If you're wondering how long it takes to cook perfect, juicy salmon in an air fryer, you're in the right place! Air fryers make cooking salmon easier and quicker, but getting that perfect balance of tender, flaky fish with a crispy crust can be tricky sometimes. Overcook it, and you risk dryness; undercook it, and you’re left with a raw center.
Timing is key, but how can you get it right every time? In this guide, we'll share air fryer salmon cooking times and show you how the DREO ChefMaker takes the guesswork out, ensuring perfect salmon every time—whether you're a beginner or a pro.
How Long Should You Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer?
The timing can vary depending on the type of fillet you're working with:
Thin fillets (around 1-inch thick): These cook quickly, usually in about 8 minutes at 400°F.
Thicker fillets (1.5 inches or more): You'll need 10-12 minutes at 400°F, with an extra 2-3 minutes for the well-cooked, juicy interior.
Frozen fillets: If you're cooking frozen salmon, you'll need around 12-15 minutes at 400°F to ensure it's fully cooked through.
How to Check for Doneness?
Ensuring your salmon is perfectly cooked can be tricky without the right checks in place. Here's how to know when your salmon is done:
Use a Meat Thermometer: Insert it into the thickest part of the fillet, and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. Once it reaches that mark, your salmon is perfectly cooked, tender, and safe to eat.
Flake Test: If you don’t have a thermometer handy, you can also test the doneness by gently flaking the salmon with a fork. When it flakes easily along the lines of the fish, it’s done. The flesh should be opaque and not translucent.
Check the Color: Salmon's ideal color is pale pink throughout, with the flesh fully opaque. If you're still seeing a lot of translucency or rawness in the middle, give it a little more time.
Perfect Salmon, Every Time - Without the Hassle
While cooking time is important, precision is just as crucial, especially with different air fryer models. Every air fryer cooks differently, so having a tool that ensures accurate control is key for consistent results.
If keeping track of all the details feels overwhelming, let the ChefMaker handle it. It automates the entire process—adjusting time, temperature, and moisture for you. With three versatile cooking modes, it makes cooking simpler than you think.
ChefMaker Cooking Tips:
Follow the on-screen tips displayed on the ChefMaker for even better results!
The ChefMaker will provide personalized cooking tips tailored to your type of salmon, so make sure to check and follow them before starting your cooking.
You can monitor both the cooking progress and the internal temperature of your salmon directly through the DREO app.
If your salmon reaches the desired temperature earlier than expected, you can pause the cooking process immediately from the DREO app.
Always ensure the target temperature you set meets the FDA’s recommended minimum of 145°F (63°C) for safe, perfectly cooked salmon.
Chef Mode - Expert-guided Cooking
Prep Your Salmon: Lightly season your fillet with your favorite herbs, spices, or a simple drizzle of olive oil.
Select Chef Mode > Fish: Choose the seafood setting, and the ChefMaker will automatically fine-tune the temperature, timing, and moisture control for perfectly cooked salmon.
Savor the Results: Simply sit back, or even take a well-deserved nap, and let the salmon cook to perfection—flaky, tender, and delicious with minimal effort on your part.
Classic Cook Mode – Quicker Custom Control
Customize Your Cook: Take full control by setting your own time and temperature, just like with a traditional air fryer.
Recommended Timing: For perfectly cooked salmon, aim for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Tailor to Your Taste: Want a softer center or crispier edges? Easily adjust the timing to match your preferred texture.
Probe Cook Mode – Precision Cooking at Its Best
This mode is perfect for those who want to achieve the highest level of precision in their cooking—ideal for culinary enthusiasts or anyone striving for salmon perfection.
Insert the Probe: Place the probe in the thickest part of the salmon fillet to get the most accurate temperature readings.
Set Your Desired Temperature: Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, tender, and flaky salmon, retaining its natural moisture.
Automatic Time Adjustment: The DREO ChefMaker automatically adjusts cooking time based on your target temperature, ensuring your salmon is cooked just right without any guesswork.
Final Takeaway
Cooking salmon to perfection is easier than ever with the ChefMaker. Its precision cooking ensures your salmon is always tender, flaky, and perfectly cooked, whether fresh or frozen. With minimal effort, you can enjoy flawless results every time.
Ready for hassle-free, perfect results in your kitchen? Let the ChefMaker take your cooking to the next level.
