How to Cook Perfectly Crispy Sockeye Salmon in the Air Fryer

Air frying has become one of the most popular ways to cook in recent years, and for good reason The air fryer allows you to make amazingly crispy foods like french fries, chicken wings, and veggies using little to no oil And it turns out, the air fryer is also a fantastic way to cook up fresh and flavorful sockeye salmon fillets.

In this comprehensive guide I’ll explain everything you need to know to make tender flaky sockeye salmon with an amazingly crunchy crust using your air fryer. You’ll learn

• Why sockeye salmon is such a great fish for air frying
• Tips for selecting fresh, high-quality fillets
• How to prep and season the salmon for best results
• Step-by-step air frying instructions and timing
• Serving suggestions to make a complete meal

So read on for pro tips and tricks to take your air fried salmon game from meh to mouthwatering perfection!

Why Sockeye Salmon Shines in the Air Fryer

Wild sockeye salmon is an amazing fish to cook in the air fryer Here are some of the reasons it’s so well suited to air frying

• Richer, more full-bodied flavor than farmed Atlantic salmon
• Bright orange-red color looks beautiful when cooked
• Firm texture holds up well to high-heat frying
• Lower fat content than Atlantic salmon helps it crisp up nicely
• Doesn’t dry out easily thanks to high natural oil content

The combination of flavorful flesh and that crispy crunchy exterior is hard to beat! And cooking sockeye salmon this way allows you to cut way back on added fats and calories compared to frying in oil on the stovetop.

Choosing Fresh, High-Quality Fillets

Starting with high-quality salmon is key to getting the very best results. When buying sockeye fillets for air frying, look for:

• Deep orange-red color indicating freshness
• Firm, elastic texture when raw
• Thickness of 1 to 1 1/2 inches which works best
• Moist, glistening surface not overly wet or slimy
• Bright eyes, red gills and no fishy odor

The highest grade is sushi-quality salmon, safe for eating raw. This ensures your fish will taste amazing when cooked. Vacuum-sealed fillets are super convenient if you don’t have a fishmonger nearby.

Seasoning Your Salmon Fillets

One of the fun parts of air frying salmon is experimenting with different seasonings. Here are some easy ways to add lots of flavor:

• Olive oil – Lightly brush fillets to help browning
• Kosher salt – Sprinkle just before cooking
• Black pepper – Adds a little kick
• Lemon pepper – Bright citrus flavor
• Cajun seasoning – Brings the heat!
• Old Bay – The classic seafood spice blend
• Fresh herbs like dill, rosemary, thyme – Chopped or dried
• Citrus zest – Orange, lemon or lime
• Minced garlic – Raw or powdered

Get creative mixing your own signature spice blends to complement the rich salmon.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Salmon

Follow these simple steps for perfect air fried sockeye fillets every time:

1. Pat the fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. Excess moisture prevents browning.

2. Brush both sides lightly with oil – Olive, avocado or grapeseed oil works.

3. Season the fillets as desired right before air frying.

4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for best crisping.

5. Place fillets in the air fryer basket without overlapping.

6. Air fry for 7 to 10 minutes until salmon flakes easily and is opaque.

7. Check for doneness early – salmon overcooks quickly.

8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for ultimate tenderness.

And that’s it – your salmon is ready to enjoy! The high heat circulates all around the fillets for even cooking and crisping on all sides.

Handy Tips for Air Fryer Success

Keep these air fryer tips in mind for the very best results:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket – leave space between fillets.

• Flip halfway for more even cooking if needed.

• If browning is uneven, spray with a little oil.

• Add an extra minute or two if you want it extra crispy.

• Cook to an internal temp of 140°F to 145°F for food safety.

• Baste with butter or olive oil when done for added moisture and flavor.

• Let rest on a wire rack to allow excess fat to drain off.

Preventing Dry, Overcooked Salmon

It’s easy to accidentally overcook salmon in the hot air fryer. Follow these tips to keep your fillets tender and juicy:

• Don’t exceed 400°F air fryer temp.

• Cook minimum recommended time and check often.

• Brush with oil or melted butter before cooking.

• Baste again after cooking to re-moisten and add flavor.

• Always rest 5 minutes before serving.

• For very thick fillets, bake at 375°F instead.

• Marinate in oil, citrus, herbs to boost moisture.

Serving Your Air Fried Sockeye Salmon

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving your crunchy air fried salmon. Some tasty ideas include:

• Lemon wedges, dill and tartar sauce for a classic pairing.

• Leafy salad greens, veggies and vinaigrette for a healthy meal.

• Asparagus or broccolini and quinoa or rice pilaf.

• In sandwiches, tacos or flatbreads for easy weeknight meals.

• Over arugula with shaved parmesan and balsamic glaze.

Take your air fried salmon from boring to gourmet in no time with creative sauces, toppings and side dishes!

Become an Air Fryer Sockeye Salmon Master

As you can see, making mouthwatering air fried salmon at home is easy once you know the tricks. Be sure to start with the highest quality wild sockeye fillets and prep them properly before seasoning and cooking in your air fryer.

Keep an eye on the time, and don’t overcook for the perfect texture. Rest before serving, and explore fun new ways to flavor and serve your salmon.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, try air frying a complete seafood feast by adding veggies or sides right in the basket. Air fried salmon is also delicious served cold, so cook up a batch to use in easy lunches and dinners all week long.

So go forth and enjoy your new status as air fryer salmon pro! Your family, friends and tastebuds will thank you.

Baking salmon at 400°F (200°C) is generally preferred for its ability to create a crisper skin and firmer texture while still keeping the salmon moist.