Stuffed Salmon in Air Fryer (10 Mins) Recipe
Introduction
This stuffed salmon recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a healthy meal. Using an air fryer, you can have perfectly cooked salmon with a creamy spinach and ricotta filling in just 10 minutes. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 (260g) salmon fillets
- 4 tbsp ricotta
- 100g frozen spinach, defrosted
- 1 tbsp harissa paste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Defrost the frozen spinach in the microwave, then squeeze out any excess liquid and place it in a bowl. Add the ricotta, harissa paste, black pepper, and salt, mixing well to combine.
- Step 2: Lay the salmon fillets flesh side up and carefully make a vertical cut down the center of the thickest part, slicing down to the skin to create a pocket for the filling.
- Step 3: Spoon about two tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture into each salmon fillet, stuffing it into the cut. Place the stuffed salmon on tinfoil and drizzle lightly with oil.
- Step 4: Place the salmon in the air fryer and cook at 370°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so monitor the salmon to avoid overcooking.
- Step 5: Remove the salmon from the air fryer once cooked through and serve with your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a brighter flavor and texture.
- Swap harissa paste for smoked paprika or chili flakes for a different spice profile.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the cooked salmon to add freshness and balance the richness.
- Check the thickness of your salmon fillets and adjust air frying time accordingly to avoid dryness.
Storage
Store any leftover stuffed salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain moisture, avoiding microwaving which can dry out the fish.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach can be used. Simply wilt it in a pan and drain any excess moisture before combining with the ricotta.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the stuffed salmon in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through.
PrintStuffed Salmon in Air Fryer (10 Mins) Recipe
This quick and flavorful Stuffed Salmon recipe uses fresh salmon fillets filled with a creamy ricotta and harissa-spiced spinach mixture. Cooked in the air fryer, it delivers tender, perfectly cooked salmon with a spicy, cheesy filling in just 10 minutes. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served alongside pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Salmon
- 2 (260g each) salmon fillets
Filling
- 4 tbsp ricotta cheese
- 100g frozen spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
- 1 tbsp harissa paste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- Olive oil or cooking oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Defrost the frozen spinach in the microwave and squeeze out any excess water. In a bowl, combine the drained spinach with ricotta cheese, harissa paste, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Slice the Salmon: Lay the salmon fillets flesh side up on a cutting board. Carefully make a vertical slit lengthwise down the center of each fillet, cutting down to but not through the skin, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Stuff the Salmon: Spoon approximately two tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture into each salmon pocket, pressing gently to fill the cavity evenly. Place the stuffed salmon fillets onto a sheet of tinned foil and drizzle with a little oil to keep moist during cooking.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Place the foil with the stuffed salmon into the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Note that air fryer models vary; cooking time may need slight adjustment. Check for the salmon being opaque and flaky.
- Serve: Remove the salmon carefully from the air fryer once cooked. Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- If your spinach is very watery after defrosting, squeeze it thoroughly to avoid soggy filling.
- Harissa paste can be adjusted to your spice preference; start with less if sensitive to heat.
- Check salmon thickness to adjust cooking time if needed, thicker fillets may require a few more minutes.
- Use fresh salmon for best flavor, but make sure it is fully thawed before preparing.
- Leftover filling makes a great spread on toast or as a dip.
Keywords: stuffed salmon, air fryer salmon, ricotta spinach salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy air fryer recipe
