Along with maple syrup and poutine, salmon is one of Canada's most famous foods. The country's plentiful waters produce some of the most sought-after salmon in the world. There are plenty of ways to cook this fish, but frying is one of the best.
Why Choose Air Fryer Salmon?
Salmon doesn't have to fry in an oil-filled pan. Air fryers are becoming a more popular way to bring out the rich taste and textures of this flavourful fish while keeping your meal healthy. Cooking salmon in an air fryer uses far less oil while creating a mouthwatering crispy crust and keeping the inside tender and moist.
How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking salmon in an air fryer:
- Pat your salmon dry with kitchen towel to remove moisture. This encourages a crispy crust, as does lightly brushing it with olive oil or melted butter.
- Flavour your salmon fillets by seasoning with salt, pepper and other herbs or spices like dill, garlic powder, lemon zest and paprika. Alternatively, rest the salmon for a few hours in a marinade like the one in this Pan Seared and Steamed Honey Orange Marinated Salmon recipe.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This will ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and gets that perfect crispy texture.
- Place a single layer of fillets in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding. If necessary, cook the salmon in batches.
- Cooking times vary depending on the thickness of your fillet. Our Applewood Air Fryer Salmon recipe recommends 7-9 minutes for a fresh 125g fillet. You can use a food thermometer to ensure that the fillets reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celcius). Or, gently flake the fish with a fork. If it easily separates into flakes, it's ready to be served.
Delicious Pairings for Your Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Now that you know how to cook air fryer salmon, it's time to pick side dishes and sauces that will take your air fryer salmon recipe to the next level.
Roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers and zucchini are a colourful complement to any air-fried salmon recipe. The light, tangy taste of a Quinoa Salad with tomatoes, cheese and balsamic vinegar will also balance the rich flavour of the fish. For a starch, we recommend the smooth texture and savoury taste of Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
You have a world of sauce choices to drizzle over your air-fryer salmon recipe. This Lemon & Dill Sauce lends a bright flavour to a rich meal, while a sweet, tangy honey mustard sauce based on Honey Dijon Mustard creates a sweet, tangy taste to tantalize your taste buds. Homemade Salsa offers a vibrant tomato flavour that you can adjust for spice and enhance with add-ins like mango and pineapple.
Storage and Leftover Ideas for Air Fryer Salmon
If you have leftover salmon after adding these delicious side dishes, don't worry; a little care will keep your air fryer salmon leftovers fresh.
Let the fish cool to retain its moisture before putting it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate it within two hours to avoid bacteria growth.
You should eat your leftover air fryer salmon within three days. There are plenty of leftover salmon recipes to choose from. Try a salmon salad served on a bed of fresh greens, or shape flaked salmon into patties with breadcrumbs, eggs, and herbs before pan-frying them until golden brown. Alternatively, whip up a salmon-based pasta dish like this Seafood Alfredo.
Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or looking to incorporate healthier options into your diet, an air fryer salmon recipe is the perfect choice for a satisfying, healthy meal. Once you try this innovative way to cook fish, you'll never look back.
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
Salmon isn't the only food that is excellent for air frying. We have plenty of other healthy, mouthwatering air fryer recipes that will delight your taste buds. Check these out:
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Air Fryer Chicken Egg Rolls
- Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wraps
- Loaded Air Fryer Kale Chips
Other Salmon Recipes
If you're interested in some alternative ways to cook salmon, try some of our other favourite salmon dishes:
