Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Skin: A Delicious and Healthy Meal – Quick Recipe

Air fryer salmon with skin is a delicious and healthy meal option that has gained popularity in recent years due to its ease of preparation, short cooking time, and the ability to produce crispy skin without the need for excessive oil. Air frying has become a favorite cooking method for many home cooks because it allows them to cook their favorite meals with less oil and fewer calories while still maintaining the same great taste and texture.

When cooked properly, air fryer salmon with skin can be a perfect combination of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of air frying salmon with skin, offer tips for achieving the perfect crispy skin, and provide a simple yet delicious recipe that you can try at home.

How to cook salmon with skin in air fryer?

Cooking salmon with skin in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that yields delicious results. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through the process:

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make approximately 1 kg (2.2 pounds) of crispy air fryer salmon with skin:

  • 1 kg (2.2 pounds) salmon fillet with skin on
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Olive oil cooking spray

Optional:

  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for garnish.
Air Fryer Salmon with Skin

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
  2. Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub the skin of the salmon fillets with olive oil, and then season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper.
  4. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Make sure to leave some space between the fillets so that they cook evenly.
  5. Cook the salmon fillets for 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the flesh is cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
  6. Once the salmon fillets are done, remove them from the air fryer and serve them immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.

Note

If you have a particularly thick piece of salmon, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked. You can also experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of the salmon to your liking.

How to serve air fryer salmon?

There are many ways to serve air fryer salmon, depending on your personal preferences and the occasion. Here are some ideas:

Serve it on a bed of greens: Place the cooked salmon on a bed of mixed greens, drizzle with some olive oil and lemon juice, and add some chopped vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for a light and refreshing meal.

Pair it with roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or sweet potatoes complement the salmon’s flavors and provide a variety of nutrients. You can cook the vegetables in the air fryer alongside the salmon or roast them separately.

Make it a sandwich: Flake the salmon and use it as a filling for a sandwich or a wrap. You can add some avocado, lettuce, and mayonnaise for a tasty lunch.

Serve it with grains: Cook some brown rice, quinoa, or couscous, and serve it alongside the salmon for a satisfying and filling meal. You can also add some herbs and spices to the grains to enhance the flavor.

Add a sauce: Serve the air fryer salmon with a sauce of your choice, such as hollandaise, teriyaki, or pesto. The sauce can add extra flavor and moisture to the salmon and make it more appetizing.

Whatever your choice of serving, air fryer salmon with skin is a healthy and delicious option that can be enjoyed in many ways.

Kitchen equipment and tools to make a air fryer salmon with skin:

To make air fryer salmon with skin, you will need the following kitchen equipment and tools:

Air fryer: An air fryer is a countertop kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food, creating a crispy outer layer without the need for excess oil. You will need an air fryer with a basket or tray to cook the salmon.

Tongs or spatula: You will need a pair of tongs or a spatula to flip the salmon fillets over halfway through the cooking process and to remove them from the air fryer once they’re done.

Measuring spoons: You will need measuring spoons to measure out the olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning the salmon.

Cutting board: You will need a cutting board to rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and to pat them dry with paper towels.

Knife: You will need a sharp knife to remove any bones or scales from the salmon fillets before cooking.

Lemon wedges (optional): Lemon wedges are a great way to add some flavor to the salmon once it’s done cooking. You can serve them on the side for garnish.

Having these kitchen equipment and tools on hand will make the process of making air fryer salmon with skin easier and more efficient.

Is it necessary to remove the skin from salmon before air frying?

No, it is not necessary to remove the skin from salmon before air frying. In fact, leaving the skin on can help to protect the salmon from overcooking and drying out, and can also add extra flavor and texture to the finished dish.

When cooking salmon with the skin on in an air fryer, be sure to rub the skin with some olive oil and season it with salt and pepper to help it crisp up and develop a delicious flavor. You can also score the skin with a sharp knife to help it cook evenly and to prevent it from curling up during cooking.

Once the salmon is done cooking, you can serve it with the skin still on or remove it before serving, depending on your personal preference. If you choose to remove the skin, use a sharp knife to gently separate it from the flesh and lift it off in one piece.

Here are some tips for preventing salmon from sticking to the air fryer:

  1. Use a non-stick cooking spray or brush a thin layer of oil onto the air fryer basket or tray. This will help create a barrier between the salmon and the air fryer, making it less likely to stick.
  2. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before placing it in the air fryer. Moisture on the surface of the salmon can cause it to stick.
  3. Preheat the air fryer before adding the salmon. This will help to create a non-stick surface and reduce the chances of the salmon sticking to the air fryer.
  4. Place the salmon skin-side down if it has skin. The skin can help protect the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket or tray.
  5. Cook the salmon on a layer of vegetables or parchment paper. This will create a barrier between the salmon and the air fryer and prevent it from sticking.
  6. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. If you add too much salmon to the air fryer, it can cause the pieces to touch and stick together, making it difficult to remove them without them falling apart.
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By following these tips, you can help prevent your salmon from sticking to the air fryer and enjoy a delicious, perfectly cooked meal.

How can you ensure that salmon remains moist and doesn’t dry out in the air fryer?

Here are some tips to help ensure that salmon remains moist and doesn’t dry out in the air fryer:

  1. Cook the salmon at a lower temperature. While air fryers are designed to cook food quickly, cooking salmon at a lower temperature can help it to remain moist. Try cooking salmon at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness.
  2. Use a marinade or seasoning. A marinade or seasoning can help to add flavor to the salmon and also help to keep it moist. Try marinating the salmon in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, or seasoning it with your favorite spices.
  3. Baste the salmon with oil or butter. About halfway through the cooking process, use a basting brush to brush some oil or melted butter onto the salmon. This can help keep it moist and add flavor.
  4. Cover the salmon with aluminum foil. If you are worried about the salmon drying out, you can cover it with aluminum foil for the first half of the cooking time. This will help to trap in moisture and prevent the salmon from drying out.
  5. Don’t overcook the salmon. Overcooking salmon can cause it to dry out quickly. Check the salmon for doneness a few minutes before the end of the cooking time and remove it from the air fryer as soon as it is cooked through.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your salmon remains moist and flavorful in the air fryer.

What is the recommended cooking time for salmon in the air fryer?

The recommended cooking time for salmon in the air fryer depends on the thickness of the salmon fillet. As a general rule of thumb, you should cook salmon in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness.

For example, if you have a 1-inch thick salmon fillet, you should cook it in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes. If you have a thicker fillet, you may need to cook it for a few minutes longer.

It’s also important to note that different air fryer models may have slightly different cooking times, so it’s a good idea to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or recipe book for specific cooking times and temperature recommendations.

Additionally, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure that it’s cooked through. The FDA recommends that salmon be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once the salmon reaches this temperature, it’s safe to eat and should be moist and flavorful.

Here are the pros and cons of air fryer salmon with skin in bullet points:

Pros

  • Healthier option with minimal oil required.
  • Crispy and crunchy texture.
  • Quick and easy cooking process.
  • Retains more nutrients compared to other cooking methods.
  • Can be customized with different seasonings and flavors.

Cons

  • Skin can stick to the air fryer basket if not properly oiled.
  • Overcooking can result in dry and tough salmon.
  • Salmon with skin may not be as visually appealing for presentation purposes.

Conclusion

Air fryer salmon with skin is a great way to prepare this delicious and nutritious fish. Cooking salmon with skin in the air fryer can produce a crispy and flavorful result with a tender and juicy interior. It’s also a healthy way to cook salmon as it requires little to no oil, making it a low-calorie and high-protein meal.

To ensure the best results, it’s important to follow some best practices such as preheating the air fryer, using a non-stick cooking spray or brushing a thin layer of oil, patting the salmon dry with paper towels, and avoiding overcrowding the air fryer. It’s also important to check the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure that it’s fully cooked.

With a little bit of preparation and attention to detail, air fryer salmon with skin can be a delicious and healthy addition to your mealtime repertoire.

FAQ’s

Can you cook salmon with skin in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook salmon with skin in an air fryer! In fact, many people prefer to cook salmon with the skin on as it helps to keep the fish moist and flavorful. Just make sure to pat the skin dry and lightly oil it to help it get crispy in the air fryer.

What temperature and time should I cook salmon with skin in an air fryer?

The temperature and cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of your salmon fillet, but a good rule of thumb is to cook it at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. However, always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the salmon reaches at least 145°F.

Do I need to flip the salmon in the air fryer?

No, you do not need to flip the salmon in the air fryer. The skin side should be placed facing down in the air fryer basket, and the hot air will circulate around it to cook it evenly.

How can I season my air fryer salmon with skin?

There are many ways to season your air fryer salmon with skin, depending on your taste preferences. Some popular seasoning options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley. You can also use a pre-made seasoning blend or marinade if you prefer.

Can I cook frozen salmon with skin in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon with skin in an air fryer, but you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For best results, it’s recommended to thaw the salmon fillet before cooking it in the air fryer.

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