Salmon is one of the healthiest and most delicious fish you can eat. It’s full of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and various vitamins and minerals. However like any leftover, reheating salmon can be tricky business. If you don’t do it right, your beautifully cooked salmon can turn into a dried-out mess.
Luckily, using an air fryer is one of the best ways to reheat leftover salmon – it keeps the fish moist and tender on the inside while crisping up the outside. Here’s a complete guide on how to do it right.
Why Reheat Salmon in an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a small countertop convection oven that uses hot air to cook food. It produces a similar result as deep frying, but without all the oil. This makes it a healthier option for cooking foods like french fries, chicken wings, and more.
But air fryers aren’t just for unhealthy fried foods! They are also excellent at reheating leftovers especially delicate proteins like salmon. Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer to reheat salmon
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Even heating – The hot air circulates around the food for quick even cooking. This prevents cold or overly dry spots.
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Crispy exterior – The hot blasting air gives the exterior of the salmon a quick crisp.
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Moist interior – The fish cooks fast enough to prevent it from drying out.
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No oils needed – Air fryers don’t need any additional fat to make foods crispy.
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Quick – Salmon fillets reheat in just 4-5 minutes. Much faster than an oven.
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Simple – Just toss the salmon in the basket and set the temperature/time.
How to Reheat Salmon in an Air Fryer
Reheating salmon in an air fryer is a super simple process that takes less than 10 minutes start to finish. Follow these easy steps for perfect results:
Ingredients:
- Leftover cooked salmon fillets
- Cooking spray or olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat air fryer to 350°F. This takes 3-5 minutes depending on your model.
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Prepare the basket. The air fryer basket should be clean and dry. You can line it with foil or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
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Cut the salmon into individual portions if needed. Leftover salmon may be stored as a whole fillet. For more even cooking, cut it down into serving sizes.
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Place salmon in the air fryer. Lay the fillets in the basket in a single layer, skin side down. Don’t overcrowd the basket.
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Cook for 4-5 minutes. Set the timer and let the hot air work its magic. The cooking time will depend on thickness. Thinner pieces may only need 3 minutes.
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Check internal temp. Salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
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Rest and serve. Let the salmon rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. The temperature will continue rising as it rests. Enjoy!
The salmon is now perfectly reheated with a crispy skin, tender flaky interior, and all the moisture and flavor intact.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips to get the very best results when reheating salmon in an air fryer:
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Don’t overcrowd the basket. Salmon needs room for air circulation. Work in batches if needed.
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Brush with oil. A light brush of olive oil or melted butter helps prevent sticking.
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Use foil. Lining the basket with foil makes cleanup easy.
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Cook at lower temp. Cook at 300-350°F to prevent overcooking. Higher can make the exterior too crispy.
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Cook skin-side down. This helps the skin get super crispy.
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Check for doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon is 145°F.
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Let it rest. Salmon will continue cooking after removed from the air fryer. A 1-2 minute rest gives you the perfect temp.
Common Air Fryer Salmon Questions
If you’re new to cooking salmon in the air fryer, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
How long does it take to reheat salmon in an air fryer?
It takes just 4-5 minutes at 350°F. Very quick and easy.
Can you reheat frozen salmon in an air fryer?
Yes, absolutely! Just thaw it first and pat it dry before air frying. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the cook time.
What temperature should you cook salmon at in an air fryer?
300-350°F is ideal. Higher can make the exterior overcrisp before the inside is warmed through.
Should you flip the salmon halfway through?
Flipping is unnecessary since air fryers cook from all sides. Cook skin-side down the entire time for crispiest skin.
How do you keep salmon from sticking in an air fryer?
Lightly oil the basket, use foil, or buy an air fryer liner. Curling the thinner tail end under can also help prevent sticking.
More Delicious Ways to Use Your Air Fryer
Salmon is just one of many foods you can cook to crispy, juicy perfection in your air fryer appliance. Here are some other great ways to utilize this handy kitchen tool:
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Chicken wings – Crispy, saucy wings in just 20 minutes. Much healthier than deep fried.
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French fries – Make oven fries taste deep fried. Toss in oil and air fry.
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Chicken nuggets – DIY crispy breaded nuggets in 15 minutes. Your kids will love ’em.
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Bacon – Lay strips in the basket for quick crispy bacon minus the splatter.
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Frozen foods – Pizza rolls, mozzarella sticks, potato skins, etc. Air fry from frozen.
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Vegetables – From fresh green beans to frozen tater tots, the options are endless.
So don’t relegate your air fryer to just the occasional salmon fillet. Take advantage of it on a daily basis for faster, healthier meals and sides.
Enjoying More Delicious Salmon
Now that you know how to perfectly reheat leftover salmon in the air fryer you can enjoy this tasty and healthy protein any night of the week. Here are some serving ideas:
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Place the hot crispy salmon on a salad or in a lettuce wrap for a nutrition-packed meal.
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Serve with sautéed veggies like asparagus, broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
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Pile the salmon on top of roasted potatoes or cauliflower rice for a low carb option.
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Dress it up with compound butter, teriyaki glaze or homemade tartar sauce.
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Stuff into a pita pocket with veggies and hummus for an easy weekday lunch.
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Toss with pasta, olive oil, spinach, and feta cheese for a salmon pasta dish.
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Layer on avocado toast points for an elegant appetizer.
The options are endless when it comes to enjoying reheated or freshly cooked salmon! It’s an amazing protein that pairs so well with various seasonings and ingredients.
So get cooking up this incredible fish more often. Keep your leftovers for quick air fryer meals later in the week. You’ll have delicious salmon entrées at the ready anytime – no defrosting required.
How to Reheat Salmon in the Oven and 5 Other Excellent Methods You Can Try!
FAQ
How do you reheat salmon in an air fryer without drying it out?
How do you reheat cooked salmon?
How long to reheat fish in an air fryer?
How long to air fry already cooked salmon?
How do you reheat salmon in an air fryer?
And if you are in a hurry, this method takes half the time of the oven. To reheat salmon in an Air Fryer, set the appliance to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, and place the salmon skin-side down in the basket (lined with parchment to keep the skin from sticking). Cook for 5 minutes until the salmon is hot.
How do you cook smoked salmon in an air fryer?
Spread a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the salmon, and season with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like. Place the baking sheet in the air fryer, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce! Is there anything better than smoked salmon?
Can You air Fry frozen salmon?
Place the fish in the air fryer basket and air fry frozen salmon for 7 minutes. Add the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Once the fish has cooked for 7 minutes, flip it over and brush on the honey mustard sauce. Air fry again for another 7-9 minutes.
How long do you air Fry salmon?
Coat salmon with lightly oil or cooking spray. Season both sides of salmon with salt and pepper. Place salmon in basket. Air fry the salmon at 360°F for about 10 minutes or until cooked to your preferred texture. Check the salmon with a fork to make sure it’s cooked the way you like it. Enjoy!