A Nerd Cooks

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Seafood

Easy Air Fryer Salmon

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This salmon is delicious and easy to make

This Air Fryer Salmon is most, flaky, and so flavorful. Better yet? It’s so EASY to make! It only takes a little bit of time to whip up, too.

So, why use an air fryer to make your salmon?

For the longest time, I’ve done salmon in the oven by wrapping it in foil and roasting it. It’s a pretty foolproof method, resulting in moist, delicious fish. It’s a good and reliable method for getting some salmon on the table.

HOWEVER. If you’re looking for a way to make super moist and flavorful salmon that also has a beautiful browned exterior with awesome texture, then you want to use an air fryer.

I mean, look at that browning. I’m having a hard time figuring out how to describe the texture of the outside of the salmon. I don’t want to say crust, because it’s not a crust. But it gets a little crusty. It’s like salmon you’d get at a restaurant.

How does this salmon come together?

It’s seriously so easy. Take a beautiful salmon filet and coat the exposed flesh with just a little bit of olive oil. It really does not take much at all. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper, for starters. I’ve just been using garlic powder in addition to the S+P. But really, you can season your salmon with whatever floats your boat.

Spray the basket of the air fryer with some cooking spray (again, it doesn’t take much), lay the fish in there, skin-side down, and cook at 400 degrees for 10 or so minutes. Depending on how thick your salmon is, it may take a little longer. Just use your fork to check for doneness.

After that, it’s done! It’s ready! Get your salmon on.

Need more air fryer recipes? What about salmon recipes?

‘Cause I’ve got a little of both. 

Up until now, I’ve mostly been using my air fryer to make chicken wings. And, honestly, I think that an air fryer is worth the money that you spend on it just for the chicken wings alone. Check these Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Wings out ASAP. You will not regret it.

As for salmon, I talked about this Easy Baked Salmon earlier in the post. It’s still a solid method for preparing salmon. Once you’ve prepared your salmon, consider making some of these Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowls or Salmon BLT Tacos!

Easy Air Fryer Salmon

Easy Air Fryer Salmon

Yield: 2-3 servings
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes

This Air Fryer Salmon is moist, flaky, and super flavorful. It's so easy to make and takes only a little bit of time.

Ingredients

  • 1 - 1.5 lb salmon fillet (1 - 1.5-inches thick)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • garlic powder, to taste
  • lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Coat the salmon filet lightly with olive oil. Season with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Spray the air fryer's cooking basket with cooking spray. Place the salmon filet into the cooking basket skin-side down (if your filet has skin).
  3. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes.
  4. Use a fork to flake the salmon apart in order to check the level of doneness.
  5. Air fry for a few more minutes, if necessary, to achieve the desired level of doneness.
  6. Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • The nutrition facts for this recipe are calculated based on a 1.5-pound filet that results in 3 servings.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 490Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 143mgSodium: 333mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 51g
© Lauren Pacek
Category: Air Fryer

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Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowls

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These bowls allow you to enjoy all of the flavors of a delicious sushi roll, but in convenient bowl form!

These Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowls are my interpretation of what would happen if you put cooked salmon in a Spicy California Roll and then deconstructed it in a bowl.

These bowls give you all the sushi roll flavors that you love, but for far less effort

Even though they’re maybe not the most authentic thing ever, I can’t help but love a good Spicy California or Spicy Salmon Roll. But I’ve never been adventurous enough to try to make sushi rolls at home. 

When I need to get my sushi fix but don’t want to leave my house and head to a sushi restaurant, I take a little bit of a shortcut. Basically, I take all of the flavors and ingredients that I love about sushi rolls and put ’em in a bowl.

A big Bowl of Food = comfort food at its finest

In addition to this bowl of sushi goodness being much more convenient to make and quick to come together than a sushi roll, there’s something about tucking into a big bowl of food that’s just really comforting. Joy the Baker has a whole series of Bowl of Food recipes, for instance.

Check it out. I think there’s something to it.

Make a little, or a lot!

As written, this recipe is for two bowls, but it can easily be scaled up.

I like to make enough for 4-5 portions and have this as a really delicious (decidedly un-sad) lunch at work. If you choose to do that, your coworkers will be very envious.

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowls

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowls

Yield: 2 bowls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

For the spicy mayo

For the rice

  • 1 tbs rice vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice, cooled

For everything else

  • 8 oz cooked salmon, cooled
  • 1/2 cup shelled edamame
  • 1 small avocado, diced
  • 1 cup English cucumber, sliced into thin wheels
  • 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds
  • soy sauce, to taste

Instructions

To make the spicy mayo

  1. Combine the mayonnaise and Sriracha in a small bowl. Set aside.

To make the rice

  1. Combine the rice vinegar and sugar in a small bowl.
  2. Add the vinegar/sugar mixture to the rice and stir to combine.

To assemble everything

  1. Divide the rice, salmon, edamame, avocado, cucumber, and shredded carrots between two bowls (see notes).
  2. Drizzle with soy sauce.
  3. Drizzle or dollop with spicy mayo.
  4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Notes

  • The bowls can be assembled in a way such that all of the ingredients are organized separate from one another, or you can toss everything together from the very start. You do you.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 644Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 654mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 9gSugar: 5gProtein: 36g
© Lauren Pacek
Category: All Recipes

Looking for other salmon recipes?

 

 

Roasted Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

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These Roasted Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are light, fresh, and full of savory-sweet flavor. They’re also very easy to make, and come together quickly, making them an ideal weeknight meal.

Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa | A Nerd Cooks

We’re not strangers to tacos made with seafood, right? These Salmon BLT Tacos are still a favorite in my house. I think you’d love them, too.

I think that seafood in tacos (except for maybe fried/grilled fish) can be a little unexpected. But in my opinion, this kind of unexpected can be a really good thing.

If you’re looking for a more traditional taco filling, check out my Three Ingredient Slow Cooker Taco Chicken and Pressure Cooker Carnitas!

Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa | A Nerd Cooks

The combination of savory taco seasoning on sweet shrimp and sweet/tangy/spicy salsa is pretty perfectly complementary. I’m was getting ready to say that it’s a great meal for summertime, but really, it’s a great meal for any season.

Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa | A Nerd Cooks

5 from 1 vote
Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa | A Nerd Cooks
Print
Roasted Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Author: Lauren Pacek
Ingredients
For the salsa
  • 2 cups pineapple, diced
  • 1 cup tomato, diced
  • 1/2 - 1 jalapeño pepper, minced
  • 2 tbs cilantro, minced
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
  • salt and pepper, to taste
For the shrimp
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
For the tacos
  • 6-8 corn tortillas
  • guacamole, optional
  • queso fresco, optional
Instructions
To make the salsa

  1. Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.

To make the shrimp

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.

  2. Place the shrimp, salt, pepper, taco seasoning, and lime juice in a large zip top bag. Close the bag and shake until all shrimp are covered in seasoning.

  3. Place the seasoned shrimp on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until shrimp are just cooked through.

To assemble the tacos

  1. One at a time, toast the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until they just begin to crisp (~1-2 minutes per side).

  2. Fill the tortillas with shrimp and salsa, as well as whatever other toppings you'd like.

Need more taco action in your life? I got you! Salmon BLT Tacos are unexpected and delicious. Three Ingredient Slow Cooker Taco Chicken and Pressure Cooker Carnitas are a little more traditional, but no less tasty.

Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa | A Nerd Cooks

 

Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa | A Nerd Cooks Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa | A Nerd Cooks
Roasted Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa | A Nerd Cooks Roasted Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa | A Nerd Cooks

Easy Roasted Shrimp

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These Easy Roasted Shrimp are, as the name implies, very easy to make. You only need a few ingredients and a little bit of time to make a delicious, healthy main course.

You can change up the spices and seasonings depending on your tastes or the situation, too.

Easy Roasted Shrimp | A Nerd Cooks

I’ve been making these easy roasted shrimp for my husband and myself since we moved in together 6 years ago.

They’re so simple, healthy, and yet delicious. I’ve used them to top salads, pasta, rice dishes, and often just eat them on their own with a roasted vegetable or two.

Easy Roasted Shrimp | A Nerd Cooks

If you like this recipe, you’ll probably also love my Easy Baked Salmon. It’s just as easy, tasty, and customizable.

Easy Roasted Shrimp | A Nerd Cooks
Print
Easy Roasted Shrimp
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Lauren Pacek
Ingredients
  • 1 lb raw medium/large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • kosher salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
  2. In a large zip top bag, combine the raw shrimp, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss it all around until the shrimp are well coated.

  3. Lay the shrimp, in a single layer, on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. The shrimp will be opaque and firm to the touch.

These roasted shrimp couldn't be any easier to make! They require few ingredients, a short cook time, and are delicious. #seafood #shrimp #easy #recipe #roasted #lemon These roasted shrimp couldn't be any easier to make! They require few ingredients, a short cook time, and are delicious. #seafood #shrimp #easy #recipe #roasted #lemon

 

Salmon BLT Tacos

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These salmon tacos take on all of the delicious flavors of a BLT. Salmon BLT Tacos. Need I say more?  Didn’t think so.

Salmon BLT Tacos | A Nerd Cooks

These tacos are the product of leftover ingredients from various dinners throughout the week + my foodbrain working overtime.

Salmon BLT Tacos | A Nerd Cooks
Print
Salmon BLT Tacos
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Servings: 8 tacos
Author: laurenpacek
Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs salmon , roasted (see notes)
  • 3 tbs Ranch dressing
  • 1-2 tsp Sriracha
  • 8 corn tortillas, small
  • 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • arugula
  • cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions

  1. Flake the cooked salmon with a fork. Set it aside for a moment.

  2. In a small bowl, combine the Ranch dressing and Sriracha. Set aside.

  3. Heat the corn tortillas in the microwave (30 seconds, sandwiched between layers of damp paper towels) or on the stovetop in a dry skillet over medium heat.

To assemble the tacos

  1. Start with a little bed of arugula, followed by the salmon. 

  2. Top with some quartered cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and a drizzle or two of the spicy sauce.

Recipe Notes

Notes: The recipe for roasting the salmon can be found here.

Need more tacos? Yes. Yes, you do. How about these Roasted Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa? Or Three Ingredient Taco Chicken? These Turkey Taco Wonton Cups are also great.

Salmon BLT Tacos | A Nerd Cooks

Salmon BLT Tacos | A Nerd Cooks

Salmon BLT Tacos | A Nerd Cooks
Salmon BLT Tacos | A Nerd Cooks

 

Slow-Roasted Salmon with Fennel, Citrus, and Chiles

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Sean and I don’t really make a big deal out of Valentine’s Day, but I used the holiday as an excuse to buy an expensive piece of salmon, and made this (and an awesome risotto, which can be found here) for dinner on Friday night.

The pictures don’t do it justice, but this was very tasty, and a pretty fool-proof method for cooking fish.

Slow-Roasted Salmon with Fennel, Citrus, and Chiles | A Nerd Cooks Slow-Roasted Salmon with Fennel, Citrus, and Chiles | A Nerd Cooks

I saw this recipe in the January issue of Bon Appétit magazine.

You’ll need:

  • 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced
  • 1 blood (or navel) orange, thinly sliced and seeds removed
  • 1 Meyer (or regular) lemon, thinly sliced and seeds removed
  • 1 jalapeño pepper with seeds, thinly sliced
  • 4 sprigs fresh dill, plus more for serving
  • 2 lb. skinless salmon fillet
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.

Toss the sliced fennel, orange, lemon, pepper, and dill sprigs in a shallow baking dish.  Season them with salt and pepper

Set salmon fillet on top of the fennel mixture and season with kosher salt.  Pour the oil over.

Roast salmon until it is just cooked through (30-40 minutes).

Easy Baked Salmon

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Baked Salmon is a super easy, super delicious main dish

This baked salmon is delicious, moist, and could not be easier to make. It is impressive and tasty enough to serve to guests, yet easy enough to make on a weeknight.

FYI – this post contains affiliate links

Easy Baked Salmon | A Nerd Cooks

Anyone else out there have trouble cooking fish? Me too.

For whatever reason, I have a hard time cooking fish. I’ve tried (unsuccessfully) to cook it on the stovetop many times. I have a tendency to want to fiddle with the fish, rather than allowing it to cook enough so that it releases easily from the pan.

However, this method is foolproof! Enter: baked salmon. All you have to do is drizzle your salmon with olive oil, season, and wrap it in some foil. Slide it into the oven and find another way to occupy your time for the next 20 minutes or so. Done and done.

This salmon is a great main course or as a component in other recipes

Oftentimes I will serve this as the main course, with some roasted vegetables on the side. It’s tasty and healthy. I’ve also been known to flake this salmon and use it in these Salmon BLT Tacos, too. It might sound like an odd combination, but trust me, it works.

Looking for other seafood dishes?

If shrimp is your thing, you can give my Easy Roasted Shrimp, Roasted Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa, and Shrimp Wonton Cups a try!

If you’re looking for other salmon recipes, try my Salmon Sushi Bowls and Salmon BLT Tacos. They’re both winners.

Easy Baked Salmon | A Nerd Cooks

Easy Baked Salmon

Yield: 4 people
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This baked salmon is delicious, moist, and could not be easier to make. It is impressive and tasty enough to serve to guests, yet easy enough to make on a weeknight.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs salmon, 1 to 1.5-inches thick (see notes)
  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • kosher salt and black pepper, to taste (see notes)
  • 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Set another sheet of foil on top that's big enough to fully enclose your salmon fillet. Spray  with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Pat the salmon dry and set it atop the foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
  3. Drizzle or brush the olive oil onto the salmon. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and whatever other seasonings you're using. Lay the lemon slices on top in a single layer. Enclose the salmon in the foil, making a tightly sealed packet.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes.

Notes

Notes: 

  • Tack on an additional 4-6 minutes of cooking time for every additional 1/2 inch in thickness
  • Season your salmon with whatever herbs and spices sound good to you. I often add garlic powder with the salt and pepper. I also like to season it with thinly sliced garlic, soy sauce, and fresh grated ginger.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Cuisine: American

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Easy Baked Salmon | A Nerd Cooks