How To Cook Perfectly Tender and Juicy Crab Stuffed Salmon in an Air Fryer

Cooking salmon can sometimes be intimidating, especially if you want a deliciously moist and flaky texture Thankfully, using an air fryer makes salmon cooking foolproof! The circulating hot air cooks food fast with crispy, golden surfaces while keeping the interior tender An air fryer is the perfect way to achieve succulent salmon fillets infused with luscious crab stuffing. This simple recipe will have you serving up restaurant-quality seafood dishes right from your own kitchen. After trying this, crab stuffed salmon from the air fryer will likely become a regular menu item in your household!

Why Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer is a Game Changer

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by mimicking deep frying results with barely any oil needed The superheated airflow surrounding the food delivers crispy fried texture without the greasiness This makes an air fryer the ideal vessel for cooking salmon to juicy perfection. The constant circulation of hot air ensures even cooking so you get tender salmon all the way through, without any dry or overcooked patches.

Cooking salmon in an air fryer gives you several advantages

• Quick cooking – Typical oven cooking times are reduced so dinner can be on the table faster. Salmon fillets are done in just 8-12 minutes!

• Moist and tender: air-frying salmon keeps the moisture in, so it stays deliciously juicy. No more dried out fish fillets!.

• Less mess: Since less oil is used, there isn’t much splattering to clean up afterward.

• Stronger flavors—The high heat brings out the flavors so that the seasoning in the finished dish is stronger.

With those benefits, it’s easy to see why air frying has become a hugely popular way to cook salmon. Keep reading to learn exactly how to make delectable crab stuffed salmon fillets in the air fryer.

Step-By-Step Guide to Perfection

Here is a simple step-by-step walkthrough for cooking tender, flaky salmon encasing rich crab filling using the air frying method:

Ingredients:

• 2 fresh skinless salmon fillets, about 6 oz each
• 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1⁄4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄4 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer – Set air fryer temperature to 375°F to fully heat before cooking.

2. Make crab filling – Mix together crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, parsley, mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper in a bowl until fully combined.

3. Butterfly salmon fillets – Use a sharp knife to slice into the side of each fillet to create a pocket for the filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through.

4. Season salmon – Sprinkle both sides of salmon fillets with salt and pepper.

5. Fill salmon pockets – Use a spoon or your fingers to stuff crab mixture into the openings in the salmon. Press filling gently into fillets.

6. Air fry salmon – Place filled salmon fillets in air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until thickest part of salmon reaches 145°F.

7. Rest and serve – Let salmon rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired. Enjoy!

And that’s all it takes to make succulent crab stuffed salmon in your air fryer! Keep reading for extra tips to take your air fried salmon to the next level.

Handy Tips for Air Fryer Salmon Success

With a few helpful tips and tricks, you can get the most out of using your air fryer for perfectly cooked salmon.

• Brush with oil – Lightly brushing the salmon with oil before air frying helps promote browning and extra crispiness. Olive oil or avocado oil work well.

• Elevate fillets – Using a grill tray or crisper tray inside the air fryer basket allows hot air to circulate completely around the salmon for even cooking.

• Flip halfway – Flip the fillets over about halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get evenly browned.

• Check for doneness – Use an instant read thermometer to check salmon has reached the 145°F safe temperature. Look for opaque, flaky flesh.

• Make slits in skin – Scoring the skin side of fillets 2-3 times helps release fat and moisture for better results.

• Pat fillets dry – Lightly patting the salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking removes excess moisture from the surface for optimal air frying.

• Let rest before serving – Allowing the cooked salmon to rest for 2-3 minutes after air frying allows juices to redistribute so salmon stays moist and tender when cut.

Filling Flavor Variations

The simple crab filling in this recipe provides rich, briny sweetness that pairs perfectly with salmon. However, you can also get creative and modify the filling blend to suit your tastes. Consider these tasty filling options:

• Cream cheese, scallions and everything bagel seasoning
• Shrimp, feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes
• Spinach, artichokes and Parmesan
• Bacon, cheddar and ranch dressing
• Lobster meat and lemon herb seasoning

Mix up the stuffings to keep your salmon dishes exciting and delicious every time!

Cooking Other Fish in the Air Fryer

While salmon works wonderfully, the air fryer technique can also be used to cook up other types of fish and seafood. Give these dishes a try:

• Halibut – Sturdy texture holds up well, staying moist inside. Bread crumbs give a nice crust.

• Tilapia – Delicate tilapia fillets cook fast and taste amazing with lemon pepper seasoning.

• Cod – Flakes beautifully when air fried. Try coating in Japanese panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

• Shrimp – Butterfly jumbo shrimp to air fry flat with breadcrumb topping for scrumptious crispy shrimp.

• Scallops – Brushing with melted butter or oil helps keep sea scallops tender when air frying.

• Fish sticks – For kid-friendly meals, homemade fish sticks are easy to air fry crispy.

The options are endless for using an air fryer to cook seafood dishes that are healthy, quick and full of flavor.

Side Dishes for Serving

A beautifully cooked salmon filet deserves an equally tasty side to complete the plate. Here are some excellent air fried side dishes to pair with your crab stuffed salmon:

• Asparagus – Fresh asparagus spears tossed in oil and seasoning air fry into crunchy green vegetable perfection.

• Brussels sprouts – Crisp, caramelized Brussels sprouts air fried with garlic are a delicious pairing.

• Potatoes – Dice potatoes, toss with oil and herbs, and air fry for 20 minutes until browned and tender.

• Sweet potatoes – Cubed sweet potatoes air fried with cinnamon get caramelized and sweet.

• Zucchini – Thinly sliced rounds of zucchini air fried with panko breading for extra crunch.

With an array of easy vegetable side options, you can serve up a restaurant-worthy salmon dinner from your own kitchen any night of the week.

More Salmon Recipes to Air Fry

The options are endless when it comes to air frying flavorful salmon creations. Try out these other tasty recipes:

• Lemon Garlic Salmon – Salmon fillets coated in zesty lemon garlic seasoning for bright citrus flavor.

• Sesame Ginger Salmon – A sweet and savory blend of toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic and ginger.

• Salmon Burgers – Combine salmon, breadcrumbs and egg to form into patties and air fry like burgers.

• Salmon Cakes – Mix flaked salmon with herbs, spices, and binder to create crunchy, savory cakes.

• Blackened Salmon – Salmon seasoned with Cajun spices and blackened in the air fryer for spicy heat.

With the simplicity and speed of the air fryer, you can enjoy fresh, delicious salmon multiple times per week. This versatile kitchen gadget makes salmon cooking foolproof.

So next time you are seeking a quick, healthy and impressive main course, give air fried crab stuffed salmon fillets a try. Delicious, tender salmon on the inside with golden crispy edges is just minutes away. Crab and salmon were made for each other, so indulge in this match made in seafood heaven.