Air fryer salmon

Air fryer salmon

45 min
Salmon becomes deliciously tender and juicy when cooked in an air fryer. Seasoned with fennel seeds and chilli flakes and cooked alongside tenderstem broccoli and tomatoes, it is bursting with flavour. Serving it with a cold fish roe sauce with chives and boiled potatoes gives you an elegant dish that is delicious and suitable for both everyday meals and special occasions.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/air-fryer-salmon/

Instructions

  • Start with the sauce; mix all ingredients. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes so the flavours can meld.
  • Boil potatoes until tender in lightly salted water.
  • Season salmon with fennel seeds and chilli flakes. Mix broccolini and tomatoes with olive oil.
  • Place a piece of baking paper in the basket of your air fryer. Place the salmon and arrange the vegetables around it. Salt fish and vegetables.
  • Cook in the air fryer at 160°C for about 15 minutes.
  • Serve the salmon with vegetables, fish roe sauce, and potatoes.
Enjoy!
Tip

For optimal results, always place the salmon skin-side down. This not only helps retain its natural juices, ensuring a moist and tender fillet, but the skin also becomes irresistibly crispy, enhancing both texture and flavour. Additionally, positioning the salmon skin down provides a stable base, preventing the fillet from curling or breaking apart during cooking. Season the skin with salt and oil for a perfect crispy finish.

Questions about salmon in air fryer

With our easy-to-follow air fryer salmon recipe, making a juicy and flavourful meal is easy. If you want to learn more, have a look at our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about air fryer salmon.

Can you cook salmon in an air fryer?
Yes, cooking salmon in an air fryer has become a popular method for many culinary enthusiasts. This appliance circulates hot air around the fish, ensuring it is cooked evenly and faster than a regular convection oven. The result is a slightly crispy exterior and a moist, tender interior full of flavour, rivalling traditional cooking methods.
How long to cook salmon in air fryer?
The exact cooking time for salmon in an air fryer varies based on the thickness and individual preferences for doneness. Generally, a standard salmon fillet requires 10-15 minutes at 160°C. However, monitoring is key to ensure it does not overcook but retains its natural flavours and moisture.
Can I wrap salmon in foil in an air fryer?
Wrapping air fryer salmon in foil is possible, and it serves as a method to retain moisture and infuse the fish with marinades or flavours. While you might sacrifice the crispy exterior commonly associated with air frying, you are rewarded with an incredibly juicy fish infused with any flavours you add.
What temperature to cook salmon at in air fryer?
Cooking salmon in an air fryer typically requires a temperature setting of around 160-180°C. This temperature ensures that the salmon cooks evenly, achieving a desirable tender result where the outside is just a bit crispy and the inside remains juicy. Preheat the air fryer to this temperature before placing the salmon inside for the best results.
What to season salmon in an air fryer with?
As with all other dishes, seasoning is a personal preference and can range from simple to elaborate. A basic seasoning can consist of lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. However, for added flavour and depth, consider incorporating herbs like dill or parsley, spices like garlic powder, chilli flakes, or fennel seeds, and even glazes or marinades for a richer taste.

Ingredients

Salmon
Salmon
600 g
Tenderstem broccoli
200 g
Cherry tomatoes
200 g
Olive oil
2 tbsp
Whole fennel seeds, crushed in a mortar
1 tsp
Chilli flakes
½ tsp
Salt
1½ tsp
Fish roe sauce
Sour cream 12 %
300 ml
Lumpfish roe
2 tbsp
Fresh chives, finely chopped
3 tbsp
Dijon mustard
1 tsp
Salt and black pepper
To serve
Potatoes
900 g

Make a tender and juicy air fryer salmon

Air frying has revolutionised the way we cook salmon, offering a method that yields a perfectly tender and juicy fillet every time. The magic of the air fryer lies in its ability to circulate hot air rapidly, ensuring that the salmon cooks evenly, while forming a delightful crispy layer on the outside. You do not have to worry about overcooking or dry patches; with the right air fryer recipe for salmon that perfects both timing and temperature, you are guaranteed a succulent fillet.

With tenderstem broccoli and tomatoes

Air fryer salmon, with its crispy exterior and tender, flaky inside, contrasts beautifully with the slight crunch of tenderstem broccoli and the burst of juiciness from cherry tomatoes. The rich fish is balanced by the earthy notes of broccoli and especially the sweet acidity of tomatoes. This creates a palate-pleasing contrast that makes each bite interesting and satisfying. The vibrant colours – pink salmon, green broccoli, and red tomatoes – also create a visually appealing plate that is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the tastebuds.

Served with potatoes and fish roe sauce

Serving air fryer salmon and vegetables with boiled potatoes and a cold fish roe sauce introduces a host of harmonious flavours and textures. The soft and mellow boiled potatoes are the perfect counterpoint to the juicy salmon and tender-crisp vegetables, grounding the meal with their earthy notes. The creamy consistency of the rich sour cream-based sauce is accentuated by the delightful pop of lumpfish roe, providing a briny burst with every bite. Fresh chives deliver a subtle hint of freshness, adding depth and complexity, while the Dijon mustard introduces a mild zing, elevating the entire combination.

Experiment with different vegetables and flavours

You can make just about any vegetable in an air fryer. Try, for example, our recipes for air fryer cauliflower and air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts. Both can work as tasty sides to your air fryer salmon and potatoes. You can also opt for asparagus, green beans, red onions, and zucchini as they all make good companions for the rich fish.

If you want to change up the seasoning, a simple combination of salt, pepper, and lemon juice allows the natural flavours of the salmon to shine. If you want something more flavour-packed, a soy sauce, garlic, and ginger glace is a fantastic choice. So, too, is a maple syrup glaze with Dijon mustard. If you enjoy an herbaceous flavour profile, you might like to experiment with selections like dill and parsley.