How to Cook Crab Stuffed Salmon in an Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking crab stuffed salmon in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy succulent, flavorful salmon along with the delicious taste of crab With an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the salmon moist and tender on the inside

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to make perfect crab stuffed salmon in your air fryer, from ingredient prep to cooking times. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality seafood dish from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Benefits of Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer

Before we get started, let’s first go over some of the main benefits of using an air fryer to cook salmon:

• Requires little to no oil: Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation rather than oil to cook food. This allows you to enjoy fried flavors without the extra calories and fat.

• Quick and even cooking: The hot air quickly crisps up the outside while thoroughly cooking the inside. No more over or undercooked spots.

• Retains moisture The air fryer seals in juices and prevents the salmon from drying out.

• Adds delicious flavor: The hot air amplifies the taste and gives a light, crispy texture.

• Easy to use: Just set the temperature and timer. The air fryer does the rest for hassle-free cooking.

Ingredients Needed

To make crab stuffed salmon in the air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (4-6 oz each), skin removed
• 4 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked through for shells
• 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1⁄4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s go through the cooking process step-by-step:

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crab Filling

• In a bowl, mix together the crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper until combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Salmon

• Cut a pocket into the side of each salmon fillet, being careful not to cut all the way through.
• Divide the crab filling evenly and stuff into the pockets. Press the openings closed.

Step 4: Coat the Salmon

• In a small bowl, toss together the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Pat the mixture evenly over the top and sides of the stuffed salmon fillets.

Step 5: Air Fry the Salmon

• Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
• Place salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
• Cook for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and salmon flakes easily.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

• Remove salmon from air fryer and garnish with chopped parsley.
• Allow to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

And your crab stuffed salmon cooked to perfection in the air fryer is ready! The crispy panko coating provides a lovely crunch while the salmon is moist and tender inside with savory crab flavor in every bite.

Tips and Variations

• Use sautéed spinach instead of crab for a vegetarian option.
• Try different breadcrumbs like panko, Italian style, or gluten free.
• Adjust cooking time based on thickness of fish. Watch closely near end.
• Add lemon slices or herbs to the air fryer for extra flavor.
• Use crab claw meat for a more economical choice.
• Stuff salmon with a savory cheese like boursin or herbed goat cheese.
• Swap in shrimp, lobster, or scallops for the crab meat.

Common Questions

If you’re new to cooking seafood in an air fryer, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, ensure it is fully thawed and pat dry before using. The cooking time may be slightly longer.

What temperature should I cook at?

400°F is ideal, allowing the exterior to get crispy while the inside cooks through.

How will I know when it’s done?

Check for flaky, opaque salmon that reaches 145°F internally. The crust should be golden brown.

Can I reheat leftovers?

Yes, reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Properly stored, it will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat thoroughly before eating.

Get Creative with Crab Stuffed Salmon

As you can see, cooking crab stuffed salmon in an air fryer is easy and yields amazing results every time. Feel free to get creative and make the dish your own by using different seasonings, stuffings, and ingredients. Impress your family at the next meal with this impressive yet effortless main course. Your air fryer allows you to enjoy fried flavors without the fat or need to deep fry. So take advantage and add some variety to your weekly rotation with these simple yet elegant crab stuffed salmon fillets.