Can you reheat salmon? Of course, you can. But if you know how to reheat salmon the right way, that leftover fish will taste just as good as the first time. Don’t compromise on that delicious flavor and moist texture just because you are eating it the next day.
Salmon is one of my favorite proteins to cook because it’s so versatile and packed with healthy omega-3s. However, I don’t always manage to finish it all in one sitting and end up with leftovers. Reheating salmon can be tricky because it tends to dry out quickly, losing that tender texture we love
That’s why I rely on my air fryer for reheating leftover salmon – it yields amazing results every time! The circulating hot air gently brings the salmon up to temperature without overcooking it. I simply season the salmon, pop it in the air fryer, and in just minutes I have a quick protein ready to enjoy.
In this article, I’ll walk through my foolproof method for reheating salmon in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps for evenly cooked salmon with a tender, flaky texture.
Why Reheat Salmon in an Air Fryer?
There are a few key reasons why an air fryer is my go-to for reheating leftover salmon fillets or steaks
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Gentle reheating – The hot air surrounds the salmon, heating it through without getting too hot or drying it out.
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Quick cooking – It takes just 4-5 minutes in the air fryer to reheat salmon. Much faster than using the oven.
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Even heating – The circulating air cooks the salmon evenly, preventing cold or dried out spots.
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Crisp skin – The high heat from the air fryer crisps up the skin magnificently.
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Hands-off – Simply set the air fryer temperature and timer. No need to watch and flip the salmon.
Clearly, the air fryer has some major perks for reheating salmon. Now, let’s get into the easy step-by-step method.
Step 1 – Prep the Salmon
To start, take your leftover cooked salmon fillet or steak out of the fridge and let it come closer to room temperature. This prevents drastic temperature changes which can make fish dry or rubbery.
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Remove any clinging skin or sauce from the previous cooking. A clean, dry surface helps promote browning and crispiness.
Finally, season the salmon lightly with salt, pepper, herbs, or other spices if desired. This adds a flavor boost.
Step 2 – Preheat Air Fryer
Preheating is key for optimal salmon reheating results. I recommend preheating your air fryer to 350°F which is hot enough to make the skin crispy without overcooking the delicate fish.
While the air fryer heats, prepare the basket.
Step 3 – Prepare Air Fryer Basket
To prevent the salmon from sticking, coat the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Alternatively, line the basket with lightly greased aluminum foil.
Once the air fryer reaches the set temperature, you’re ready to cook!
Step 4 – Cook Salmon
Carefully place the salmon fillet or steak in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding if cooking multiple pieces – leave some space in between.
Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes at 350°F. The time will vary slightly depending on thickness. Thinner fillets may take only 2-3 minutes.
I don’t recommend flipping the salmon as that can cause it to flake apart. The circulating air will cook it evenly.
Step 5 – Check Doneness
Once the initial cook time is up, check the salmon’s internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer. You want it to reach at least 145°F in the thickest part.
If it needs more time, cook in 1-2 minute intervals, checking the temperature each time. This prevents overcooking.
Once done, remove the salmon from the air fryer immediately and enjoy! I like serving it with fresh veggies or a crisp salad.
Tips for the Best Results
To take your air-fried reheated salmon to the next level, keep these handy tips in mind:
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Brush the salmon with oil or melted butter before cooking for extra moisture and flavor.
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Sprinkle the salmon with fresh herbs, lemon zest, or other seasonings after cooking.
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Use a nonstick basket liner or foil and spray with oil to prevent sticking.
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Cook fattier salmon cuts like belly for 2-3 minutes less time since the fat keeps it moist.
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If the tail end cooks faster, wrap it in foil to prevent overcooking.
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Cook skin-on fillets skin-side down for super crispy skin.
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Use medium heat (325°F) for a gentle reheat if concerned about drying out.
Make Your Leftover Salmon Like New Again
Now there’s no need to waste leftover salmon or settle for subpar fish. With this easy air fryer reheating method, you can enjoy tender, flaky salmon with crisp skin whenever the craving strikes.
How to Reheat Salmon in the Air Fryer
The very best way to reheat salmon is in the air fryer. The beauty of an air fryer is that the hot air is circulated all around the small space. This allows for your food to cook faster and keeps it crisp on the outside. You can also add water to the bottom of an air fryer to help the fish keep its moisture.
Step 1: Line the basket with parchment paper or foil.
Step 2: Preheat the airfryer to 180°C (350°F).
Step 3: Place olive oil and a little bit of water on your fish.
Putting it in the air fryer and cooking for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the inside is 145°F (63°C), is the next step.
How Do You Reheat Salmon?
Have you ever tried to reheat leftover salmon? I’m sure you remember how it got dry and maybe even tough around the edges. So the biggest question here is ‘How do you reheat salmon without drying it out’?.
The biggest mistakes people make are trying to go too fast. You can easily reheat other meats in the microwave and get them to taste great. But with salmon, going too fast can ruin that delicate texture.
Here are three things that can help as you as you heat up your salmon:
- Use low heat
- Cover it up
- Think warming through instead of piping hot
How to Reheat Salmon in the Oven and 5 Other Excellent Methods You Can Try!
FAQ
What is the best way to reheat cooked salmon in the air fryer?
How do you reheat cooked salmon?
Does salmon need to be flipped in the air fryer?