HOW TO MAKE SALMON IN AN AIR FRYER
An air fryer can turn salmon into melt-in-your-mouth fare, perfectly cooked–crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Just add a blend of flavorful spices and you have a healthy, delicious meal even when short on time. Air fryers usually require less cooking time and can help evenly bake food with little to no oil. Read on to learn how to make salmon in an air fryer, as well as tips and creative recipe ideas.
WHAT IS A GOOD SEASONING FOR SALMON IN THE AIR FRYER?
Salmon goes well with a variety of seasonings. You may want to start simply with salt, pepper and garlic powder. For classic Italian flavoring, sprinkle your salmon with herbs such as dried parsley, oregano and onion powder. The flavor can also be brightened with citrus, like lemon juice.
Savor the taste of the Mediterranean with herbs like basil, dill, tarragon, sage, rosemary and thyme. Turn up the heat with a dash of cumin, smoky paprika and chili powder. Get more inspiration by learning how to grind your own spices at home. A light spritz of oil first may help seasonings stick to the fish.
CAN I PUT FROZEN SALMON IN THE AIR FRYER?
Yes, you can air fry frozen salmon, it may just take a little longer to cook than fresh salmon. Before placing it in your preheated air fryer add lemon slices or seasonings to the frozen fish. While it is not necessary to rinse frozen salmon, you may choose to run it under cold water to get rid of any ice crystals or frost that may have formed in the freezer before patting dry.
AIR FRYER SALMON RECIPE
Depending on your recipe, consider adding seasonings and a light spray of oil before cooking salmon in an air fryer. Keep in mind that it’s best to avoid air frying salmon with a wet batter as this technique is not compatible with most air fryers due to rapidly circulating air.
Using an air fryer instead of an oven to cook salmon can be more convenient for cooking smaller portions of food. The results may be similar to a convection oven, but an air fryer usually circulates the air even faster, resulting in a crispier salmon texture and faster cooking.
YIELDS
3 servings
INGREDIENTS
- Salmon
- Olive oil/spray
- Seasonings
TOOLS
- KitchenAid® countertop oven
- Air fry basket
- Sheet pan
PREP TIME
10 minutes
TOTAL TIME
17 minutes
STEP 1. PREHEAT AIR FRYER
Select the air fry function on your countertop oven, program the temperature to 425°F and set the timer to 18 minutes. Allow the air fryer to preheat while you prepare your salmon. Note that exact temperature and cooking times will vary by recipe and air fryer model.
STEP 2. PREP THE SALMON
If you’re cooking more than one piece of salmon, slicing it into equal pieces can help it cook more evenly. Make sure to remove any bones. Pat dry with a paper towel so the seasoning sticks to the salmon. With the skin side down, add the seasonings and oil.
SALMON TIPS
You can air fry salmon with or without the skin, if you choose to keep the skin on, just place the salmon skin side down in the air fryer basket. Even-sized portions help ensure that all pieces cook the same. Keep in mind that smaller portions will cook faster.
STEP 3. PREP THE AIR FRY BASKET
Set the air fry basket onto a sheet pan and generously spray or coat the base of the basket with oil. Place the salmon into the air fry basket, close but not touching each other if you have more than one piece.
AIR FRY BASKET TIPS
Coating the basket with oil can prevent the salmon from sticking to the surface. It’s important to put the salmon in one even layer across the bottom for an even bake.
STEP 4. AIR FRY THE SALMON
After your air fryer is preheated, slide the air fry basket onto the lower level or if using a countertop oven, place in the center rack position. Some appliances may require you to flip the salmon at some point, but there is no need to rotate the basket or flip the salmon while air frying in a countertop oven from KitchenAid brand with a 360° Air Fry System and No-Flip Air Fry Basket.
STEP 5. REMOVE THE SALMON FROM AIR FRYER
When the timer ends, check the salmon to make sure it’s thoroughly cooked. It’s ready when your meat thermometer reads 145°F (in the thickest part) or if the flesh of the salmon is no longer translucent and easily flakes with a fork. Be careful not to under or over cook it.
SHOULD I WRAP SALMON IN FOIL WHEN AIR FRYING?
While wrapping salmon in aluminum foil to keep your air fryer clean may seem like a good idea, it's best to avoid it. Doing so will restrict the rapidly circulating flow of air throughout the unit that is key for the air frying process and crispy exteriors. Learn more about how to use aluminum foil in an air fryer.
HOW DO I KEEP SALMON MOIST IN AN AIR FRYER?
Before you air fry your salmon, rest the salmon in your favorite marinade with seasonings to add flavor. This can help it crisp on the exterior and retain a moist interior. An air fryer can help you achieve a crispier exterior without adding breading and help seal in the moisture with very little oil.
Never over-cook your salmon again with the KitchenAid® Dual Convection Countertop Oven with Air Fry with a built-in temperature probe that alerts you when your recipe has reached the desired temperature.
DO I HAVE TO FLIP SALMON IN AN AIR FRYER?
Many air fryers require you to flip the food or shake the basket while cooking. KitchenAid® countertop ovens with air fry make it easier to achieve crispy, browned dishes with the 360° Air Fry System that heats around the basket from every angle, eliminating the need to flip or shake your food for most recipes.
WHAT TO COOK WITH AIR FRIED SALMON?
There are many side dishes that can turn your salmon into a mouthwatering meal. Simply pair it with Brussels sprouts or grains like a quinoa salad or beet risotto, or savor it with a warm artichoke salad or potato pancakes with spiced applesauce. Consider adding a dessert such as a delectable, air-fried strawberry pie.
HOW TO REHEAT SALMON IN AN AIR FRYER
Reheating salmon in an air fryer is a quick way to help restore its crispy exterior. It takes much less time to reheat vs. cook so keep an eye on your food. With a KitchenAid® countertop oven, simply use the Reheat function. Learn more about functions in this guide to air fryer settings.
SHOP KITCHENAID® COUNTERTOP OVENS
From delicious crispy salmon to a variety of vegetables, a KitchenAid® countertop oven with air fry can add versatility to your meal prep routine. With the KitchenAid® 360º Air Fry System and the No-Flip Air Fry Basket, you set it and forget it, because you won’t need to flip or rotate your salmon halfway through. Explore KitchenAid brand countertop ovens to experiment with new recipes or add your own unique twist on classic favorites.
