Get Perfectly Cooked Salmon Every Time: How to Reheat Salmon in an Air Fryer

Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish you can eat. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, B vitamins and potassium. However, cooking salmon can be tricky – overcook it and it turns dry and chewy. Undercook it and the texture is slimy and unappealing. Luckily, an air fryer is the perfect way to cook (or reheat) salmon to tender, flaky perfection every time.

In this guide, I’ll explain my proven step-by-step method for reheating leftover salmon in an air fryer. You’ll learn the ideal temperature, cook times, and preparation tips for reheating salmon fillets or steaks so they come out moist, soft and delicious.

Benefits of Reheating Salmon in an Air Fryer

First. let’s look at why an air fryer is great for reheating salmon compared to other methods

• Air fryers heat food very quickly, ensuring leftover salmon doesn’t dry out

• The circulating hot air cooks the salmon evenly on all sides. No cold or soggy spots.

• Air frying keeps the crispy skin intact on salmon fillets, without making it rubbery or burnt.

• It requires little to no oil for crisping, so reheated salmon isn’t greasy.

• Easy cleanup as any drips or crumbs fall through the basket, unlike an oven tray or pan.

• Compact countertop size is convenient for small households.

Now let’s get into the step-by-step guide…

Step 1 – Prepare the Salmon

• For even heating, cut large salmon fillets or steaks into evenly sized smaller pieces.

• Remove any bones, which can burn or become brittle during reheating.

• Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Excess moisture leads to steaming instead of frying.

• Brush a thin layer of oil on both sides to maximize crisping.

Step 2 – Preheat Air Fryer

• Preheating is a must. It ensures the air inside reaches the proper temperature before cooking begins.

• For salmon, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. This high heat quickly warms the salmon through without drying it out.

• Allow 3-5 minutes for the air fryer to fully preheat. The preheat light will turn off when it’s ready.

Step 3 – Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

• Coating the air fryer basket helps prevent salmon from sticking.

• Use a light spray of cooking oil on the basket. Alternatively, line it with lightly oiled aluminum foil.

• Avoid overloading the basket, as crowded salmon won’t heat evenly. Cook salmon in batches if needed.

Step 4 – Cook the Salmon

• Cook salmon fillets or steaks for 4-5 minutes at 350°F. Thicker cuts may need up to 7 minutes.

• Resist opening the air fryer frequently, which causes heat loss.

• Flip the salmon halfway during cooking for even browning.

• Brush with a bit more oil or seasoning if desired.

Step 5 – Check Doneness

• Salmon is done when the opaque color turns pale pink and flakes easily with a fork.

• Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F.

• For food safety, the FDA recommends cooking finfish like salmon to 145°F minimum.

• If undercooked, put back in for 1-2 minutes more until it passes the fork and thermometer tests.

Pro Tips for Reheating Salmon

Follow these tips from my years of experience for flawlessly reheated salmon every time:

• Let the salmon sit 3-5 minutes before serving. The residual heat gently finishes cooking it.

• For extra-moist salmon, tent foil overtop or wrap in foil when air frying. Open the foil for the last 1-2 minutes only.

• Add a pat of butter, lemon slice or fresh herbs on top towards the end for extra flavor and moisture.

• Use a meat thermometer and cook to at least 145°F internal temperature. Color alone isn’t a foolproof way to judge doneness.

• Cook skin-on fillets skin-side down first to get the skin super crispy.

• Use medium thickness 3/4- to 1-inch fillets or steaks. Thinner cuts overcook quickly.

• Avoid cooking salmon longer than 7-8 minutes total for the most tender, flaky texture.

Common Air Fryer Salmon Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common pitfalls when reheating salmon in an air fryer and how to prevent them:

• Overcooking – Use a thermometer and don’t exceed 350°F air fry temperature.

• Uneven cooking – Cut into equally sized pieces and flip halfway through.

• Dry, rubbery skin – Don’t overcrowd basket, brush with oil and keep prep dry.

• Fish sticking – Always spray or oil the basket first before adding fish.

• Soft, mushy texture – Cook at higher temp (350°F) for no more than 5-7 minutes total.

Sample Air Fryer Salmon Recipes

To give you some recipe inspiration, here are 3 of my go-to ways to enjoy reheated salmon from the air fryer:

1. Lemon Garlic Salmon – Top fillets or steaks with sliced lemon, minced garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper before air frying.

2. Maple Glazed Salmon – Brush reheated salmon with pure maple syrup and chopped pecans for a sweet touch.

3. Pesto Salmon – Coat fillets with basil pesto sauce before air frying for Mediterranean flavor.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to seasoning and sauces! Let the air fryer work its magic while you get creative with flavors.

Enjoy Tender, Flaky Salmon Every Time

As you can see, reheating salmon in an air fryer takes just a few easy steps for incredible results every time. Perfectly cooked salmon looks and tastes like it came straight from the oven or grill – crispy on the outside, moist and flaky on the inside.

The next time you’re craving tender salmon, whether as an easy weeknight meal or impressive dinner party dish, turn to your trusty air fryer. In no time at all you can enjoy delicious, reheated salmon that tastes like absolute perfection.