Air Fryer Salmon – This quick, healthy, and absolutely mouthwatering salmon is tender with a slightly crisp exterior every single time. This flavorful air fryer salmon is ready in minutes with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a healthy meal prep option!
Why Make Salmon in the Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer to cook salmon has multiple benefits:
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in under 15 minutes.
- Healthier Option: Requires little to no oil.
- Consistent Results: Perfectly cooked, moist salmon with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different marinades, seasonings, and sides.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh or frozen (thawed), skin-on or skinless.
- Olive Oil: Enhances flavor and prevents sticking.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or your favorite spice blend.
- Optional Garnishes: Lemon wedges, fresh dill, or parsley.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
- Room Temperature Salmon: Let the salmon sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between fillets for proper air circulation.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For precise results, check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the fillet.
- Skin-On Benefits: Cooking salmon with the skin helps retain moisture and adds extra flavor.
- Line the Basket: Use parchment paper or a light spritz of oil to prevent sticking.
Delicious Variations
- Honey Garlic Glaze: Mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of lemon juice for a sweet and tangy topping.
- Blackened Salmon: Coat the fillets in Cajun seasoning before air frying for a spicy kick.
- Teriyaki Salmon: Brush with teriyaki sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired dish.
- Herb-Crusted Salmon: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs for a crispy, flavorful crust.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon
Pair your salmon with these sides for a complete meal:
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or a fresh salad.
- Grains: Quinoa, rice pilaf, or mashed potatoes.
- Sauces: Dill yogurt sauce, tzatziki, or a dollop of garlic butter.
For a lighter option, flake the salmon over a bed of greens or use it as a filling in tacos or wraps.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Storage: Place leftover salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to retain its crispiness.
- Freezing: Wrap each fillet individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen salmon directly in the air fryer. Add 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time and season halfway through once the fillets thaw slightly.
2. How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?
Brush the fillets with olive oil or butter and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature doesn’t exceed 145°F.
3. What other seasonings work well with salmon?
Lemon pepper, dill weed, chili lime, and miso marinades are fantastic options. Experiment to find your favorite!
4. Can I cook salmon for meal prep?
Absolutely! Cook several fillets at once, then portion them out with sides in meal prep containers for the week.
5. What’s the best air fryer for cooking salmon?
Models like the Ninja Foodi, Philips XXL, or Cosori Air Fryer work well due to their large baskets and even heat distribution.
Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer Salmon - This quick, healthy, and absolutely mouthwatering salmon is tender with a slightly crisp exterior every single time. This flavorful air fryer salmon is ready in minutes with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a healthy meal prep option!
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 400℉ (200℃) while you prep your salmon.
- Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel for the best seasoning adherence.
- Spread the Mustard: Apply a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard (about 1 tsp per fillet).
- Season Generously: Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika directly onto the salmon. Exact measurements aren’t crucial—just coat evenly!
- Spritz with Olive Oil: A quick spray on top ensures the salmon stays moist and tender.
- Cook: Place two fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Repeat with the remaining fillets.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Amount Per Serving Calories 250
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer salmon is a perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy one of the healthiest and most delicious proteins available. Try it tonight, and you might never go back to traditional cooking methods!
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