When I was younger, I THOUGHT that I hated salmon. This is because my mom really did hate it and never cooked it, nor did anyone else in my family. The only place I had ever tried it was at a cheap Chinese buffet and, well, let’s just say, that is not the best place to try salmon. Then I started working at an upscale restaurant, and the salmon was one of their top sellers. There were several different flavors, and they all looked sooooo good! I finally broke down and bought a salmon dinner after one of my shifts and “oh my heavens” as my late grandma would always say!
I fell in love with it right there on the spot! Little did I know, that it just needed to be of good quality and cooked properly and it was incredibly good! My favorite was the parmesan and horseradish encrusted flavor. I have perfected that recipe as well and plan to share it on here soon!
But since we eat salmon at least once a week, I usually opt for this very simple method of cooking it in the air fryer! It takes just a few minutes to prepare and about 9-10 minutes to cook! And it is wonderful every time!
What is the best type of salmon to buy?
This is one of those questions without a simple and straight-forward answer. The “best” salmon to buy would be fresh off the boats of Alaska. I live in Illinois so that is not an option. There are companies such as Butcherbox and Alaskan Salmon Company that deliver flash frozen, wild-caught salmon on dry ice, but those are rather expensive options. I have found several different brands in the freezer section at the grocery stores, but most of these are farm-raised. And I absolutely do not have an issue with that! But the best I have found so far is at the meat counter at my local grocer. So in summary, if you find a brand you like and can afford, that is the one you should go with!
How to make it.
These are 4 oz skinless filets. I know a lot of people like the skin, but we do not care for it so we buy it without. Either way, it will get cooked the same.
Start by brushing a small amount of olive oil on both sides, then season it on both sides as well.
For this batch, I am using a Lemon Garlic Blend and just a bit of cajun seasoning.
Here is a tip. Make a tin foil boat or use a disposable liner. the salmon will release a lot of juices while cooking and you DO NOT want those to just drip down to the bottom of the air fryer. You want to be able to pour those back on the fish when it is finished! Trust me on this. Air fry at 400 for approximately 9-11 minutes.
How to tell when it is finished cooking.
You will know it is done when it starts to flake if you use a fork to push gently down on the center of it!
When it is finished I like to spread about 1 tsp of butter on it and squeeze some fresh lemon on it. Perfection!
Our favorite side dishes to have with salmon are usually baked potatoes or rice with a green veggie such as broccoli, green beans or asparagus! But the options for sides are endless!
I hope you enjoy this if you make it! If you do, please leave a comment and a rating as this helps not only me but other readers as well!
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 4 oz Salmon filets
- 1/2 tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1-2 tbs Lemon Garlic Seasoning Blend
- 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1-2 tsps Butter
- 1 Fresh Lemon
Instructions
- Brush the salmon filets with the oil on both sides.
- Season well on both sides. (The seasonings listed are only a suggestion. Feel free to use any kind that you like!) Salmon is very versatile and goes well with a lot of flavor profiles!
- Make a small aluminum foil boat, or use an air fryer liner, and place the salmon in it.
- Air fry at 400 for 9-11 minutes.
- You can tell it is done when you gently press down on the thickest part of it with a fork and it flakes easily.
- Melt about a teaspoon of butter on each filet when they are finished cooking and squeeze on some fresh lemon juice. Serve hot and enjoy!
Here are some more air fryer meals you might enjoy!
