3 Ways to Cook Salmon (Roasted, Pan-Seared, Air Fryer)
About this recipe
Salmon is one of the easiest fish to cook, and this video from Allrecipes shows you three simple methods: roasting, pan-searing, and air-frying. Each method brings out the natural flavors of the salmon while offering a unique texture and taste.
Whether you want a crispy exterior or a tender roast, this recipe covers all bases. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, allowing you to buy a whole filet and cut it into portions, saving money compared to pre-portioned pieces.
Ingredient notes
- You can use skin-on or skinless salmon fillets.
- Molasses can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Greek seasoning can be replaced with salt and pepper.
Tips from Allrecipes’s video
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before pan-searing to ensure crispiness.
- When roasting, add the seasoning to form a crust on the salmon.
- Look for the white protein to exude from the salmon's surface to know when it's done.
Good to know
- How long does it take to cook salmon using these methods?
- Roasting takes about 20 minutes, while pan-searing takes around 3 minutes on the first side and a few more after flipping.
- What can I use instead of Greek seasoning?
- You can use salt and pepper or any other seasoning you prefer, such as a spicy jerk or cajun seasoning.
No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to Allrecipes: watch the original on YouTube.
The recipe
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Prepare the salmon by cutting it into portions if using a whole filet.
- 2
For roasting, preheat the oven to 425-450°F (220-230°C).
- 3
Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil or parchment paper.
- 4
Spread 2-3 tablespoons of butter over the salmon.
- 5
Add 1 tablespoon of molasses (or honey/maple syrup) on top of the butter.
- 6
Sprinkle with Greek seasoning (or salt and pepper) to form a crust.
- 7
Squeeze lemon juice over the salmon before roasting.
- 8
Roast the salmon in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the white protein starts to exude from the surface, indicating it's done.
- 9
For the dill sauce, mix 1 cup of sour cream (or Greek yogurt), 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of capers in a bowl.
- 10
For pan-searing, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
- 11
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil.
- 12
Sprinkle the salmon fillets with salt and place them skin-side up in the hot skillet.
- 13
Cook for about 3 minutes on the first side without flipping, until they naturally release from the pan.
- 14
Flip the salmon and cook until opaque, adjusting the heat as necessary.
- 15
Serve the pan-seared salmon with a simple salad on the side.
- 16
For air-frying, use the same preparation as roasting, but place the salmon in the air fryer instead. Cook until crispy.
Heads up — we had to guess a little:
- Estimated cooking time for roasting salmon based on common practices.
Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from Allrecipes’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.
Are you Allrecipes? Claim this page or ask us to take it down. Your call, always.
