Air frying salmon is a quick and healthy way to prepare this delicious fish. Here’s a simple air fryer salmon recipe along with some notes to ensure it turns out perfectly:
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or other herbs of your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better.
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets. You can also marinate the salmon in this mixture for 15-20 minutes for even more flavor.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Make sure they are not overcrowded, so they cook evenly. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the fillets one at a time.
- Cook Time: Cook the salmon in the preheated air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets, so check for doneness by using a fork to see if the salmon flakes easily. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer basket. Serve it hot with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables or a salad.
Recipe Notes:
- Salmon Thickness: Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Thicker fillets may require a bit more time, while thinner ones will cook faster. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Skin on or off: You can leave the skin on or remove it based on your preference. If you leave the skin on, it will become crispy during cooking and can be easily separated from the flesh after cooking.
- Additional Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. You can add herbs like dill, rosemary, or basil for extra flavor.
- Oil: If you’re trying to reduce the amount of oil used, you can use a cooking spray to lightly coat the salmon instead of brushing it with olive oil.
- Doneness: Salmon is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). However, it’s perfectly fine to cook it to your preferred level of doneness.
Enjoy your air fryer salmon! It’s a quick and easy way to make a healthy and flavorful meal.
1. Crispy Salmon Skin: If you want extra crispy salmon skin, you can rub the skin with a little extra olive oil and season it separately with salt and pepper before air frying. This will give you a crispy, flavorful skin.
2. Lemon Zest: For added citrus flavor, consider adding lemon zest to your seasoning mixture. Lemon zest adds a bright, fresh taste to the salmon.
3. Different Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings and spices to change up the flavor profile of your salmon. Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, or a combination of herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano can all work well.
4. Glaze or Sauce: You can brush your salmon fillets with a glaze or sauce before air frying or after they’re cooked. Honey mustard, teriyaki, or a balsamic reduction can add a tasty twist.
5. Temperature Control: Keep an eye on the temperature setting of your air fryer. If you have a model with adjustable temperature controls, you can try cooking at slightly higher or lower temperatures to achieve your desired level of doneness and crispiness.
6. Preheating: Preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking. Make sure you allow it to preheat fully before placing the salmon inside.
7. Cooking Time for Frozen Salmon: If you’re using frozen salmon fillets, you can still air fry them. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. It’s essential to check for doneness as the cooking time may vary.
8. Sides: Consider serving your air fryer salmon with sides like roasted vegetables, quinoa, couscous, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
9. Resting Time: After removing the salmon from the air fryer, let it rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and flavorful bite.
10. Cleaning: Don’t forget to clean your air fryer basket and tray after cooking. The residue from the salmon can leave a strong odor if not cleaned properly.
Remember that the exact cooking time and temperature can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and the size and thickness of your salmon fillets. So, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your salmon as it cooks and make adjustments as needed to achieve your desired results.
Enjoy your air fryer salmon experimentations, and feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors and ingredients!
