How to air fry salmon: quick and easy recipe
Air fryer salmon is a great way to get a healthy, delicious meal on the dinner table with minimal prep work. Air frying rapidly circulates hot air around your food to create the ideal salmon texture: crispy outside and tender, flaky inside. Follow this quick and easy recipe to learn how to air fry salmon.
Can you cook frozen salmon in an air fryer?
While cooking thawed salmon tends to be a better option when seasoning your fish, you can cook frozen salmon in an air fryer as easily as thawed salmon which is especially convenient if you’re in need of a quick meal. Use the same basic recipe instructions as thawed salmon, but cook it longer and at a higher temperature.
Can you cook salmon with skin on in an air fryer?
You can air fry salmon with or without the skin but, if you leave it on, place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Leaving the salmon skin on when air frying may help prevent the filet from drying out. The skin acts like a protective layer in your air fryer, helping cook salmon that’s crisp on the outside while preserving a moist, juicy texture inside.
Do you air fry salmon skin up or down?
When placing salmon filets in your air fryer, it’s best to put them skin-side down. The skin-side of the salmon can help keep the cooked filet in one piece instead of flaking apart when serving.
Air fryer salmon recipe
Easy weeknight dinner ideas are convenient for busy families and using your air fryer can be a quick way to prepare salmon. Pair it with nutritious steamed vegetables to complete a mouthwatering meal. The following steps will show you how to air fry salmon that will please everyone around the table.
Yields
2 servings
Ingredients
Salmon
Olive oil/spray
Seasonings
Tools
Air fry basket
Sheet pan
Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
10 minutes
Total time
20 minutes
Step 1. Preheat air fryer
If you’re using an oven with air fry capabilities, you may want to preheat it before cooking your salmon for crispier results. Set the temperature to 390°F.
Select Whirlpool® ranges with Air Fry Mode may not require preheating before cooking your salmon. Always consult your product manual for specific heating instructions to ensure you’re properly using your air fry oven.
Step 2. Prepare the salmon
Pat your salmon dry and slice it into even-sized pieces. When your filets are a similar size and thickness, it can help you to avoid overcooking smaller pieces as they tend to cook faster.
Avoid rinsing the salmon
Whether your salmon is frozen or thawed, the USDA recommends not washing raw meat in preparation for cooking it.
Step 3. Add salmon seasonings
Combine your seasonings and spread them on top of your salmon filet. A good basic seasoning to add to your salmon is salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and olive oil.
Place your air fry basket over a sheet pan and spray it with oil to promote crisping. Put your salmon filets skin-side down in the air fry basket.
Don’t overcrowd the air fry basket
For proper heating and evenly cooked salmon, don’t crowd or stack the filets in your air fry basket. Allowing the hot air in the oven to circulate around all sides of each piece of salmon can yield crispier results.
Step 4. Air fry the salmon
Set the timer and allow your salmon to thoroughly cook. It can take around 10 minutes to air fry salmon, depending on the size and thickness of your filets. The USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F.
Use the center oven rack
If you’re air frying in an oven, put the air fry basket with the salmon on a rack in the center. Place a sheet pan on the rack underneath the air fryer basket to catch any drippings. You can line the sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
Step 5. Serve and enjoy
Once the timer goes off, test your salmon with a meat thermometer to check if it’s done. The thermometer should read 145°F in the thickest part.
How can I keep salmon from sticking to the air fryer?
To prevent your salmon from sticking, spray or lightly coat the air fry basket with oil. Then place the salmon in one layer, evenly across the bottom of your basket. Learn more about air frying in your oven or standalone appliance.
Why is my salmon skin not crispy in the air fryer?
When preparing to air fry your salmon, make sure to pat the exterior of the filet dry and lightly coat or spray it with oil. Using a drier seasoning instead of a wet batter tends to create a crispier texture.
How do you freeze cooked salmon?
Freshly cooked salmon is better tasting, but if you want to freeze it, use an airtight container and make sure to do it within three to four days of cooking. Avoid refreezing, reheating or eating salmon that’s been left outside the refrigerator longer than two hours or if it’s been in 90°F or higher temps for longer than one hour.
Shop Whirlpool® stoves with air fryer
You can enjoy tender, crispy air fryer salmon and other delicious low-oil versions of traditionally deep-fried foods for any meal with Whirlpool® ranges with air fry capabilities. Select models allow you to skip preheating and can make your family’s fried favorites quickly and easily.
Discover more recipes and air fryer tips with Whirlpool brand
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