Air fryer salmon
Instructions
Tip
For optimal results, always place the salmon skin-side down. This not only helps retain its natural juices, ensuring a moist and tender fillet, but the skin also becomes irresistibly crispy, enhancing both texture and flavour. Additionally, positioning the salmon skin down provides a stable base, preventing the fillet from curling or breaking apart during cooking. Season the skin with salt and oil for a perfect crispy finish.
Questions about salmon in air fryer
With our easy-to-follow air fryer salmon recipe, making a juicy and flavourful meal is easy. If you want to learn more, have a look at our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about air fryer salmon.
Yes, cooking salmon in an air fryer has become a popular method for many culinary enthusiasts. This appliance circulates hot air around the fish, ensuring it is cooked evenly and faster than a regular convection oven. The result is a slightly crispy exterior and a moist, tender interior full of flavour, rivalling traditional cooking methods.
The exact cooking time for salmon in an air fryer varies based on the thickness and individual preferences for doneness. Generally, a standard salmon fillet requires 10-15 minutes at 160°C. However, monitoring is key to ensure it does not overcook but retains its natural flavours and moisture.
Wrapping air fryer salmon in foil is possible, and it serves as a method to retain moisture and infuse the fish with marinades or flavours. While you might sacrifice the crispy exterior commonly associated with air frying, you are rewarded with an incredibly juicy fish infused with any flavours you add.
Cooking salmon in an air fryer typically requires a temperature setting of around 160-180°C. This temperature ensures that the salmon cooks evenly, achieving a desirable tender result where the outside is just a bit crispy and the inside remains juicy. Preheat the air fryer to this temperature before placing the salmon inside for the best results.
As with all other dishes, seasoning is a personal preference and can range from simple to elaborate. A basic seasoning can consist of lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. However, for added flavour and depth, consider incorporating herbs like dill or parsley, spices like garlic powder, chilli flakes, or fennel seeds, and even glazes or marinades for a richer taste.
Ingredients
Salmon
|
Salmon
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600 g |
|---|---|
|
Tenderstem broccoli
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200 g |
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Cherry tomatoes
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200 g |
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Olive oil
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2 tbsp |
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Whole fennel seeds, crushed in a mortar
|
1 tsp |
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Chilli flakes
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½ tsp |
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Salt
|
1½ tsp |
Fish roe sauce
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Sour cream 12 %
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300 ml |
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Lumpfish roe
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2 tbsp |
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Fresh chives, finely chopped
|
3 tbsp |
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Dijon mustard
|
1 tsp |
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Salt and black pepper
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To serve
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Potatoes
|
900 g |
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Other recipes
Make a tender and juicy air fryer salmon
Air frying has revolutionised the way we cook salmon, offering a method that yields a perfectly tender and juicy fillet every time. The magic of the air fryer lies in its ability to circulate hot air rapidly, ensuring that the salmon cooks evenly, while forming a delightful crispy layer on the outside. You do not have to worry about overcooking or dry patches; with the right air fryer recipe for salmon that perfects both timing and temperature, you are guaranteed a succulent fillet.
With tenderstem broccoli and tomatoes
Air fryer salmon, with its crispy exterior and tender, flaky inside, contrasts beautifully with the slight crunch of tenderstem broccoli and the burst of juiciness from cherry tomatoes. The rich fish is balanced by the earthy notes of broccoli and especially the sweet acidity of tomatoes. This creates a palate-pleasing contrast that makes each bite interesting and satisfying. The vibrant colours – pink salmon, green broccoli, and red tomatoes – also create a visually appealing plate that is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the tastebuds.
Served with potatoes and fish roe sauce
Serving air fryer salmon and vegetables with boiled potatoes and a cold fish roe sauce introduces a host of harmonious flavours and textures. The soft and mellow boiled potatoes are the perfect counterpoint to the juicy salmon and tender-crisp vegetables, grounding the meal with their earthy notes. The creamy consistency of the rich sour cream-based sauce is accentuated by the delightful pop of lumpfish roe, providing a briny burst with every bite. Fresh chives deliver a subtle hint of freshness, adding depth and complexity, while the Dijon mustard introduces a mild zing, elevating the entire combination.
Experiment with different vegetables and flavours
You can make just about any vegetable in an air fryer. Try, for example, our recipes for air fryer cauliflower and air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts. Both can work as tasty sides to your air fryer salmon and potatoes. You can also opt for asparagus, green beans, red onions, and zucchini as they all make good companions for the rich fish.
If you want to change up the seasoning, a simple combination of salt, pepper, and lemon juice allows the natural flavours of the salmon to shine. If you want something more flavour-packed, a soy sauce, garlic, and ginger glace is a fantastic choice. So, too, is a maple syrup glaze with Dijon mustard. If you enjoy an herbaceous flavour profile, you might like to experiment with selections like dill and parsley.