Quick and Easy Dinner
By Angelina • Prep: 5 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 2.
I am Angelina and I am putting forth one of my go to quick dinner recipes today. I first made this air fryer salmon on a night when I was tired and hungry, also not in the mood to spend an hour in the kitchen. I had two salmon fillets in the refrigerator and only a few basic spices. In eight minutes dinner was ready. The salmon was soft in the middle, lightly crisp on the outside and full of flavor.
Since that time this has been my go to meal for busy weeknights. If you also are looking for a healthful dinner option that doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes to do, I will show you how easy it may be. You may use the base seasonings I do or you may add in a sweet honey garlic salmon glaze near the end.
Why This Recipe Does Well on Busy Evenings?
Some recipes taste great at the cost of time in the kitchen. Other options are quick but don’t leave you feeling like you had a full meal. This recipe we present to you is at once fast, full of flavor, and a breeze to clean up. Hot air does the cooking for you as the salmon is done in a flash and a little oil we use to get that nice crisp on the outside.
· Ready in 13 minutes including prep time.
· No need to turn most of the fish.
· Uses minimal oil in the preparation of food.
· Easy to vary with different seasonings or glazes.
· Pairs with salads, rice, potatoes, or vegetables.
Can salmon really be cooked in 8 minutes?
Yes, salmon can be cooked in 8 minutes. We see that a mostly frozen fillet which is about 1 inch thick does best at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes. A large center cut may do better at 10 to 12 minutes, and a thin tail piece may be done in as little as 6 to 7 minutes.
Air fryers’ heating is different. Think of the 8 minute mark as a base, not a rule for all fish. The USDA says to cook fish to an internal temp of 145°F (63°C) which you determine in the fish’s meaty section.
What You Need
This simple recipe makes two servings.
· 2.5 to 3 oz each of salmon fillets which is 2 which total around 5 to 6 oz of fish.
· 2 teaspoons olive oil
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder
· 1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika.
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
· 1 teaspoon lemon juice
· Lemon slices and fresh dill or parsley if you like.
We can use both skin on and skinless salmon. Skin on fillets are great as the skin protects the base of the fish and also keeps the meat moist.
Fresh or Frozen: Which one should you use?
Thawed out salmon is what you should use for an eight minute meal. It cooks more evenly and also does a better job of taking on seasonings. Frozen salmon will work in the air fryer but usually requires 13 to 17 minutes which may vary by the size of the piece and your particular appliance.
For perfect texture, allow frozen salmon to defrost in the fridge overnight. Also for a quick thaw, put it in a sealed bag then in cold water. Do not leave raw fish out on the counter to defrost.
How to Cook Air Fryer Salmon
Follow these steps to cook delicious salmon in air fryer:
1. Preheat the air fryer
Set oven at 375°C and preheat for 3 minutes. Should your model not need preheat time, refer to the manual.
2. Dry the fish
Pat each fillet dry with a paper towel. A wet surface does not brown as well and also causes the oil and spices to fall off.
1. Add seasonings and oil
Rub the salmon with a little bit of olive oil. In a small bowl mix the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper then put that over the top and sides.
2. Leave space around each fillet
Place the fish with skin side down and give them some space. A full basket does not allow for proper steam flow which in turn softens the outside.
3. Cook it
Cook for 8 minutes without turning. At 6 or 7 minutes start checking a thin piece. For a thick piece give it an extra 1 or 2 minutes if required.
4. Rest and Serve.
Place the salmon on a plate, let it sit for two minutes, and add lemon juice right before serving.
375, 380, or 400°F: What is the best temperature?
Best Temperature Range
375°F 190°C for 9-12 minutes best for thick fillets, sweet glazes, or gentle cooking.
380°F 193°C for 8 to 10 minutes for good balance of time and moisture. Also note that the temperature is high but the time is short for this process..
At 400°F 204°C for 7-9 minutes which is a time frame that will have your edges nice and lightly crisp.
At 400°F for this recipe we go as we are after speed. If your salmon comes out dry though, next time try 380°F or check it out a minute or two early.
Air fryer salmon how to prevent it from drying out?
Overcook time is the issue. With strong moving heat the fish cooks fast which is why a minute or two more in the heat may see a large difference.
The Fillet Is Thin
A thin tail piece will cook first, check that at 6 minutes.
The Air Fryer Runs Hot
If salmon is drying out put it at 380°F or reduce the time.
You Depend Only on the Timer
Cooking time is approximate. A thermometer will tell you what is going on inside the fish.
You Reheat It Too Long
Warm up left overs at 350 to 320°F for a time which is between 2 to 4 minutes and stop once the center is done.
A Sweet Coating Goes On Too Soon.
Honey and other sweet sauces will burn at high temperatures. At the end for the last 2 to 3 minutes brush them on.
How to tell when Salmon is done?
A food thermometer is what you use for best results. From the side in to the thickest part insert it. For fish the safe minimum temperature as per USDA is 145°F. Flesh should be white and flake easily with a fork.
In your food you may notice a white layer present that is normal. This is albumin a natural protein from the fish which is safe to eat. Also a large amount of this may indicate the salmon was cooked for too little or too much time.
Four simple ways to change the flavor
Here are some variations you can try out for different flavors.
Lemon and Herb
Use garlic powder, black pepper, dill and lemon zest. Add fresh lemon juice at the end.
Mild Cajun
Use around 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning. Also check the salt content before adding more salt.
Honey Garlic Salmon
Mix in a tablespoon of honey, 1 minced garlic clove, a teaspoon of low sodium soy sauce, and a half teaspoon of lemon juice. For the salmon, cook for five minutes then brush the glaze over the top and put back in for two to three more minutes. Adding the honey at the end also helps prevent it from burning.
Garlic Butter
Cook up the basic seasonings first and then add a touch of melted garlic butter once the salmon has sat out of the air fryer.
Turn It Into a Complete Dinner
We can turn the salmon into a complete meal. Let me share some easy ways to add more nutrients that will also fill your stomach.
Easy cucumber salad is great – A fresh, light cucumber salad with dressing bright which balances the rich salmon.
For bigger meals add rice, quinoa, potatoes, broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. If the side dish needs cooking a little longer prepare it first and keep covered while the salmon is cooking.
Sunday meal prep plan. Put the salmon, grains, and veggies in separate containers for best results.
Is This a Healthy Dinner?
Salmon is a source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, selenium, and vitamin D. Protein which comes from salmon helps out with muscle growth also makes a meal very filling. Also a component of a balanced diet, omega 3s support health of the heart and brain.
The air fryer may only require a small amount of oil but in terms of the overall health value of the meal that is also based on the size of the portion, what you put in it in terms of seasonings and what sides you serve. For instance, salmon which is paired with some veggies and a moderate amount of rice or potatoes may make for a balanced meal.
Estimated Nutrition per Serving
This report is of a 5 to 6 ounce salmon fillet which we used 1 teaspoon of olive oil for. Values do vary by salmon type and portion size.
• Calories: Between 330 390.
• Protein: Around 34 39 grams.
• Fat: Around 21–27 grams.
• Carbohydrates: Fewer than 2 grams.
• Fiber: Zero grams.
• Sodium: Varies by seasoning and salt content.
Use the info on the package and included ingredients for exact nutrition facts.
Store and Reheat Leftovers Safely
Put away any extra salmon in a covered container and in the fridge within 2 hours. Most cooked left overs do best in 3 to 4 days. For the best salmon texture try to eat it sooner.
Reheat in the oven at 325 to 350°F for 2 to 4 minutes. Also you may serve it cold in a salad, sandwich, wrap, or rice bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to turn the salmon in Air fryer?
No. Most fillets do well when cooked skin side down without the need to turn. A very thick salmon steak may benefit from a single flip as it cooks.
Can I put foil under it?
Use air fryer safe foil only when the manual says to. Also do not cover all the vents and do not put in loose foil when the appliance is turned on.
Can I cook salmon without skin?
Yes. Gloss the basket with oil to prevent sticking and handle the cooked fish with care as it breaks easier.
How long does frozen salmon take?
Frozen fillets usually require between 13 to 17 minutes. Thawed fish which is what we prefer for even results and better hold of seasonings.
Why is white liquid coming out?
Albumin is a natural fish protein. We found it to be safe to eat. If we had a lot I reduced the heat or checked the salmon in the cook time a little more.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Beforehand season it by a few hours and keep it covered in the fridge. For the lemon juice wait until close to cooking time as it may change the surface texture.
Your Quick Dinner Plan
Dry out the fillets, add a little oil and seasoning, and put them in at 400°F. Begin checking after 7 minutes and use a thermometer to check for doneness. Sustain the simple flavor or turn it into honey garlic salmon at the end.
This air fryer salmon is quick enough for a busy night but still a full course meal. Include a salad, some veggies, rice or potatoes and you have dinner which comes together in no time.