The Best Way to Reheat Salmon in an Air Fryer

Salmon is one of my favorite foods. It’s tasty healthy and versatile – you can eat it broiled, baked, grilled, or pan-fried. The only downside is that leftover salmon often dries out when you try to reheat it. But I’ve discovered a great solution – reheating salmon in an air fryer!

An air fryer is a revolutionary kitchen appliance that uses super hot air and rapid air circulation to cook food fast with less oil, This makes it perfect for reheating salmon without drying it out Air frying locks in moisture and revives the texture of leftover fish I find reheating salmon in the air fryer is the best way to make it taste fresh and delicious again,

In this article, I’ll explain my simple process for reheating salmon in an air fryer. I’ll go over:

• Why an air fryer is best for reheating salmon
• Tips for preparing the salmon
• Step-by-step instructions
• Cooking times and temperatures
• Extra flavor ideas

After trying this easy method, you’ll never have to waste leftover salmon again!

Why Reheat Salmon in an Air Fryer?

There are a few reasons why using an air fryer is my go-to for reheating leftover salmon:

1. Preserves Moisture and Texture

The biggest pitfall of reheating fish is that it dries out very quickly and gets rubbery. The hot air circulation in an air fryer maintains moisture much better than other reheating methods. This prevents the salmon from losing its flaky texture.

2. Adds Crispiness

While gently reheating the interior the air fryer also crisps up the top layer of the fish. This gives you the best of both worlds – moist salmon with crispy edges.

3. Quick and Hands-Off

Air fryers heat up and cook food incredibly fast. It only takes about 5 minutes to reheat a salmon fillet! The air fryer does all the work for you with minimal monitoring required.

4. Intensifies Flavor

The high heat of the air fryer concentrates flavors. Any seasoning, marinades, or glazes you put on the salmon will taste even more vibrant.

5. Easy Clean Up

Air fryers have a fully enclosed cooking chamber. Unlike the oven, you don’t have to deal with any mess or splatter inside your appliance after air frying.

For all these reasons, using an air fryer is my top recommendation for reheating leftover salmon. Now let’s get into the method!

Tips for Preparing Leftover Salmon

To ensure your reheated salmon turns out moist and delicious, follow these tips when storing and prepping the leftover fish:

• Let the cooked salmon cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. This prevents condensation from forming that could make the fish soggy.

• Refrigerate for no more than 3-4 days before reheating. Salmon that’s been in the fridge for over a week will not reheat well.

• When ready to reheat, pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Drying the surface will help it get crispy in the air fryer.

• Brush or drizzle a small amount of oil over the salmon before air frying. The oil aids heat transfer and browning.

• Season the salmon with salt, pepper, herbs, citrus, spices, or other flavorings. This adds back any flavor that was lost.

Now you’re ready to reheat it to perfection in the air fryer!

How to Reheat Salmon in an Air Fryer

Reheating salmon in the air fryer couldn’t be easier. Just follow these simple steps:

Ingredients:

• Leftover cooked salmon fillet(s), drained of any liquid
• 1 tsp olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt, pepper, and any other seasonings

Instructions:

1. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with oil.

2. Season the salmon as desired. I simply use salt and pepper.

3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

4. Place the salmon fillet(s) in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd – leave some space around each fillet.

5. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently, until the salmon is heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

6. Remove the basket and check that the salmon is hot and has a crisped top layer.

7. Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. The temperature will continue rising a bit during the rest time.

And that’s all it takes! In just 5-8 minutes, you can enjoy leftover salmon that tastes amazingly fresh and delicious. The air fryer works its magic to revive the texture and moisture.

Below are some cooking time guidelines based on the thickness of your salmon fillet:

• 1/2 inch thick fillet – 4 minutes
• 3/4 inch thick fillet – 5 minutes
• 1 inch thick fillet – 6-7 minutes

Track the internal temp and visual cues, not just the time, to determine doneness. If needed, do an extra minute or two to get the interior hot enough while keeping the exterior from overcooking.

Extra Flavor Ideas

One benefit of reheating salmon in the air fryer is that you can add different flavors, glazes, or crusts. Here are some ideas:

• Pesto – Brush pesto sauce over the salmon before air frying.

• Teriyaki – Brush teriyaki glaze over the fish.

• Lemon-Dill – Top with lemon slices and dried dill.

• Cajun – Sprinkle on Cajun seasoning blend before cooking.

• Parmesan-Herb – Top with grated parmesan and breadcrumb mixture tossed with fresh herbs.

• BBQ – Brush with BBQ sauce for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.

• Blackening Spice – Coat the salmon with blackening spice mix.

Get creative and try your favorite marinades and spice rubs too! The air fryer will caramelize and intensify the flavors.

What Side Dishes Go Well with Salmon?

A fresh and healthy piece of air fried salmon deserves an equally delicious side. Here are some of my favorites:

• Steamed asparagus or green beans
• Roasted potatoes or brussels sprouts
• Wilted spinach salad
• Quinoa pilaf or brown rice
• Roasted veggies like carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower

For an easy weeknight meal, I love serving reheated salmon with microwaved frozen vegetables that steam right in the bag. Fancy side dishes are totally optional!

More Tips for Perfectly Reheated Salmon

Here are a few extra pointers to ensure air fryer success:

• Brush a thin layer of oil – Too much will make the fish greasy.

• Use parchment paper – This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

• Don’t flip halfway – Let it cook on one side only to avoid breaking up the fish.

• Cook at a high temp – 400°F is ideal for getting a seared exterior.

• Check thicker fillets – The center should reach 145°F.

• Let rest before serving – This allows the heat to distribute evenly.

• Add fresh garnish – Chopped parsley, sliced lemon or lime, etc.

Enjoy Flavorful Leftover Salmon Again!

I hope these tips help you rediscover how delicious salmon is when reheated the right way. Never dry out your leftover fish again thanks to your air fryer.

With just a touch of oil, a sprinkling of seasonings, and 5 minutes in the air fryer, you can make salmon taste incredibly fresh, moist, and flavorful again. No more wasting leftovers!

The best way to reheat salmon is in a slow oven (250-300°F) with foil, or on the stovetop in a nonstick skillet with a splash of water, keeping the heat low.

To warm up fish in an air fryer for a crispy reheat, preheat the air fryer to 320-350°F (160-175°C). Place the fish in a single layer in the basket, ensuring it’s not overlapping. Spritz with oil to help with browning and crisping.

Yes, cooked salmon can be safely reheated. It’s best to reheat it gently to avoid drying it out.