Hello, friends of Paulina Cocina! Today we're bringing you a perfect recipe for when you're short on time but don't want to miss out on flavor: Air Fryer Salmon . Perfect for those of us looking for something quick, tasty, and low-fuss.
Because let's be honest, cooking fish can be a challenge sometimes : the smell, the fear of it drying out, the sometimes lost flavor. But don't worry, we're here to tell you how to cook salmon in an air fryer without panicking.
In this article, we bring you tips to prevent it from drying out, preparation secrets , the keys to saving your fryer from that fishy smell that no one wants, and even ideas to pair with the air-fryer salmon recipe . Let's go for it!
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About Salmon in Airfryer
Preparing salmon, whether baked or grilled , is always a celebration; but air fryer salmon , in addition to being a quick cooking method , is ideal for preserving the fish's natural flavors, achieving a juicy, tasty, and healthy dish .
The best thing about air fryer recipes is that they're not only faster to make, but they also turn out delicious. Air fryer salmon turns out a spectacular golden brown , as if it were grilled (without the smoke or charcoal). A fish that looks like it came from a restaurant, but homemade and in less than 15 minutes .
4 Ways to Prepare Salmon in an Air Fryer
- Natural and simple : Just a little salt, pepper, and a touch of oil or cooking spray . Perfect for enjoying the pure flavor of air-fryer salmon.
- Marinade: With lemon (just a little because it cooks), honey, mustard, or soy sauce . Ideally, marinate it for about 15 minutes beforehand to allow it to absorb the flavors.
- With crust: Brushed with a little oil and covered with herbs, panko or even crushed nuts. Always taking care that they do not burn due to the heat from above.
- Glaze: With a mixture of honey and ginger or a balsamic reduction . The sweet and sour is a surefire winner. You can brush the salmon in the air fryer beforehand and add a little more when serving.
6 Reasons to Make Salmon in an Air Fryer
- Quick: Ready in less than 15 minutes easy dinners .
- Even cooking: Heat circulates evenly, without overcooking, ensuring that your air fryer salmon is perfect on all sides.
- Juicy texture: Air frying helps retain the fish's natural juices. It's important to control the temperature and cooking time.
- Perfect golden brown : With a touch of oil, air fryer salmon is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- No overpowering odors: Unlike other techniques, air frying significantly reduces the smell of fish in the kitchen.
- Versatility: Air fryer salmon can be prepared in a variety of ways , from the simplest to the most gourmet.
- Easy to Clean: With a little care, cleaning the Airfryer after cooking salmon in an air fryer is simple.
How long and at what temperature to cook salmon in an air fryer:
The secret to perfect air-fryer salmon is finding the perfect doneness, always keeping in mind that each fryer has its own unique characteristics, so it's also important to check the recommendations for each brand and model.
- Temperature: 180°C/190°C is the average temperature for salmon in air fryer.
- Time: Air-fried salmon fillets cook in 10-12 minutes if they're medium-thick. If they're thicker, add a couple of minutes.
- Extra searing: Brush with oil and raise the temperature to 200°C for the last 2 minutes.
- Paper or baking dish: To avoid dirtying the fryer too much, it is advisable to use silicone molds or baking paper to support the salmon in the air fryer.
How to keep air fryer salmon from drying out
The common fear with air fryer salmon is that it will turn out dry and dull. And let's be honest, nothing ruins a dinner more than a fish that looks like cardboard . But avoiding this is easier than it seems. Here are the tricks to make your salmon juicy and tender:
- Don't overcook: Overcooking is the public enemy of air-fryer salmon. It's best not to exceed the recommended 10-12 minutes , but if in doubt, it's always better to go a little shorter than overcook.
- Using marinades: In addition to adding extra flavor, something as simple as a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs can act as a protective barrier to keep the fish moist. If possible, do this 15-20 minutes before cooking the salmon in the air fryer, so it absorbs all the flavors.
- Just the right amount of oil: While the Airfryer is famous for its ability to cook with little to no fat, a touch of oil or butter (lard) is key to keeping your airfryer salmon from drying out.
- Don't stack: Although it's tempting to fill the fryer basket with several fillets at once, it's best not to do so. Cook salmon in the air fryer in a single layer , with space between them, so the air can circulate evenly. If there are a lot of pieces, it's best to cook them in batches so they all turn out perfectly.
Air Fryer Salmon: How to Get Rid of the Smell
After cooking salmon in the air fryer, it is normal for a slight odor to remain in the air fryer. It is recommended to thoroughly clean the basket with warm water, soap, and white vinegar . You can even leave it to soak in that mixture for a while.
Another option is to place a few lemon slices with baking soda in the air fryer and cook for a few minutes. Also, as mentioned above, it's recommended to use baking paper or a silicone mold to prevent the salmon juices from dripping into the basket.
8 Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
- Choose fresh, good-quality salmon: It may sound obvious, but the quality of the fish makes all the difference. If using frozen salmon , thaw it properly in the refrigerator overnight, and pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the fryer a few minutes beforehand (3 to 5 minutes) is essential to ensure the fish is heated evenly from the first second. This small detail will make all the difference in the browning of your salmon.
- Marinate the salmon in advance: Marinades not only add flavor, but also protect the fish from drying out during cooking and help keep it juicy inside.
- Using parchment paper or aluminum foil: Placing a sheet of parchment paper or perforated aluminum foil in the Air Fryer basket can help prevent fish juices from leaking or sticking. Caution: Always use the paper when the food is on top, otherwise it can burn.
- Add a touch of butter or ghee at the end: For a more intense flavor and an even juicier texture, brush the air-fryer salmon with a little melted butter or ghee right after removing it from the fryer. The residual heat from the fish will help the fat melt and penetrate the salmon in the air fryer.
- Don't open the Airfryer constantly: Although it's tempting to keep an eye on the salmon while it's cooking, opening the fryer repeatedly can alter the internal temperature and affect cooking. If you're unsure about the doneness, check only once toward the end of the recommended cooking time.
- Let the salmon rest before serving: Like other proteins, air-fried salmon needs a moment to "settle" after cooking. Letting it rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing or serving helps the juices redistribute , making every bite a pure pleasure.
- Choose a good side dish: An arugula salad , some baked vegetables , yamani rice or mashed potatoes are some delicious options to accompany the salmon in the air fryer .
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Airfryer salmon recipe
Yield: 2 portions
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 salmon loins.
- 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Fresh herbs: Dill, oregano, thyme, rosemary (optional)
- Lemon slices for serving.
How to make salmon in an air fryer in 5 steps
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for about 3 minutes. Brush the salmon fillets with oil and season with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs.
- Place the salmon pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure there is space between them to allow air circulation.
- Cook at 180°C for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. To check for doneness, gently press with a fork; the salmon should flake easily.
- For extra browning, increase to 200°C for the last 2 minutes.
- Serve with lemon slices and your chosen garnish.
