So You Scored That Gigantic Pack of Costco Salmon: How to Air Fry Your Way to Flavortown (Without Burning Down the Kitchen)
Let's face it, folks. We've all been there. You stroll into Costco, get mesmerized by the free samples (IYKYK), and next thing you know, you're wheeling out a cart overflowing with enough salmon to feed a small village. But then the question hits: how do you actually cook this mountain of deliciousness without turning your kitchen into a smoky disaster zone? Fear not, my fellow Costco enthusiasts, because tonight we're diving into the glorious world of Air Fryer Salmon!
Step 1: Embrace the Prehistoric (But Super Convenient) Power of Frozen Fish
Yes, you read that right. Costco's salmon is most likely frozen, which is actually a good thing for air frying. No need for fancy pre-thawing rituals. Just rip that plastic package open and admire your future dinner (bonus points for making dramatic fish puns out loud).
Pro-Tip: If your salmon has a layer of ice on it, give it a quick rinse under cold water. We don't want any surprise mini-icicles interrupting the air circulation.
Step 2: Spice Up Your Life (But Not Literally, We'll Get to That in a Sec)
Now, you can go the minimalist route with just salt and pepper, and that's perfectly acceptable. But where's the fun in that? Get creative! Think lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, a sprinkle of your favorite cajun blend, or even a drizzle of teriyaki sauce. The possibilities are endless (almost).
Warning: Freshly ground black pepper is great, but avoid using pre-ground pepper. Those tiny flavorless pebbles are the culinary equivalent of socks with sandals.
Step 3: Air Fry Nirvana
Here's the magic part: Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). While it's getting nice and toasty, place your seasoned salmon fillets in the basket, skin-side down. Important side note: Don't overcrowd the basket. Give those fish some breathing room so they can crisp up evenly.
Cooking Time Throwdown:
- Frozen Salmon: We're looking at around 12-15 minutes for fillets that are about 1 inch thick.
- Thawed Salmon: Shorten that time to 8-10 minutes.
Remember: Every air fryer is a snowflake (okay, maybe not that dramatic), so keep an eye on your salmon towards the end. You want it to be flaky and cooked through, but not dry and crumbly. A little internal temperature check with a food thermometer (145°F is the golden target) never hurts.
Step 4: The Grand Finale (And How to Avoid Becoming a Cautionary Tale)
Once that salmon is looking golden brown and irresistible, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents you from becoming a human lava lamp.
Pro-Tip: Use a spatula to loosen the fish from the basket gently. Remember, that crispy skin is a thing of beauty, and we don't want to wreck it with any spatula-related mosh pits.
The Applause (and Devouring)
Plate up your masterpiece, squeeze on some fresh lemon juice (optional but highly recommended), and prepare to be amazed by your air fryer skills. You've just conquered Costco salmon, and without setting off the smoke alarm. High fives all around!
