Salmon—it’s like the little black dress of the culinary world: always in style and effortlessly elegant, yet surprisingly simple to prepare.
My air fryer has become my best friend in the kitchen, transforming salmon into a crispy, tender delight without the fuss. Remember that time last summer when everyone raved about my salmon at the barbecue?
Yeah, this is the recipe that made it happen.
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure even cooking and a crispy edge for the salmon. Use this time to prepare the salmon fillets by rubbing them with olive oil, which helps the seasonings adhere and prevents drying.
- Season the salmon fillets generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination offers a simple yet flavorful profile that pairs well with various sides.
- Arrange the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them to allow proper air circulation. Cook the salmon for 7-9 minutes, adjusting the time based on the thickness of the fillets.
- After the initial cooking time, check the salmon’s doneness by gently flaking it with a fork. If more cooking is needed, return the fillets to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Once cooked to your liking, remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately. For added flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and pair the salmon with your favorite side dishes.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Olive oil (or avocado oil as an alternative)
- Garlic powder
- Paprika (smoked paprika can be used for additional flavor)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
- Tartar sauce (optional, for serving)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 366mg | Potassium: 852mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.05g | Vitamin A: 193IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- Can I use frozen salmon fillets in the air fryer, or should they be thawed first?
- It is advisable to defrost your salmon fillets before cooking, as the recommended cooking time is based on using thawed salmon.
- Should the salmon be placed skin-side up or down in the air fryer?
- Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
- Is it necessary to line the air fryer before cooking salmon?
- You can place the salmon directly into the air fryer without lining it, which allows for better air circulation and cooking.
- How can I prevent the glaze from burning when air frying salmon?
- Apply the glaze during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, or drizzle it on after the salmon is cooked to avoid burning. Alternatively, you can lower the cooking temperature to 350°F if you want to apply the glaze earlier.
- What are some good sides to serve with air fryer salmon?
- Air fryer salmon pairs well with a fresh salad, grains like rice or couscous, or vegetables that can also be cooked in the air fryer, such as green beans or cauliflower rice.
Tips
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Before adding the salmon, preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and achieve a nicely crisped edge.
- Cook in Batches if Necessary: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation. If needed, cook the salmon fillets in batches to maintain crispiness.
- Check Doneness with a Fork: The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the fillets and the air fryer model. Use a fork to check if the salmon flakes easily to determine if it’s done.
- Apply Glazes at the End: To prevent burning, brush any glaze on the salmon during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can drizzle the glaze after cooking for added flavor.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Recommended models include the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer and the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer with ClearCook.
