How to Cook Perfect Salmon in an Instant Vortex Air Fryer

Salmon is one of the healthiest and most delicious fish you can eat. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids high in protein, and full of essential nutrients. While salmon can be prepared in many ways using an air fryer is a quick, easy and mess-free way to cook it to crispy, flaky perfection.

Here are the exact steps you need to follow to make perfect air-fried salmon fillets in an Instant Vortex Air Fryer. You can also get some great tips from me, and I’ll give you some air-fried salmon recipe ideas to try. Let’s get started!.

Why Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer?

Some good things about cooking salmon in an air fryer like the Instant Vortex are:

• Quick cooking times – Salmon fillets can be cooked in just 10-15 minutes in an air fryer, with no need to preheat the appliance. This is much faster than baking or pan frying.

• Even browning and crisping – The hot air circulates all around the food in an air fryer, helping the salmon get browned and crispy on all sides No flipping required!

• No mess—air frying doesn’t make a lot of oil or splatter, so your kitchen stays clean.

• Retains moisture – Air frying seals in juices quickly, keeping the salmon tender and moist inside.

• Versatile – You can air fry thin or thick fillets, skin-on or skinless salmon with great results.

• Healthier – Using little or no oil makes air fried salmon a healthier cooking method.

Step-By-Step Guide on How to Air Fry Salmon

Follow these simple steps for perfect air fried salmon every time:

1. Choose Your Salmon

• Opt for fresh wild-caught salmon fillets whenever possible. Sustainable salmon like sockeye and coho are great choices.

• Pick fillets that are evenly sized and uniform in thickness, around 1-1.5 inches thick. This allows for even cooking.

• Salmon fillets with or without skin will both work well. The skin gets deliciously crispy when air fried.

• For a milder flavor, use Atlantic farmed salmon. For more omega-3s, choose wild-caught Alaskan salmon.

2. Prepare the Salmon

• Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Make sure they are completely dry before cooking.

• Use a sharp knife to trim off any thin parts on the fillets to ensure even thickness.

• Lightly score the skin side of the fillets 2-3 times. This helps the salmon cook evenly.

• Season the salmon fillets as desired. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, lemon pepper are all tasty options.

3. Brush With Oil or Butter

• For best results, lightly brush both sides of the fillets with a thin layer of oil or melted butter. This ensures the fish browns nicely.

• Olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil or melted ghee all work well. Use about 1 tsp per fillet.

• Alternately, dots of butter on the fillets will baste them as they cook.

4. Pre-Heat Air Fryer

• Pre-heat your Instant Vortex Air Fryer to 400°F. This takes just 2-3 minutes.

• While it heats, prepare the salmon fillets so they are ready to go in.

5. Air Fry the Salmon

• Place the oiled or buttered salmon fillets in the air fryer basket skin-side down first.

• Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes initially. No need to flip halfway.

• Check thickness and flakes. For 1-inch thick fillets, cook for 10-12 minutes total until opaque and flakes easily.

• Thicker fillets over 1.5 inches may need 13-15 minutes. Cook until salmon reaches 145°F internally.

• Use tongs to transfer fillets to a plate. Avoid overcooking.

6. Finish and Serve

• Optionally, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for crisper skin.

• Serve the air fried salmon right away, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh dill or parsley.

• Pair it with veggie sides or fresh salad for a healthy, balanced meal.

And that’s it! With these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying tender, flaky salmon cooked to perfection in your Instant Vortex.

Tips for the Best Air Fried Salmon

Here are some tips to help you get the most delicious air fried salmon every time:

• Don’t overcrowd – Cook salmon in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overlap. This allows for even cooking.

• Use a basket – The wire basket gives the best airflow. Don’t air fry salmon directly on the tray.

• Cook at 400°F – This is the ideal temp for crispy skin and moist salmon. Lower temps result in undercooked fish.

• Pat dry – Make sure fillets are completely dry before cooking for proper browning.

• Brush with oil – A thin layer of oil helps the salmon get crispy, not soggy.

• ** Preheat** – Fully preheat the air fryer before adding salmon for best results.

• Don’t flip – Salmon air fries evenly without flipping. Simply cook skin-side down.

• Use a thermometer – Check inner temp to prevent overcooking. Stop at 145°F.

• Rest before serving – Let salmon rest 2-3 minutes out of the air fryer before digging in.

Air Fryer Salmon Recipes to Try

The possibilities are endless when it comes to flavoring and seasoning air fried salmon. Here are a few delicious recipe ideas:

Lemon Pepper Salmon

Coat fillets with lemon pepper seasoning and air fry. Serve with lemon wedges and roasted asparagus.

Cajun Blackened Salmon

Brush fillets with Cajun spice blend and mustard before air frying. Parmesan kale makes a good side.

Maple Soy Salmon

Marinate fillets in maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic and ginger. Air fry and drizzle with sesame oil.

Mediterranean Salmon

Top fillets with diced tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, olive oil and oregano before air frying.

Thai Chili Salmon

Brush fillets with Thai red curry paste and peanut oil before air frying. Serve over coconut rice.

Crispy Skin Salmon

Air fry skin-on fillets for 15 minutes until the skin is super crispy. Season with just salt and pepper.

Teriyaki Salmon

Marinate fillets in teriyaki sauce, then air fry. Finish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Common Air Fryer Salmon Questions

If you’re new to making air fried salmon, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long does it take to cook salmon in an air fryer?

For 1-inch thick fillets, cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Thicker fillets may need 13-15 minutes. Check internal temp to prevent overcooking.

Should you flip the salmon halfway through air frying?

No, flipping is not necessary. Salmon air fries evenly cooking skin-side down the entire time.

Is air fried salmon healthy?

Yes, salmon cooked with little or no oil is a healthy choice. Air frying also locks in natural juices and oils.

Can you air fry frozen salmon?

Yes, follow the same method but increase cook time by 2-3 minutes. Brush frozen fillets with oil before cooking.

Do you need oil to air fry salmon?

A small amount of oil helps the salmon brown. But you can also air fry without any oil, the results just may not be as crispy.

Should you poke holes in salmon before air frying?

No, this isn’t necessary and can dry out the salmon. Simply score the skin lightly 2-3 times.

What temperature should salmon be when done?

Check for 145°F internally with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through but still moist.

Enjoy Delicious Air Fried Salmon

Air frying makes enjoying healthy, flavorful salmon so quick and easy. In just minutes, you can cook salmon fillets to tender, flaky perfection in your Instant Vortex Air Fryer.

Use this guide to master the simple process. Experiment with different seasonings and veggie pairings. Leftovers make excellent salmon salad or tacos the next day. I hope these tips help you serve up amazing air fried salmon meals that your family will love.