Air Fryer Salmon: Crispy Skin, Flaky Inside (Easy Recipe)

Let's face it, a good fish dinner is always a winner. But sometimes, the whole oven-preheating, splatter-inducing ordeal just seems like too much hassle. That's where the air fryer steps in! This amazing little gadget has become my go-to for cooking salmon, and I'm here to share my foolproof method for achieving perfectly crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth flaky flesh every time.

My air fryer obsession is real, folks. I've tried pretty much everything in it – crispy fries, juicy chicken wings, even some surprisingly delicious roasted veggies. But the air fryer's true shining moment? Cooking salmon. It's incredibly easy, and the results are consistently fantastic. No more dry, overcooked fish! Just perfectly cooked salmon with that irresistible crunch on the outside, it's the best of both worlds!

Part 1: Why Air Fryer Salmon is a Game-Changer

Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about why air frying salmon is such a game-changer. First and foremost, it's ridiculously easy. No fiddling with oven temperatures or worrying about overcooking. Just pop your salmon fillets into the air fryer basket, set the timer, and you're good to go. You can even catch up on your favorite shows while it cooks – no need to stand over the stovetop!

Faster Cooking Time

Secondly, the air fryer cooks salmon much faster than a conventional oven. This means you can have dinner on the table in a fraction of the time. Who doesn't love a quick and easy meal, right? I often find myself short on time in the evenings, and the air fryer makes a huge difference in getting a decent meal on the table without sacrificing taste or quality.

Crispy Skin and Flaky Inside

Thirdly, the air fryer creates that irresistible crispy skin we all crave. The circulating hot air creates a perfectly browned and crunchy exterior, while the inside remains beautifully moist and flaky. It's truly the best of both worlds. Plus, no need to worry about the fish sticking to the pan. The air fryer's non-stick coating makes clean-up a breeze, another huge plus in my book!

Healthy Choice

And finally, air frying salmon is a relatively healthy choice. It requires minimal oil, which means you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal without the extra calories and fat. I try to make healthy choices when it comes to cooking, and the air fryer allows me to do just that. Plus, salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain. So, it's a win-win!

Part 2: Getting Started: Equipment and Ingredients

Now that you're convinced about the awesomeness of air fryer salmon, let's get into the nitty-gritty. You'll need a few basic things to get started. First and foremost, you'll need an air fryer, of course. I use a 4-quart air fryer, which is a good size for cooking salmon fillets for two people. If you're cooking for a larger family or group, you may want to consider a larger capacity air fryer. Trust me, you'll use it for more than just salmon!

Essential Ingredients:

Beyond the air fryer, you'll need a few key ingredients. Here's a basic shopping list:

• Salmon fillets (skin on or off, your choice!)
• Olive oil (for brushing)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Lemon (optional, for a burst of freshness)
• Fresh herbs (like dill, parsley, or thyme, optional)

That's it! See, I told you it's simple. You can get creative with the seasoning and herbs, but even a basic seasoning of salt and pepper will create a delicious meal. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or chili flakes for a little extra flavour.

Part 3: Prepping the Salmon

Once you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to prep the salmon. This part is super quick and straightforward.

Pat It Dry:

First, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure that the skin crisps up nicely in the air fryer.

Seasoning is Key:

Next, brush the salmon fillets with a thin layer of olive oil. This will help the skin to crisp up even more, and it also helps the seasonings to stick. You can use any type of oil you like, but I find olive oil gives the salmon a nice flavour.

Add Flavor:

Season the salmon liberally with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. For a citrusy kick, I like to squeeze a little bit of lemon juice over the salmon before seasoning. The possibilities are endless! If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add some fresh herbs, like dill, parsley, or thyme. You can add them directly to the salmon, or you can sprinkle them on top after cooking for a beautiful garnish.

Personally, I love the combination of lemon and dill, so that's often what I go with. I find that the lemon cuts through the richness of the salmon and adds a lovely freshness, while the dill adds a delicate and earthy flavor that complements the fish perfectly.

Let me tell you, the first time I tried adding dill and lemon to my air fryer salmon, it was a game-changer! It elevated the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. I swear, I could eat it every single day and never get tired of it!

Part 4: Air Frying the Salmon

Now for the exciting part: cooking the salmon! I find the best way to cook salmon in the air fryer is to keep the skin side down. This ensures that the skin gets nice and crispy while the flesh cooks evenly. But, hey, if you're not keen on the crispy skin, you can always flip the salmon over to cook it skin-side up. No judgment here!

Setting the Temperature

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking salmon quickly and evenly, resulting in that beautiful, crispy skin and moist flesh.

Cooking Time:

Once your air fryer is preheated, carefully place the salmon fillets in the basket. It's important to make sure they're not too crowded, otherwise they won't cook evenly. For typical salmon fillets, it will take about 8-10 minutes to cook, depending on the thickness. But here's a handy guide:

Keep an eye on your salmon as it cooks. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it's done. If you're unsure, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Keep an Eye:

It's always a good idea to check the salmon halfway through cooking and flip it over if you want to ensure both sides are cooked evenly. However, if you're aiming for that crispy skin, try to keep the salmon skin side down for the entire cooking time. But remember, every air fryer is different, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your specific appliance.

Part 5: Serving Your Salmon Masterpiece

After a quick 8-10 minutes, your salmon is ready! You'll know it's done when the flesh is flaky and opaque. Gently remove the fillets from the air fryer basket using tongs and place them on a plate. You can now enjoy your perfectly cooked salmon, either on its own or with a side dish of your choice.

Simple Side Dish Options:

Here are some of my favorite simple side dishes that pair well with air fryer salmon:

• Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots – the possibilities are endless! Just drizzle them with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then roast them in the oven or air fryer until tender. They're so easy, and they make a great healthy accompaniment to the salmon.
• Quinoa or rice: A classic choice that goes well with any protein. You can add a bit of flavor with a squeeze of lemon juice or some chopped herbs.
• Salad: A fresh and vibrant salad with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light dressing is a perfect complement to the salmon.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. You can add a little bit of butter, cream, or cheese for extra richness.

And of course, no salmon dinner is complete without a squeeze of fresh lemon juice! The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the salmon and brightens up the flavors. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for added flavor and texture.

Part 6: Going Beyond the Basics: Experimenting with Flavors

Now that you have the basics down, it's time to get creative! The great thing about air fryer salmon is that it's incredibly versatile. You can easily experiment with different flavors and seasonings to find your perfect combination.

Spice Things Up:

For a spicy kick, try adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the salmon before air frying. A touch of paprika can also add a smoky depth of flavor. Personally, I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika to my salmon, it adds a hint of smokiness that really complements the fish.

Embrace Herbaceous Delights:

If you're a fan of herbs, you can add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the salmon before cooking. You can also use dried herbs, but fresh herbs always add a burst of flavor. I've found that a sprig of fresh rosemary added to the air fryer basket with the salmon infuses it with a wonderfully aromatic flavor.

Citrus Zest:

For a refreshing citrus twist, try adding a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the salmon before air frying. You can also use the zest of the citrus fruit for an extra burst of flavor. I've found that a combination of lemon juice and lime zest really elevates the flavor of the salmon, adding a bright and tangy element.

Go Asian-Inspired:

For a taste of Asia, try using a combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to marinade the salmon before cooking. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nutty flavor. I've recently discovered that a simple marinade of soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of honey creates an amazing flavor profile that's perfect for air fryer salmon. The honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce.

Sweet and Smoky:

For a sweet and smoky flavor combination, try coating the salmon in a honey-mustard glaze before cooking. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while the mustard adds a savory and smoky flavor. I like to make a simple glaze with honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of garlic powder. The results are truly mouthwatering!

Part 7: FAQs: Your Air Fryer Salmon Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about cooking salmon in an air fryer:

1. Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You may also need to adjust the temperature slightly, depending on the size and thickness of the salmon.

2. Do I need to flip the salmon halfway through cooking?

It's not absolutely necessary to flip the salmon halfway through cooking, but it can help to ensure that both sides cook evenly. However, if you're aiming for crispy skin, try to keep the salmon skin side down for the entire cooking time.

3. Can I cook other fish in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fryers are great for cooking a variety of fish, including cod, haddock, tilapia, and even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of fish you're using.

4. How do I know if the salmon is cooked through?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it's done. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

5. What if my salmon skin doesn't get crispy?

If your salmon skin doesn't get crispy, it could be because the air fryer isn't hot enough, or the salmon is too crowded in the basket. Try preheating the air fryer for a few minutes longer and making sure the fillets have plenty of space to cook. You can also try patting the salmon dry with paper towels before cooking, as this will help the skin to crisp up.

Part 8: Enjoy Your Air Fryer Salmon!

There you have it! Now you're ready to create delicious, crispy-skinned, and perfectly flaky air fryer salmon in a flash. It's a simple, healthy, and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week. So, grab your air fryer, get your ingredients, and give it a try. You won't be disappointed!

And remember, don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and seasonings. There's a whole world of delicious air fryer salmon possibilities waiting to be explored.

Now go forth and conquer the world of air fryer salmon! And if you have any questions or tips to share, feel free to leave a comment below. I love hearing from fellow air fryer enthusiasts!