How to Cook Salmon 3 Easy Ways (Pan-Seared, Air Fryer & Roasted)
About this recipe
Salmon is one of the easiest fish to prepare, and this video by Nicole from Allrecipes shows you three simple and delicious ways to cook it. Whether you prefer it pan-seared, air-fried, or roasted, these recipes are quick and packed with flavor, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
From zesty lemon garlic fillets to crispy firecracker bites and a one-pan roasted Greek salmon with broccoli, each method highlights the salmon's natural richness and versatility.
Ingredient notes
- You can use dried ginger as an alternative to fresh ginger.
Tips from Allrecipes’s video
- When pan-searing salmon, make sure your skillet is really hot before adding the fish to achieve a nice crust.
- For crispy skin, place the skin side down first when cooking salmon in a skillet.
- To check if the salmon is ready to flip, look for it to easily release from the bottom of the skillet and for a milky white substance to appear at the sides.
Good to know
- How long does it take to cook the salmon?
- Cooking the salmon takes about 10-12 minutes in the oven at 450°F (232°C) or until it easily releases from the skillet when pan-searing.
- What type of oil should I use for cooking salmon?
- Use a high heat cooking oil, such as avocado oil, to coat the bottom of your skillet.
- Can I cook the salmon in the oven instead of an air fryer?
- Yes, you can make the air fryer recipe in the oven as well.
- How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
- The salmon is cooked when it turns light colored and opaque, and a milky white substance appears at the sides.
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
Trim the edges and fatty parts of the salmon fillets. Save the trimmings for other uses.
- 2
If cooking with skin, run the back of a knife along the edge to remove loose bits. Cut the salmon into fillets if desired.
- 3
Heat a stainless steel skillet over high heat and add avocado oil to coat the bottom.
- 4
Place the salmon fillets presentation side down in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5
Cook the salmon until it easily releases from the bottom of the skillet, indicating it's ready to flip.
- 6
Once cooked, remove the salmon and cover with foil to keep warm.
- 7
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Add lemon zest before serving.
- 8
For the firecracker salmon bites, remove the skin and cut the salmon into chunks. Prepare a marinade with oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, crushed red pepper, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- 9
Reserve half of the marinade for later. Marinate the salmon chunks in the other half.
- 10
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the marinated salmon bites in the air fryer until caramelized and crispy on the outside.
- 11
For the roasted Greek salmon, toss broccoli with salt, pepper, and garlic. Make a glaze with Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Brush this over the salmon fillets.
- 12
Place the salmon and broccoli on a sheet pan and roast in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
Heads up — we had to guess a little:
- The quantity of garlic cloves and ginger was inferred based on typical usage in similar recipes.
Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from Allrecipes’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.
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