Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Salmon is a quick, healthy and incredibly flavorful dish that makes full use of the air fryer’s ability to cook food with minimal oil. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. it allows the rich, natural taste of the salmon to shine through while the air fryer works its magic to achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Oliver’s approach to cooking the salmon in an air fryer eliminates the need for a heavy pan or oven, making it a more energy-efficient and time-saving option. What really sets it apart is the balance between seasoning and the fast cooking process. This recipe takes little effort but delivers big flavors, all while keeping things healthy.
Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients list for Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Salmon is refreshingly simple. You won’t need to stock up on any hard-to-find items. The ingredients are easy to source and they focus on fresh, wholesome flavors that complement the salmon beautifully.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, skin-on fillets. The skin helps retain moisture and adds a lovely crispness during cooking.
- Olive oil: Just a light drizzle is enough to get that golden finish. Olive oil also brings a subtle richness that works well with the fish.
- Lemon: Both the zest and juice are used in this recipe. The zest gives a fresh citrusy punch while the juice adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the salmon.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth and a savory edge to the dish.
- Herbs (like parsley, thyme or dill): These herbs complement the fish and give it an aromatic freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste but don’t overdo it. You want to highlight the salmon’s natural flavors.
Equipment Needed
To make this dish, you won’t need anything fancy or complex. The key piece of equipment is the air fryer which does most of the work for you. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Air fryer: It’s the star of the show. Make sure it has a basket or tray large enough to fit your salmon fillets.
- Tongs or a spatula: These are useful for flipping the salmon and serving without breaking it apart.
- Bowl: To mix your olive oil, garlic, herbs and seasonings. You could also use a small plate to coat the salmon if you prefer.
- Grater: For zesting the lemon, unless you’re using bottled zest (which, let’s be honest, isn’t as good).
- Brush: If you prefer to brush the oil and seasonings on the salmon instead of tossing it in the bowl.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Salmon
- Prep the salmon: Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Season generously with salt and pepper. Zest the lemon and sprinkle that over the fillets.
- Make the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic and chopped herbs. Add a little bit of lemon juice to this mix, then brush or rub it over the salmon fillets.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to around 200°C (400°F). Preheating is crucial for that crispy texture.
- Cook the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re spaced apart a little to allow for even cooking. Air fry for 10-12 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets and the model of your air fryer.
- Check for doneness: The salmon should be lightly golden on top and the flesh should flake easily with a fork. If it’s not quite done, give it a few extra minutes but be careful not to overcook.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon: Once it’s out of the air fryer, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top. This adds a final zing and brightness to the dish.
What I Learnt
Cooking Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Salmon is a lesson in simplicity and how a few great ingredients can work together to create a perfect meal. The air fryer really does give the salmon a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
The seasoning mix-garlic, lemon and herbs. adds a burst of flavor without overwhelming the delicate fish. I also realized that air frying salmon is way easier than baking or pan-frying. There’s less mess and less guesswork involved. You get the perfect salmon without having to constantly check the stove or oven.
The key takeaway? Air frying is a game-changer when it comes to cooking fish. It’s faster, healthier and more convenient. It makes cleanup a breeze!
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Salmon
Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Salmon is already pretty straightforward but there’s always room to make it your own. Here are some tweaks that can add a little twist to your dish while keeping things simple and flavorful:
- Marinade Magic: While Jamie’s basic recipe uses olive oil, lemon and seasoning, you could switch things up with a marinade. Try using a mix of soy sauce, honey and garlic for a sweet-savory glaze. Or, go for a Mediterranean flair with a little bit of balsamic vinegar, crushed garlic and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Let the salmon soak in the marinade for 20-30 minutes before cooking to deepen the flavor.
- Crispy Skin Lovers: If you’re a fan of that crispy skin, make sure to cook the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer. You can also brush the skin with a thin layer of olive oil or avocado oil for an extra crisp. A dash of sea salt right before cooking can work wonders, too.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add some chili flakes, smoked paprika or ground cumin to your seasoning mix. A bit of ginger or turmeric could also lend a nice flavor profile if you’re after something a little different.
- Citrus Twist: Jamie’s recipe uses lemon but you can experiment with other citrus fruits. Try orange, lime or even a splash of grapefruit juice for a brighter, slightly tangy note that complements the richness of the salmon.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh dill is classic with salmon but you could switch things up with tarragon, parsley or cilantro. These herbs all bring something different, so consider what flavors you enjoy most.
- Add a Glaze or Sauce: After cooking, drizzle a flavorful sauce over your salmon to elevate the dish. A garlic butter sauce with herbs, a tangy mustard dill sauce or even a tangy yogurt-based dressing will add a creamy finish to the crispy salmon.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Leftover salmon is a treat if stored properly! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the salmon to cool to room temperature before putting it in the fridge. Hot food can raise the temperature inside your fridge, causing bacteria to grow faster.
- Airtight Containers: Store the leftover salmon in airtight containers to prevent it from drying out. You can also wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a container.
- Refrigerate Quickly: Aim to refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking. Salmon keeps in the fridge for 2-3 days, so don’t wait too long to eat it!
- Reheat Gently: If you’re reheating your salmon, do it gently. The air fryer can be great for this as it’ll help maintain the crispy skin. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature (about 275°F) for 10-15 minutes. If you’re in a pinch, a microwave will do but it can dry out the fish if you’re not careful.
- Freeze for Later: If you have a ton of leftovers, freeze the salmon. Wrap it in plastic wrap, then foil and store it in a freezer bag. You can keep it for up to 2 months. To reheat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up as you would with fresh salmon.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Salmon?
The beauty of air fryer salmon is that it pairs with so many things! Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted asparagus, broccoli or Brussels sprouts make a perfect side. The crispy edges of roasted vegetables pair wonderfully with the soft, flaky salmon. Season with a bit of olive oil and sea salt and let the oven or air fryer do the work!
- Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing salad can balance out the richness of the salmon. Try a mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette or go Mediterranean with some feta, cucumber and olives. The crunch and acidity will complement the fish perfectly.
- Rice or Quinoa: A simple side of brown rice, quinoa or couscous works beautifully. You could also serve it with a lemon herb rice or a wild rice blend for extra flavor. If you’re craving something more indulgent, mashed potatoes are always a hit!
- Sweet Potatoes: Try roasting some sweet potato wedges in the air fryer alongside your salmon. The slight sweetness of the potatoes pairs so nicely with the savory fish, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls: A side of warm garlic bread or a soft crusty roll to soak up the juices from the salmon is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Vegetable Stir-fry: For something a bit more dynamic, a quick stir-fry with vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas and zucchini tossed in a light soy or ginger sauce works as an excellent side dish.
FAQs
How Long Should I Cook Salmon In The Air Fryer For Jamie Oliver’s Recipe?
Jamie suggests cooking the salmon at 180°C (350°F) for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness.
Do I Need To Marinate The Salmon For Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Recipe?
No, the recipe doesn’t require marinating. Just season the salmon with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like before cooking.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon For Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Recipe?
Yes! Just cook it a bit longer-around 12-15 minutes-and make sure it’s fully thawed before serving.
