Air frying salmon with skin on is a quick, healthy, and delicious way to prepare this nutritious fish. The air fryer crisps the skin beautifully while keeping the inside moist and tender. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets, with skin
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: your choice of seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, lemon zest, dill)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 204°C). Some models do not require preheating, so adjust according to your air fryer’s instructions.
2. Prepare the Salmon
- Pat Dry: Use paper towels to pat the salmon fillets dry. This helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Season: Lightly brush the salmon with olive oil on both sides. Season the skinless side with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
3. Place in Air Fryer
- Arrange the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Ensure there’s space between each fillet for air circulation.
4. Cook
- Cook for about 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. There’s no need to flip the salmon during cooking. The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Serve
- Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. The skin should be crispy, and the flesh should be moist and flaky. Serve immediately with a wedge of lemon or your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Salmon
- Do Not Overcrowd: Cooking in batches is better than overcrowding the air fryer basket. This ensures the hot air circulates evenly around each fillet, crisping the skin perfectly.
- Thickness Matters: Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Thicker fillets may need a couple of extra minutes.
- Skin Side Down: Cooking the salmon skin-side down protects the delicate flesh from direct heat, allowing the skin to become crispy without overcooking the top of the fillet.
- After Cooking: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the salmon even more moist.
Cooking salmon with the skin on in an air fryer not only adds a delicious texture contrast but also increases the intake of omega-3 fatty acids found in the skin. Enjoy this simple, healthy method for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
