Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook salmon, look no further than your air fryer. The air fryer’s high heat and rapid air circulation make it the perfect tool for cooking salmon fillets to perfection without any added oil. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of cooking salmon in the air fryer, offer up some delicious marinade recipes, suggest sides to pair with your fish, explore the health benefits of air-fried salmon, and give you tips on how to season and prepare your fish for cooking.
7 Simple Steps to Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Salmon
Cooking salmon in the air fryer is quick, easy, and virtually foolproof. Follow these seven simple steps, and you’ll end up with perfectly cooked salmon every time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes before cooking. This will ensure that the air fryer is at the right temperature before you start cooking.
Step 2: Season Your Salmon
Season your salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. You can use a simple seasoning blend, like lemon pepper or garlic powder, or get more creative with a spice rub or marinade.
Step 3: Place Your Salmon in the Air Fryer
Place your seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket – the salmon should be in a single layer, with a little space in between each fillet.
Step 4: Air Fry Your Salmon
Cook your salmon fillets in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and your personal preference for doneness. For best results, check the internal temperature of your salmon with a meat thermometer – it should reach 145°F.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
After the initial cooking time, check your salmon for doneness. If it’s not quite done, continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes and check again. Be careful not to overcook your salmon – it should be just cooked through and still juicy.
Step 6: Remove Your Salmon from the Air Fryer
Remove your salmon fillets from the air fryer basket and let them rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. This will ensure that the juices redistribute for maximum flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your air fryer salmon immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
5 Flavorful Marinades for Air Fryer Salmon
While salmon is delicious on its own, a flavorful marinade can take it to the next level. Here are five delicious marinade recipes to try with your air fryer salmon.
1. Soy Ginger Marinade
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions:
1. Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Place salmon fillets and marinade in a zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Remove salmon from marinade and pat dry before air frying.
2. Lemon Herb Marinade
Ingredients:
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions:
1. Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Place salmon fillets and marinade in a zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Remove salmon from marinade and pat dry before air frying.
3. Spicy Mustard Marinade
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions:
1. Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Place salmon fillets and marinade in a zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Remove salmon from marinade and pat dry before air frying.
4. Mediterranean Marinade
Ingredients:
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon minced garlic
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Place salmon fillets and marinade in a zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Remove salmon from marinade and pat dry before air frying.
5. Sweet Chili Marinade
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Place salmon fillets and marinade in a zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Remove salmon from marinade and pat dry before air frying.
The Best Sides to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon
Pairing your air fryer salmon with the right sides can make all the difference. Here are three delicious side dish recipes to try.
1. Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange asparagus on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 10-15 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place potatoes and garlic in a large pot and cover with water.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Drain potatoes and garlic.
4. Add milk and butter to the pot and return potatoes and garlic to the pot.
5. Mash until smooth and creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Broccoli Salad
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine broccoli, red onion, and cranberries in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour dressing over broccoli mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
The Health Benefits of Cooking Salmon in the Air Fryer
Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with important nutrients like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Cooking salmon in the air fryer is a healthy, low-fat cooking method that helps preserve these important nutrients.
High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is one of the best dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation in the body.
Lower in Fat than Other Cooking Methods
Cooking salmon in the air fryer is a low-fat cooking method that doesn’t require any added oil. This means you can enjoy the health benefits of salmon without adding unnecessary calories or fat.
Retains Nutrients and Flavor
The high heat and rapid air circulation of the air fryer help lock in the nutrients and flavor of the salmon, so you get all the health benefits and delicious taste in every bite.
How to Season and Prep Your Salmon for the Air Fryer
Seasoning and prepping your salmon correctly can make a big difference in the final flavor and texture of your dish.
Removing the Skin
Some people prefer to cook salmon with the skin on, while others prefer to remove it. To remove the skin, start at one end of the fillet and slide a sharp knife between the skin and the flesh. Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to separate the skin from the flesh, working your way down the length of the fillet.
Seasoning Your Salmon
There are many ways to season your air fryer salmon, from simple salt and pepper to more complex flavor blends. Here are a few seasoning ideas to try:
– Lemon pepper
– Garlic powder
– Cajun seasoning
– Smoked paprika
– Dill and garlic
Air Fryer Salmon vs. Oven-Baked Salmon: Which is Better?
Both the air fryer and oven are great tools for cooking salmon, but which one is better? It depends on your personal preference and desired outcome.
Air Fryer Salmon
Pros:
– Quick and easy to use
– Requires no added oil
– Produces crispy skin and tender, juicy flesh
Cons:
– Limited cooking space
– Not suitable for larger fillets or batches
– Can be more expensive than other cooking methods
Oven-Baked Salmon
Pros:
– More cooking space for larger fillets or batches
– More affordable than an air fryer
– Even cooking and browning
Cons:
– Can dry out salmon if overcooked
– May require added oil or butter
Conclusion
Cooking salmon in the air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy this delicious fish. Follow our seven simple steps for perfectly cooked salmon every time, try our flavorful marinade recipes, and pair your fish with delicious sides for a well-rounded meal. Don’t forget to enjoy the health benefits of salmon, and experiment with different seasoning and preparation methods to find your perfect flavor.
