Salmon is a versatile and healthy protein that many love to prepare, but one common challenge arises when reheating it: How long should you heat salmon in the air fryer? Reheating salmon can be tricky because overcooking it often leads to dryness and loss of flavor. However, using an air fryer ensures a quicker and more consistent method of reheating compared to a microwave or oven.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about reheating salmon in the air fryer, from the ideal time and temperature to important tips for keeping it moist. Whether you’re dealing with leftovers or frozen fillets, this guide will help you make sure your salmon comes out perfectly reheated every time.
Why Reheat Salmon in an Air Fryer?
Reheating salmon in an air fryer is not only quick but also helps retain the fish’s flavor and texture. Unlike microwaves, which often make salmon soggy, or ovens, which take longer to preheat and dry out the fish, an air fryer ensures the salmon remains crispy on the outside while staying moist inside.
The USDA’s Danger Zone guidelines emphasize the importance of reheating food to safe temperatures. The air fryer quickly brings the salmon to a safe internal temperature, maintaining both flavor and texture.
If you’re looking for other seafood options to cook, you might enjoy this Marry Me Salmon recipe, which pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Ideal Time and Temperature to Heat Salmon in the Air Fryer
How long to heat salmon in the air fryer? The ideal reheating temperature falls between 350°F and 375°F, depending on the thickness of the salmon. For pre-cooked salmon, it usually takes about 4-7 minutes to reheat. Always adjust based on the portion size and thickness of the fillet.
- Thin fillets (1 inch or less): Reheat for 4-5 minutes.
- Thicker fillets (more than 1 inch): Aim for 6-7 minutes.
Remember to preheat your air fryer before adding the salmon. Preheating ensures even heat distribution, preventing cold spots and uneven reheating.
For other helpful tips on handling different proteins, check out this guide on turkey wings, which provides insights on preparation and cooking times.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Salmon in the Air Fryer
Reheating salmon in the air fryer is straightforward, but following each step carefully ensures moist and flavorful results. Here’s a detailed guide:
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for optimal reheating. Preheating allows the air fryer to quickly reach the right temperature, helping the salmon warm evenly without overcooking the outer layer. - Prepare the Salmon
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps retain the salmon’s moisture. You can also brush a little olive oil on top of the salmon to enhance the flavor. - Place the Salmon in the Air Fryer
Place the salmon fillets in the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this could hinder proper airflow and even heating. - Reheat the Salmon
Depending on the thickness of the salmon, reheat it for 4-7 minutes. Check on the salmon halfway through to ensure it’s warming evenly and not drying out. - Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of the salmon has reached 125°F to 130°F. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when fully reheated.
By following these steps, you’ll know exactly how long to heat salmon in the air fryer without losing flavor or texture.
Should You Cover Salmon While Reheating in the Air Fryer?
Should you cover the salmon while reheating in the air fryer? The answer depends on how much moisture you want to retain.
- Using foil or parchment paper helps trap moisture, which is useful if you’re worried about drying out the salmon. If you do use foil or parchment paper, make sure it doesn’t block the air fryer’s vents, which could disrupt airflow.
- Reheating uncovered results in a crispier texture. If your salmon was pan-seared or grilled, leaving it uncovered preserves that desirable crispy finish.
By deciding whether to cover the salmon, you control how much moisture is retained during reheating.
How to Retain Moisture When Reheating Salmon in the Air Fryer
To ensure the salmon stays moist during reheating, consider these tips:
- Apply a light coat of oil: Before placing the salmon in the air fryer, brush it with olive oil or melted butter. This seals in the moisture and enhances the flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice: Lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also helps maintain the salmon’s moisture.
- Monitor the temperature: Overheating leads to dryness, so use a thermometer to stop the reheating process when the salmon reaches 125°F–130°F.
These tips will help keep your reheated salmon juicy and tender.
Reheating Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer
Can you reheat frozen salmon in the air fryer? Absolutely! The air fryer is a great option for reheating frozen salmon without having to thaw it first.
Steps to Reheat Frozen Salmon:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Place frozen salmon fillets in the basket in a single layer.
- Reheat for 10-15 minutes, depending on the fillet’s thickness. Flip the fillets halfway through for even heating.
- Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 125°F–130°F.
Reheating frozen salmon directly in the air fryer saves time and results in a delicious, warm meal.
For more tips on freezing and reheating, this guide on freezing mashed potatoes offers useful insights that you can apply to other meals as well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When reheating salmon in the air fryer, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overcooking
Overcooked salmon dries out quickly. Always monitor the temperature and time closely to prevent this. - Skipping preheating
Failing to preheat the air fryer results in uneven reheating. Always take a few minutes to preheat before adding the salmon. - Using too much oil
Excessive oil can make the salmon greasy. A light coat is all you need to prevent dryness without making the fish too oily.
By avoiding these errors, your salmon will stay moist and flavorful.
FAQs
- How long does it take to reheat salmon in the air fryer?
Reheating typically takes 4-7 minutes for pre-cooked salmon, depending on its thickness. - Can you reheat frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes, it takes about 10-15 minutes to reheat frozen salmon at 350°F. - What temperature should reheated salmon reach?
The ideal internal temperature is 125°F to 130°F. - Do I need to add oil before reheating salmon?
Yes, adding a light coat of oil helps retain moisture and prevents the salmon from drying out. - How do I know when the salmon is fully reheated?
The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches the proper internal temperature.
Conclusion
Reheating salmon in the air fryer is a simple, effective way to enjoy leftovers without compromising on texture or flavor. Whether you’re working with pre-cooked or frozen salmon, following the right techniques ensures the fish stays moist and delicious.
By keeping an eye on the temperature, avoiding common mistakes, and using a little oil or lemon juice, you’ll know exactly how long to heat salmon in the air fryer for the best results. The air fryer makes reheating quick, easy, and satisfying.