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Air Fryer Salmon Steak

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: February 1, 2021

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Air Fryer Salmon Steak — Do you ever want to feel like a five-star chef without going through the hassle and complexity of intricate cooking techniques? With an air fryer, you can make professional-tasting meals using much simpler tools at home!

Today, we show how easy it is to prepare a delicious and healthy meal with our Air Fryer Salmon Steak. In no time, you’ll have this savory salmon dish on your plate that brings out the absolute best in flavor. Don’t let complicated cooking intimidate you – get ready to serve restaurant-quality salmon steak tonight!

What Is A Salmon Steak?

A salmon steak is a cross-sectional cut from a whole salmon, perpendicular to the spine, resulting in a piece that includes a backbone section. Unlike salmon fillets, cut lengthwise away from the spine and don’t include the bone, salmon steaks are typically thicker and contain a portion of the fish’s backbone and sometimes rib bones, usually visible in the steak.

Salmon steaks are often cut to be symmetrical, with flesh on both sides of the central bone, resembling a “T” shape when viewed from the side. This cut is especially popular for grilling, broiling, air frying, or pan-searing because the bones help keep the steak intact during cooking and add flavor.

Can You Cook A Salmon Steak In Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook a salmon steak in an air fryer. The air fryer’s circulating hot air cooks the salmon steak evenly and gives it a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.

If you love cooking salmon in your air fryer, here are some amazing recipes to try. Here are some of my favorites: Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Calamari and, of course, my famous Air Fryer Haddock Dinner.

Why You Will Love Cooking Salmon Steak Using An Air Fryer

Here are several reasons why the air fryer will become one of your favorite ways to cook a perfect air fryer salmon steak recipe.

Consistent Results: The air fryer’s design circulates hot air around the salmon steak, ensuring even cooking. This means you get a consistently cooked steak every time, with a perfectly seared outside and a moist, tender inside.
Quicker Cooking Time: Air fryers heat rapidly and cook foods faster than traditional ovens or stovetops. Depending on its thickness, you can have a perfectly cooked salmon steak in 10-14 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Healthier Option: Air frying requires significantly less oil than pan-frying or deep frying. This results in a salmon steak that is lower in calories and fat but still has that desired crispy texture.
Easy Cleanup: With the air fryer, there’s no oil splattering or the need to deal with a greasy pan. Most air fryer components are dishwasher safe, making post-cooking cleanup a breeze.
Versatility: Beyond just cooking the salmon steak, you can also use the air fryer to prepare various accompanying side dishes, from crispy vegetables to potato wedges. This makes it a one-stop cooking solution for many meals.
Flavorful Results: The rapid air circulation in an air fryer locks in the salmon’s juices and flavors. A deeply flavorful and aromatic salmon steak will impress when paired with your favorite seasonings or marinades.

Cooking salmon steak in an air fryer offers convenience, health benefits, and outstanding culinary results, making it a preferred choice for many home chefs.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Salmon Steak

Preparing a delectable salmon steak in the air fryer is efficient and ensures a perfectly cooked result every time. The following simple ingredients will help you achieve that restaurant-quality salmon right in the comfort of your home.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredients are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Salmon Steak: A high-quality salmon steak is the star of this dish. Opt for fresh, preferably wild-caught, to ensure rich flavor and optimal texture.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil enhances the salmon’s natural flavors and ensures a crispy exterior when air-fried. It’s a heart-healthy fat that complements the richness of the salmon.
Kosher Salt: Just a pinch can amplify the natural flavors of the salmon, making it truly savory.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a slight kick and aromatic touch, enhancing the overall taste profile of the salmon steak.
Lemon Zest: The zest of a lemon imparts a refreshing citrus note, balancing out the rich taste of the salmon and adding a hint of brightness.
Fresh Herbs (optional): Incorporating fresh herbs, like fresh dill or parsley, can infuse the salmon with aromatic flavors and elevate the dish’s complexity.

Using these essential ingredients, you can easily whip up an impeccable salmon steak with minimal effort, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

How To Cook A Salmon Steak In Air Fryer

Air frying is a game-changer for many, especially when preparing sumptuous seafood dishes. Cooking salmon steak in the air fryer is quick and efficient and ensures a beautifully cooked, flaky inside with a golden, crisp exterior.

Preparation: Begin by patting the salmon steak dry with a paper towel. This will help achieve that perfect sear.

Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil on both sides of the steak—season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon zest. If using, sprinkle some fresh herbs for added flavor.

Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (205°C) for 3 minutes.

Cooking: Place the seasoned salmon steak in the air fryer basket (skin side down), ensuring it’s in a single layer with some space around it for even cooking. For extra flavor, brush the top of the filets with melted butter. Set the cooking time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon steak when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F using a meat or instant-read thermometer.

Serving: Once done, remove the salmon steak from the air fryer, plate it, and serve immediately with a drizzle of pure maple syrup, creamy dill sauce, or lemon wedges.

Pro Tips For Cooking Salmon Steak In Air Fryer:

Thickness Matters: Always take note of the thickness of your salmon steak. Thicker steaks may require a few more minutes of cooking, while thinner ones will cook faster. Use a meat thermometer if uncertain; ideally, the internal temperature of salmon should reach 145°F (62.8°C) when done.
Skin On: If your salmon steak has skin, keep it on while cooking. The skin becomes wonderfully crispy in the air fryer, adding a delightful texture contrast to the tender fish.
Do Not Overcrowd: Ensure enough space around each steak in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. It might be best to do them in batches if cooking multiple steaks.
Season Generously: Salmon can handle a good amount of seasoning. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices. Fish seasoning, Dill, brown sugar, soy sauce, dijon mustard, rosemary, and garlic powder are excellent choices for salmon.
Check Early: It’s always a good idea to check your salmon a minute or two before the cooking time is up. Since air fryers can vary in power, your salmon might be done sooner than expected. The cook time will vary based on the size of the salmon filets.
Resting Time: After removing the salmon steak from the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This ensures the juices are redistributed, keeping your salmon moist.
Lemon Zest vs. Juice: Consider using lemon zest instead of lemon juice before cooking. Zest adds a more concentrated flavor without making the fish soggy.
Keep It Moist: To prevent the salmon from drying out, brush it with melted butter, vegetable oil, or a little olive oil midway through cooking.

Remember, the key to perfect salmon is to cook it until it’s done and not a second longer. Overcooked salmon can become dry, so it’s crucial to watch it. Enjoy your air-fried salmon steak to the fullest!

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking salmon steak?

While not always necessary, preheating your air fryer for a few minutes can create a crisper exterior and even cook.

Can I use frozen salmon steaks, or do they need to be thawed?

You can cook frozen salmon steaks directly in the air fryer. However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. It’s always best to use fresh or properly thawed salmon for optimal flavor and texture.

How do I know when my salmon steak is done?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C), inserted in the thickest part of the salmon. The color should be opaque throughout.

Can I stack salmon steaks in the air fryer?

No, placing them in a single layer is best to ensure even cooking. If you stack them, the air won’t circulate properly.

What can I serve with my air-fried salmon steak?

Salmon pairs beautifully with green vegetables like air fryer asparagus or broccoli, a light salad, or even a grain side like quinoa or rice.

Can I marinate the salmon steak before air frying?

Yes! Marinating the salmon can add additional flavor. However, pat the salmon dry before placing it in the air fryer to prevent any excess smoke or steam.

Do I need to flip the salmon steak halfway through?

While not strictly necessary, flipping the salmon halfway ensures an even crispness on both sides.

Is it okay if the center of my salmon is slightly pink?

Yes, it’s common for perfectly cooked salmon to be slightly pink in the center. As long as it has reached the safe internal temperature, it’s good to eat.

How do I store leftover salmon steak?

Let the salmon cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Can I reheat the salmon steak in the air fryer?

Yes, for best results, reheat at a lower temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes, just until warmed through.

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