Air Fryer Salmon Fillets Easy And Moist
Why Air Fryer Salmon Is Good For You
There is a lot of confusion about what makes salmon good for you.
Some people think that it’s because it has omega-3s, and some believe that it’s because it has a lot of protein.
However, the truth is that salmon is good for you because of the many nutrients and vitamins in the fish.
It’s rich in protein, high in vitamin D, and has high levels of vitamin B12.
It’s very low in saturated fat and a good source of protein
Salmon also has a high concentration of selenium which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals and may even reduce your risk for cancer.
This site uses affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you do buy, then thank you! It really does help run this free resource.
Marinating Salmon For Extra Flavour
Marinating your salmon before air frying is a fantastic way to infuse it with flavour.
Zesty Lemon and Herb Marinade
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (approximately 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Place your salmon fillet in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring the fish is evenly coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavours to absorb.
Sweet and Savoury Teriyaki Glaze
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cornflour
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornflour and water to create a paste.
- Gradually whisk the cornstarch into the saucepan. Simmer until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and let it cool.
- Place your salmon fillet in a shallow dish and pour the teriyaki glaze over it, making sure it’s coated evenly.
- Cover the dish and let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Lemon Dill Marinade
Ingredients:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper to a bowl.
- Place your salmon fillet in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure the salmon is covered.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavours to absorb.
Salmon In The Air Fryer
This recipe is for 2 salmon fillets with basic seasoning.
Cooked in my trusty Ninja Dual air fryer.
Ingredients
2 fresh salmon fillets
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper (to taste)
How To Cook Salmon In Air Fryer At 200C.
Start by preheating it to 200C /400F for 5 minutes.
While it’s warming up, check for any bones in the salmon.
Dry your salmon with kitchen paper.
Lightly coat your salmon with a drizzle of oil and season to taste.
Arrange the salmon fillets skin side down in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space for proper air circulation.
Air fry for 8 minutes or until the fish will flake with a fork.
Check with a meat thermometer if the internal temperature has reached 63C / 145F.
A Guide To Cooking Temperatures.
This instant-read thermometer features a foldable long probe that makes it easy to check the internal temperature of meats without getting too close to the heat. The backlight display ensures you can read temperatures clearly, even in low light. Perfect for grilling, roasting, or air frying, this digital meat thermometer is a must-have tool for any cook.
How To Air Fry Frozen Salmon Fillets
One of the beauties of air-frying frozen salmon is that there’s no need to thaw it beforehand.
Preheat your air fryer to 190C / 380F. This ensures the frozen salmon starts cooking immediately, sealing in its juices.
Place the frozen salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Give them a little space to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
Cooking time for frozen salmon in the air fryer can be slightly longer than for fresh salmon.
Depending on the thickness of the fillets, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Aim for around 15-20 minutes and turn the fillets halfway through.
I know I sound like a parrot but always check the internal temperature has reached 63C / 145F.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Potato Chips Made Simple In The Air Fryer
Easy Hash Browns Made From Scratch In The Air Fryer
Popular Healthy Chicken Parmesan in the Air Fryer
Salmon Toppings
Fancy a change? Try these tasty variations:
Honey Glaze
Drizzle a mixture of 3 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger over the salmon before air frying. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. The result is a lovely balance of sweet and savoury.
Pesto Crust
Spread a generous layer of pesto on the fillets before cooking, infusing them with aromatic fresh herbs.
Spicy Cajun
Rub a blend of ready-made Cajun spice onto the salmon for a bold and zesty flavour. Or try making my homemade Cajun spice blend.
Air Fryer Salmon Serving Suggestions
Fresh Salad Greens
Lay your air-fried salmon on a bed of fresh mixed salad greens.
Drizzle a zesty citrus vinaigrette over the greens for extra flavour.
How To Make A Citrus Vinaigrette
- 2-3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed citrus juice. (Don’t forget to zest some of the citrus peel for extra zest)
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- salt and pepper to taste
Mix thoroughly and drizzle away.
Roasted Vegetables
Surround your air-fried salmon with an assortment of roasted vegetables.
Choose vegetables that are in season for maximum flavour. Air frying caramelises them beautifully, enhancing their sweetness.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Place your air-fried salmon on top of creamy mashed potatoes.
For an added touch garnish the mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of chopped chives.
Citrus Couscous
Serve your air-fried salmon with a bed of citrus-infused couscous. Sprinkle some lemon or orange zest over the couscous.
Storing, Freezing And Reheating Salmon Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in cling film or a freezer bag ( I use these as they are washable making them good value ) to prevent freezer burn. Be sure to expel the air.
The salmon will keep up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating From The Refrigerator: Preheat the air fryer to 180C /360F for 5 minutes. Place in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Reheating From The Freezer: Preheat the air fryer to 180C /360F for 5 minutes.Air fry for 7-8 minutes until heated thoroughly.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
Use Proper Spacing
Make sure there’s enough space between salmon fillets in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
Monitor Cooking Time
Salmon fillets vary in thickness and can overcook quickly. Monitor the cooking time and adjust as needed to prevent overcooking.
Invest In A Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer will help you achieve the perfect internal temperature of 63C / 145F for cooked salmon.
FAQs About Air Fryer Salmon
Do I need to turn the salmon while air frying?
No, the air fryer will do the work for you. Only turn the salmon if cooking directly from frozen.
Can I cook skin-on salmon in the air fryer?
The skin turns crispy and adds a layer of goodness to the dish.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Coating the basket with cooking spray before placing the salmon fillets will prevent sticking or use an appropriate liner.
Is air-fried salmon healthier than pan-fried salmon?
Air-frying requires less oil, resulting in a lower calorie content compared to traditional pan-frying.
Reusing the marinade for basting during cooking?
It’s best to avoid reusing marinades to prevent any cross-contamination. If you want to baste, set some aside before marinating the salmon.
What’s the recommended internal temperature for cooked salmon?
Salmon is safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 63C / 145F.
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 fresh salmon fillets
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Start by preheating it to 200C /400F for 5 minutes.
- While it’s warming up, lightly coat your salmon with a drizzle of oil and season to taste.
- Arrange the salmon fillets skin side down in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space for proper air circulation.
- Air fry for 8 minutes or until the fish will flake with a fork.
- Check with a meat thermometer if the internal temperature has reached 63C / 145F.
Notes
The salmon will be cooked when the internal temperature reaches 63C/145F.
Nutritional information may not be accurate.
