Discover the simplicity and delight of Air Fryer Salmon, a dish that combines convenience with mouthwatering flavors. This recipe, ideal for both lunch and dinner, transforms salmon fillets into a tender, succulent meal with just a few basic seasonings.
What You’ll Find On This Page
Not only is it a healthier option, but it's also versatile, pairing perfectly with a range of sides like rice or salad. Best of all, it's a time-saver - you can enjoy this delicious, restaurant-quality seafood in just under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for those busy days.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For this Air Fryer Salmon recipe, the ingredients are straightforward and readily available at most grocery stores. Let's take a look at what you'll need:
- Salmon Fillets: The centerpiece of your dish, offering a rich and tender texture.
- Seasonings: Utilize garlic powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt to create a flavorful crust, enhancing the natural taste of the salmon.
- Herbs: Opt for dried parsley as the primary herb, but feel free to substitute with alternatives like rosemary for a piney flavor, thyme for a subtle earthiness, or cilantro for a fresh, citrusy note.
- Oils: Olive oil is perfect for the marinade, helping the seasonings adhere to the salmon and keeping it moist to prevent dryness during air frying. For coating the air fryer basket, opt for canola oil or an oil of your preference, which aids in preventing the salmon from sticking and ensures it cooks evenly.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty, citrus dimension that beautifully balances the richness of the salmon, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
How to Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer?
Get ready to make delicious Air Fryer Salmon with these simple steps. We'll start by preparing a tasty marinade, then marinate the fillets, and cook them in the air fryer to perfection. Let's begin!
Discover More Delectable Salmon Delights:
- Baked Salmon
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- Honey Glazed Salmon
- Grilled Salmon
- Blackened Salmon
- Pan Fried Salmon
- Salmon Patties
- Salmon Pasta
- Salmon Salad
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 fillets Salmon
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- ½ tsp Pepper Powder, black pepper
- ½ tsp Parsley Leaves, dried
- Salt, as needed
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Oil
- Oil Spray
Instructions
To Marinate the Salmon
- Combine garlic, chili, pepper powder, salt, lemon juice, and oil in a bowl, mixing well.
- Thoroughly rub the marinade over the salmon fillets to ensure they're fully coated, maximizing flavor and taste.
To Make Air Fryer Salmon
- Lightly oil spray your air fryer basket. Preheat it to 400°F for 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture on your salmon. The preheating time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
- Open the air fryer and carefully place the marinated salmon fillets in the basket in a single layer. This ensures even cooking. If your basket is small, don't overcrowd it; instead, opt to cook remaining fillets in a subsequent batch.
- Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook the salmon for 8 minutes. It's important to note that cooking times and temperatures might vary based on different air fryer models and the thickness of your salmon fillets. Adjust accordingly for the best results.
- Once the cooking time is up and the air fryer alarm sounds, open the basket. You'll find your salmon perfectly cooked, juicy, and ready to be served.
To Serve
- Enjoy your Air Fryer Salmon with a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or rice for a wholesome meal. For more ideas, check out the serving suggestions section.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Maximizing Flavor: The secret to a flavorful salmon lies in the seasoning marinade. For the best taste, marinate the salmon and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before cooking. This step is crucial for flavor infusion, especially if you have the time.
- Ensuring Juiciness: Choose evenly-sized salmon fillets for consistent cooking. Air frying at the right temperature is key to achieving a juicy and succulent finish. This careful attention to detail makes all the difference in texture and moisture retention.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: For a crispier exterior and evenly cooked salmon, preheat your air fryer before adding the fish. This mimics a more traditional cooking environment and ensures a better texture.
- Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer with some space between them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than air frying, affecting the texture.
- Check for Doneness: Salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (about 63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful piece of fish.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade. Each variation can bring a new and exciting flavor to your dish.
- No Flipping Required: When air frying salmon, there's no need to flip the fillets. Thanks to the preheated air fryer and its circulating hot air, your salmon will cook evenly on all sides, ensuring a perfectly cooked dish every time.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
Take your Air Fryer Salmon to the next level with these creative serving ideas. Whether you're aiming for a light meal or a hearty dinner, these suggestions are sure to complement and enhance the flavors of your dish:
- Pair with Grains: Serve the salmon with a side of brown rice, quinoa, or couscous. These grains complement the richness of the salmon and make for a balanced meal.
- Fresh Salads: Accompany your salmon with a fresh salad, like a mixed greens salad, Caesar salad, or a Greek salad. The crispness and lightness of the salad balance the flavors of the fish beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Air fry or roast vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy and colorful side.
- Pasta or Noodles: Pair the salmon with a light pasta dishes, like a lemon butter pasta or a cold noodle salad, for a more filling meal.
- Rustic Breads: Serve alongside a slice of crusty bread or garlic toast, perfect for soaking up any flavorful juices.
- Sauteed Greens: Quick Sauteed greens like spinach or kale seasoned with garlic can be a nutritious and delicious side.
Storage Suggestions
Keep the salmon fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will remain good for up to 2 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at 350°F for best results.
FAQ
Salmon generally requires 8 to 10 minutes to cook at 350°F. Keep in mind, cooking times can differ depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the salmon fillets. For safety and best results, ensure the salmon reaches the USDA recommended internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C).
For frozen salmon, first thaw and pat dry. Alternatively, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes, then oil the basket and place the fillets in it. Cook at 350°F for 5 minutes, then brush with marinade and continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes at the same temperature. Always verify the internal temperature reaches the USDA recommended safe level of 145°F (62.8°C), cooking further if needed.
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