook evenly on both sides. Here's why:
It prevents the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket.
When the salmon is cooking, the natural oils and juices from the fish can cause it to stick to the air fryer basket. Flipping the fillets helps to release them from the basket and prevents them from sticking.
It promotes even cooking.
The hot air in the air fryer circulates around the salmon fillets, cooking them evenly on all sides. However, if the fillets are not flipped, the side that is facing down will cook more quickly than the side that is facing up. Flipping the fillets ensures that both sides of the salmon cook evenly.
It creates a crispy outer layer.
When the salmon is flipped, the side that was facing up is now exposed to the hot air in the air fryer. This helps to create a crispy outer layer on the salmon, while keeping the inside moist and tender.
It allows you to check the doneness of the salmon.
When you flip the salmon fillets, you can take a peek at the inside of the fish to see how it is cooking. This allows you to adjust the cooking time if necessary.
To flip the salmon fillets, simply open the air fryer basket and use a pair of tongs to carefully flip the fillets over. Be careful not to drop the fillets, as they may break apart.
Cook until salmon is cooked through.
The final step in cooking salmon in an air fryer is to cook it until it is cooked through. Here's how to tell when the salmon is done:
Use a meat thermometer.
The most accurate way to check if the salmon is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon fillet. The salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 155°F (68°C) for medium, and 165°F (74°C) for well-done.
Check the color of the salmon.
When the salmon is cooked through, it will be opaque and flaky. The flesh of the salmon will also be a light pink color. If the salmon is still translucent or has a raw appearance, it needs to cook for a few more minutes.
Gently press the salmon with a fork.
When the salmon is cooked through, it will flake easily with a fork. If the salmon is still firm and does not flake easily, it needs to cook for a few more minutes.
Once the salmon is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer basket and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, resulting in a more flavorful and tender salmon.
Serve immediately.
Once the salmon is cooked through, it's important to serve it immediately. This will ensure that the salmon is at its best flavor and texture.
Here are a few tips for serving salmon immediately:
Prepare your sides and garnishes ahead of time.
This will help to ensure that everything is ready when the salmon is done cooking. Some popular sides for salmon include roasted vegetables, rice, and quinoa. Some popular garnishes for salmon include lemon wedges, dill, and parsley.
Have your serving dishes ready.
This will help to make the process of serving the salmon quick and easy. You can use a platter, a baking dish, or individual plates.
Transfer the salmon to the serving dish immediately after cooking.
This will help to prevent the salmon from overcooking. You can use a spatula or a pair of tongs to transfer the salmon.
Garnish the salmon with your favorite herbs and spices.
This will help to add flavor and color to the dish.
Serve the salmon immediately and enjoy! Salmon is a delicious and healthy meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to cook salmon in an air fryer:
Question 1: What is the best way to season salmon before cooking it in an air fryer?
Answer 1: There are many ways to season salmon before cooking it in an air fryer. Some popular options include lemon and dill, garlic and herbs, spicy chili rub, and teriyaki glaze.
Question 2: How long do I need to cook salmon in an air fryer?
Answer 2: The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the desired level of doneness. For medium-rare salmon, cook for 8-10 minutes. For medium salmon, cook for 10-12 minutes. And for well-done salmon, cook for 12-14 minutes.
Question 3: Do I need to flip the salmon fillets while they are cooking?
Answer 3: Yes, it is important to flip the salmon fillets halfway through the cooking time. This will help to ensure that the salmon cooks evenly on both sides.
Question 4: How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
Answer 4: The salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 155°F (68°C) for medium, and 165°F (74°C) for well-done. You can also check the doneness of the salmon by gently pressing it with a fork. If the salmon flakes easily, it is cooked through.
Question 5: What are some good sides to serve with salmon cooked in an air fryer?
Answer 5: Some popular sides to serve with salmon cooked in an air fryer include roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, and grilled asparagus.
Question 6: Can I use frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer?
Answer 6: Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Question 7: What are some tips for cooking salmon in an air fryer?
Answer 7: Here are a few tips for cooking salmon in an air fryer:
With these tips, you'll be able to cook delicious and healthy salmon in your air fryer in no time!
Tips
Here are a few tips for cooking salmon in an air fryer:
Tip 1: Choose the right salmon fillets.
Look for salmon fillets that are about 1 inch thick and have a good amount of marbling. This will help to ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and stays moist.
Tip 2: Season the salmon fillets well.
Salmon is a mild-flavored fish, so it's important to season it well before cooking. You can use a variety of herbs and spices, such as lemon pepper, garlic powder, dill, or paprika.
Tip 3: Preheat the air fryer.
Preheating the air fryer will help to ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and quickly. Most air fryers have a preheat setting, but you can also simply set the air fryer to the desired cooking temperature and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding the salmon.
Tip 4: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
If you overcrowd the air fryer basket, the salmon will not cook evenly. Make sure that there is enough space between the salmon fillets so that the hot air can circulate around them.
By following these tips, you can cook delicious and healthy salmon in your air fryer in no time!
With a little practice, you'll be able to cook salmon in your air fryer like a pro. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!
Conclusion
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this delicious fish. By following a few simple steps, you can cook salmon that is crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside.
Here are the main points to remember when cooking salmon in an air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before cooking the salmon.
- Season the salmon fillets with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Lightly oil the salmon fillets to help prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook the salmon fillets for 8-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
- Flip the salmon fillets halfway through the cooking time.
- Serve the salmon immediately.
With a little practice, you'll be able to cook salmon in your air fryer like a pro. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!
Enjoy your delicious and healthy air fryer salmon!