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Air Fryer Salmon: A Simple, Divine Dish

Whipping up salmon in an air fryer is incredibly straightforward. The key lies in the cooking temperature and time, and I’ll share some essential tips for these within this guide.

This method lets you quickly prepare a tasty and healthy meal, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, without any fuss.

What’s more, a standard air fryer basket can generally accommodate up to four servings of salmon steaks, making it easy to serve a family meal in no time.

Air Fryer Salmon Cooking Time and Temperature

When it comes to simple yet delicious air fryer dishes like salmon steaks, it’s all about nailing the right cooking time and temperature:

  • Air Fryer Temperature: 345°F (175 C)
  • Salmon Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Personal Preference

Cooking salmon in the air fryer isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Everyone has their own preference for how they enjoy their salmon.

The 12-minute cooking time I recommend yields a moist, just-right salmon steak that hits the spot for many and feels like a gourmet treat.

Air fryer salmon 12 minutes
Salmon cooked at 345°F for 12 minutes

However, some might find this level of doneness too undercooked, preferring their salmon well-done with a crispy exterior. This texture requires longer cooking times, and it’s important to gauge your or your guests’ preferences as they tend to vary widely. Those who prefer a well-done texture might find the 12-minute salmon too raw, while those who enjoy it moist might consider a crispy exterior too tough.

In essence, if you’re into a crispier finish, let it cook at 345°F for a full 18 minutes.

Air fryer salmon 18 minutes
Salmon cooked at 345°F for 18 minutes

Additional Tips for Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer

  • Dry the salmon steaks with a paper towel before cooking to ensure a crispier skin.
  • Lightly brush the skin side with oil or another fat to prevent sticking to the air fryer basket and to facilitate easy removal after cooking.
  • Always season with salt and pepper to taste. Consider that salmon absorbs quite a bit of salt—I generally use at least 1 gram per 7 ounces (approximately one salmon steak). Freshly ground pepper will enhance the flavor even further.
  • Complementary spices include garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika, which all pair beautifully with salmon.

This quick air fryer recipe provides a straightforward route to a delicious, heart-healthy meal that’s sure to impress with its simplicity and elegance.

Air fryer salmon

Air Fryer Salmon

Quick, healthy air fryer salmon with customizable doneness options
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1 person

Ingredients
  

  • 1 slice salmon about 200 g or 7 oz
  • 1 g salt
  • black pepper freshly ground

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer. Pat the salmon dry, season both sides with salt and pepper, and lightly oil the skin side.
    Salmon seazoning
  • Place the salmon, skin side down, in the air fryer basket.
    Raw salmon in air fryer
  • Cook at 345°F (275 C) for 12 minutes for a perfectly moist finish, or extend to 18 minutes for a crispier, well-done steak.
    Salmon cooked in air fryer
  • Serve the salmon hot right out of the air fryer for the best flavor and texture.
    Air fryer salmon
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