Air fryer soy and ginger salmon

Air fryer soy and ginger salmon

45 min
Preparing salmon in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient method, perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. In this recipe for Asian-inspired salmon, the pieces are marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh ginger, lime juice, and chilli to infuse it with bold flavours. The salmon is coated with a cornflake breading to give it a truly crispy and delightful texture. For a complete meal experience, we recommend serving it with a jalapeño crème fraiche dip and furikake-sprinkled rice with spring onions.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/air-fryer-soy-and-ginger-salmon/

Instructions

  • Cut salmon into 2x2 cm pieces. Place in a bowl and coat with soy sauce, sesame oil, chilli flakes, ginger, and lime juice. Chill for about 30 minutes.
  • Prepare the jalapeño sour cream dip: Finely chop jalapeño and garlic. Mix with crème fraiche and honey. Season with salt and pepper. Chill until serving.
  • Cook rice according to instructions on the package. Slice spring onions.
  • Whisk eggs in a deep plate. Crush cornflakes and place them on another deep plate.
  • Dip the fish first into the egg, then coat with cornflakes.
  • Cook in your air fryer at 160°C for about 7 minutes.
  • Serve the cornflake-breaded salmon with rice, jalapeño dip, spring onions, and furikake.
Enjoy!
Tip

Achieving the right consistency when crushing the cornflakes is crucial for the perfect crispy coating. Place them in a resealable bag, removing excess air. Using a rolling pin, gently crush them to achieve a consistent texture. Aim for an even crush; too fine might diminish the crunch, while too coarse could result in uneven coating on the salmon.

Questions about air fryer soy and ginger salmon

Crispy air fryer soy and ginger salmon bites make for a delicious lunch or dinner with rice or can be served as an appetiser or snack for guests. To learn more about it, have a look at our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.

How to store air fryer soy and ginger salmon to keep it crispy?
Storing breaded air fryer salmon with a cornflake crust while retaining its crispiness can be a bit tricky. After cooling to room temperature, place the salmon pieces in a single layer on a tray or plate, avoiding overlap. Cover lightly with parchment paper and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat and re-crisp, preheat your oven or air fryer to 175°C. Lay out the salmon bites on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket without crowding. Heat for 7-10 minutes or until the crust is crisp again. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the cornflake-crusted salmon soggy.
What type of soy sauce is best for air fryer soy and ginger salmon?
When making air fryer salmon with soy sauce, the soy sauce can greatly influence the flavour. Japanese soy sauce, or 'shoyu', is ideal due to its balanced, milder profile that complements the ginger and does not overpower the marinade. Japanese soy sauce is typically lighter in colour and saltiness compared to its counterparts. If you opt for another type, adjust the quantity to avoid excessive saltiness.
How long should I marinate salmon with soy and ginger marinade?
We recommend marinating the fish for a minimum of 30 minutes to effectively infuse the flavours. However, if time allows, letting it sit in the Asian marinade for 1 to 2 hours can further enhance the depth of taste. Do not marinate for longer, as the acidic lime juice can begin to break down the salmon's texture. For optimal flavour penetration without compromising the fish's integrity, aim for a marinating window between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
What to serve with air fryer soy and ginger salmon?
Besides a delectable jalapeño dip, air fryer soy and ginger salmon pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice, especially when sprinkled with furikake for an added umami touch and texture. Enhancing the dish with a sprinkle of freshly sliced spring onions can introduce a mild zesty crunch. Fresh coriander can lend a vibrant, aromatic note that complements the ginger's spiciness. Additionally, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or peanuts not only adds a nutty flavour but also provides a delightful contrasting crunch to the crispiness of the salmon.

Ingredients

Salmon
Skinless salmon
500 g
Japanese soya sauce
1½ tbsp
Sesame oil
1 tsp
Chilli flakes
1 tsp
Fresh ginger, finely grated
2 tbsp
Lime fruit, the juice
1
Jalapeño crème fraiche dip
Creme fraiche 12 %
300 ml
Fresh green jalapeño
1
Garlic clove
1
Honey
1 tsp
Salt and black pepper to taste
Breading
Eggs
2
Cornflakes
150 g
To serve
Jasmine rice
4 portions
Spring onions
4
Furikake (a Japanese seasoning typically sprinkled on rice)

Crispy, easy cornflakes-breaded salmon in air fryer

The air fryer introduces an innovative approach to achieve perfectly crisp salmon with chilli and ginger. By using cornflakes rather than a traditional breadcrumb coating, the salmon bites get an irresistible crunch that complements its tender, flaky interior. This blend of textures, coupled with the kick from chilli and aromatic notes of ginger, offers a contemporary twist on a classic dish. This Asian-inspired air fryer salmon promises not just flavour but also convenience for busy evenings.

If you have developed a taste for air-fried fish delicacies, consider trying our classic air fryer salmon as well.

Asian-inspired salmon with ginger and soy marinade

When it comes to pairing flavours, ginger and salmon share a harmonious relationship. The zesty spiciness of ginger accentuates the rich, fatty profile of the salmon, creating a balanced palate experience. With the addition of a sesame, soy, and ginger sauce, the marinade further infuses the salmon, ensuring every bite is a burst of Asian-inspired goodness. The soy sauce lends a savoury depth, which plays well against the bright tones of ginger and lime as well as the rich nuttiness of the sesame oil. 

For those eager to expand their repertoire of Asian-flavoured air fryer dishes, our air fryer chicken thigh fillet recipe with its captivating five-spice marinade awaits your exploration.

Serve with jalapeño dip

Serving cornflake-crusted, Asian-style salmon bites with a jalapeño dip creates a delightful fusion of flavours and textures. The crispy breaded salmon bites are beautifully complemented by the rich, creamy jalapeño dip, which has a cooling, tangy flavour from the crème fraiche that elevates the dining experience.

If you have leftover dip, you can enjoy it with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or air fryer quesadillas.

Add your own touch

For an aromatic twist on this air fryer soy and ginger salmon recipe, introduce finely chopped coriander or Thai basil to the marinade or as a finishing touch, imparting a fresh herbaceous note. Complementing this, consider garnishing your breaded soy and ginger salmon bites with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts. This not only enhances the texture with an added layer of crunch but also introduces a delightful nutty flavour, creating a harmonious blend of Asian-inspired tastes and textures in every bite.