To cook salmon in an air fryer, follow these general steps for a quick, flavorful, and tender result:
Ingredients (basic example)
- Salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, lemon zest, herbs, or a marinade/sauce of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C).
- Prepare the salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help seasoning stick.
- Rub each fillet with olive oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer (e.g., garlic powder, paprika, lemon zest).
- Optionally, brush with a marinade or glaze such as a mixture of Dijon mustard, soy sauce, brown sugar, or fresh herbs.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching for even cooking.
- Cook the salmon for about 7 to 10 minutes depending on thickness. Thinner fillets (around 1 inch) may take 7-8 minutes; thicker cuts up to 10 minutes. Check for doneness by testing if the salmon flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Optional: If you want a glaze or sauce, brush it on halfway through cooking or after cooking.
- Rest the salmon for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Cooking times can vary by air fryer model and salmon thickness, so check early and adjust as needed.
- For frozen salmon, pre-cook wrapped in foil at 400°F for 7 minutes, then unwrap and cook an additional 6-11 minutes until done.
- Use a light spray of cooking oil in the basket or on salmon to prevent sticking.
- Salmon keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
This method yields salmon with crispy edges and a tender, flaky center in under 10 minutes, making it a convenient and healthy cooking option
