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Air-Fried Salmon Belly Recipe

6 Mins read
Close-up of golden-brown air-fried salmon belly recipe strips with a lemon slices and garnished with green onion


Air-fried salmon belly is a quick and delicious way to enjoy this rich, flavorful cut of fish. The air fryer crisps up the salmon belly while keeping it tender and juicy on the inside. In just a few easy steps, you can have a crispy, mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any meal!

Introduction

Are you ready to elevate your salmon game? If you’ve never tried air-fried salmon belly, you’re in for a real treat. It’s crispy, savory, and so easy to make! Salmon belly is often overlooked, but it’s actually one of the most flavorful cuts of the fish, offering a unique richness that’s sure to impress. Stick with me as I walk you through a simple recipe that will have you craving salmon belly every week. Trust me, your air fryer will become your best friend in the kitchen!

Nutrient Benefits of Air-Fried Salmon Belly Recipe

Air-fried salmon belly is a nutritional powerhouse packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins. These nutrients support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function. Rich in vitamin D and B vitamins, it also benefits bone health, boosts energy, and helps maintain a strong immune system. Plus, the antioxidant astaxanthin protects your skin and eyes, while the omega-3s support joint health and flexibility.

Low in carbs, this dish is perfect for those on keto, paleo, or low-carb diets. A typical 3 oz serving offers around 200–250 calories, 22–25g of protein, and 1.5–2g of omega-3s, making it a nutrient-dense meal. Whether you’re looking to improve skin elasticity, support muscle growth, or boost overall health, air-fried salmon belly has you covered!

Ingredients for Air-fried Salmon Belly

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb salmon belly strips: The star of the dish. Full of rich flavor, these strips are tender and juicy, perfect for air-frying.
  • 10 cloves garlic: For that fragrant, savory punch. Fresh garlic works best!
  • 4 Thai red chilies: Adds just the right amount of heat. You can substitute with green chilies for a milder flavor.
  • 4 tbsp palm sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the savory elements in the marinade. If you can’t find palm sugar, brown sugar works as a substitute.
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce: For that essential umami taste that makes everything better.
  • 3 tbsp oyster sauce: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp toasted sesame oil: A tiny amount makes a big difference in enhancing the flavor.

Pro Tip

If you’re using block palm sugar, shave it with a knife to make it easier to dissolve in your marinade!

How to Make Salmon Belly Recipe

1. Make the Marinade

  • Start by crushing the garlic and chilies in a mortar and pestle, creating a rough paste.
  • Add the palm sugar, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to the paste. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.

2. Marinate the Salmon Belly

  • Place the salmon belly strips in a large bowl and toss them with the marinade.
  • Let them sit for 15–20 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for a few hours for deeper flavor.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

  • Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 2 minutes.

4. Air Fry the Salmon Belly

Fresh salmon belly strips marinated with garlic, Thai red chilies, and a blend of savory sauces, ready to be air-fried
  • Arrange the salmon belly strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry for 5–7 minutes until the fish is golden brown and crispy on the edges. You can check if it’s done by gently flaking the fish with a fork.

5. Serve and Enjoy

  • Once cooked, serve the salmon belly with rice, stir-fried veggies, or a fresh salad. For extra flavor, squeeze a little lime over the top.
Crispy air-fried salmon belly garnished with fresh green onion.

Serving Suggestions for Air-Fried Salmon Belly

Now that your air-fried salmon belly is perfectly cooked, let’s talk about how to serve it! Whether you’re aiming for a light meal or a more substantial feast, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this crispy, flavorful dish. Here are a few ideas to elevate your salmon belly experience:

1. With Steamed Rice

Pair your salmon belly with fluffy steamed rice for a simple yet satisfying meal. The rich, oily salmon pairs perfectly with the neutral flavor of rice. For a twist, try using brown rice or quinoa for added texture and nutrition.

2. With Asian-Inspired Vegetables

Serve your crispy salmon belly with sautéed or steamed vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or spinach. Drizzle with a little soy sauce or sesame oil for extra flavor. These veggies add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich fish.

3. In a Salad

For a lighter option, top a bed of mixed greens with your salmon belly. Add fresh avocado, cucumber, and radishes for extra crunch and flavor. A tangy sesame vinaigrette or lime dressing will tie the whole salad together.

4. As a Delicious Appetizer

If you’re serving this as an appetizer, slice the air-fried salmon belly into bite-sized pieces. Serve it with a side of soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or wasabi mayo for dipping. It’s an impressive and easy way to kick off any meal.

5. With Noodles

A bowl of warm noodles topped with crispy air-fried salmon belly, garnished with scallions, and drizzled with sesame oil.

For a more filling meal, serve your salmon belly over a bowl of noodles like soba, udon, or ramen. The soft noodles soak up the flavor from the crispy salmon, making every bite satisfying and delicious.

6. Tacos or Wraps

Looking for something fun? Wrap your crispy salmon belly in a warm taco shell or lettuce wrap with slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. It’s a perfect handheld option for a casual meal or outdoor gatherings.

Air-fried salmon belly recipe tacos with avocado, slaw, and a drizzle of spicy mayo, served in soft taco shells

These serving suggestions give you endless possibilities to enjoy your air-fried salmon belly in different ways—perfect for any occasion or mood!

More Salmon Recipes?

Storage Instructions for Salmon Belly Recipe

If you find yourself with leftover air-fried salmon belly, don’t worry—this flavorful dish can be stored for later. Here’s how to store it properly to keep it fresh and delicious:

1. Refrigeration

  • Cool it down: Allow the salmon belly to cool to room temperature before storing it.
  • Airtight container: Place the leftover salmon in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any other smells in the fridge.
  • Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The rich texture of the salmon may lose some of its crispness, but it will still taste amazing when reheated.

2. Freezing

  • Prepare for freezing: If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the salmon belly. To prevent freezer burn wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
  • Freeze for up to 1 month: Frozen salmon belly is best consumed within 1 month for optimal flavor.
  • Reheating: When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in an air fryer or oven to help restore its crispy texture.

3. Reheating Tips

  • Reheat in the air fryer: For the best results, place the salmon belly in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–5 minutes, or until it crisps up again.
  • Oven: Alternatively, you can reheat the salmon in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes.
Print
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Perfectly cooked air-fried salmon belly with a crispy golden exterior, ready to be served with a side of vegetables or rice.

Air-Fried Salmon Belly Recipe


  • Author: Jessica kimberly
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

Learn how to make delicious air-fried salmon belly with this easy recipe. Crispy, tender, and full of flavor in under 15 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lb salmon belly strips: The star of the dish. Full of rich flavor, these strips are tender and juicy, perfect for air-frying.
  • 10 cloves garlic: For that fragrant, savory punch. Fresh garlic works best!
  • 4 Thai red chilies: Adds just the right amount of heat. You can substitute with green chilies for a milder flavor.
  • 4 tbsp palm sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the savory elements in the marinade. If you can’t find palm sugar, brown sugar works as a substitute.
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce: For that essential umami taste that makes everything better.
  • 3 tbsp oyster sauce: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp toasted sesame oil: A tiny amount makes a big difference in enhancing the flavor.

Instructions

1. Make the Marinade

  • Start by crushing the garlic and chilies in a mortar and pestle, creating a rough paste.
  • Add the palm sugar, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to the paste. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.

2. Marinate the Salmon Belly

  • Place the salmon belly strips in a large bowl and toss them with the marinade.
  • Let them sit for 15–20 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for a few hours for deeper flavor.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

  • Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 2 minutes.

4. Air Fry the Salmon Belly

  • Arrange the salmon belly strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is small.
  • Air fry for 5–7 minutes until the fish is golden brown and crispy on the edges. You can check for doneness by gently flaking the fish with a fork.

5. Serve and Enjoy

  • Once cooked, serve the salmon belly with rice, stir-fried veggies, or a fresh salad. For extra flavor, squeeze a little lime over the top.

Notes

  • If you prefer a milder flavor, adjust the amount of Thai red chilies in the marinade.
  • For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the salmon belly with cooking oil before air frying.
  • Salmon belly can be marinated for up to 2 hours in the fridge, but if you’re short on time, 15–20 minutes will still yield great results.
  • If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minjutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Fraying
  • Cuisine: Asian-Insired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Air-fried salmon belly, salmon recipe high in vitamin B

FAQs

Can you eat the skin of salmon belly?

Yes, the skin of the salmon belly is perfectly edible and adds extra crispiness when air-fried. If you like crispy skin, air frying is the perfect method to get it just right!

What should I do with the belly of the salmon?

You can use the salmon belly to make dishes like this crispy recipe, or you can add it to soups, stews, or sushi. Its rich flavor is perfect for grilling or baking as well!

How can I remove the fishy taste from salmon belly?

To reduce the fishy taste, marinate your salmon belly in a mixture of citrus juice, salt, and aromatic spices for at least 15 minutes. This will help neutralize strong odors.

How do I know when my salmon belly is cooked?

You’ll know your salmon belly is cooked when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

How do you clean salmon belly?

To clean salmon belly, rinse it gently under cold water, removing any scales or pin bones. Pat the fish dry before marinating or cooking.

Can I use frozen salmon belly?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon belly. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before marinating and cooking for the best results.

What’s the difference between salmon and salmon belly?

The main difference is that salmon belly is a fattier, more flavorful cut from the underside of the fish. It’s known for its tenderness and rich taste compared to the leaner fillet.

Is salmon belly good to eat?

Absolutely! Salmon belly is incredibly rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is packed with flavor, making it a delicious and nutritious choice for cooking.

We’d Love to Hear From You

And that’s it! Your air-fried salmon belly is now ready to enjoy—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. We hope you love it as much as we do!

If you give this recipe a try, share your results with us on Instagram and let us know how it turned out and if you made any tweaks to the recipe—we love seeing your creativity in the kitchen.

Thanks for reading, and happy cooking! Feel free to leave any questions or comments below—we’re always here to help.

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