Stuffed Salmon in Air Fryer Recipe
Introduction
This stuffed salmon recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful, healthy meal. Using ricotta, spinach, and a hint of harissa, the filling adds a creamy and mildly spicy twist. Ready in just 10 minutes using an air fryer, it’s 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. Transfer the spinach to a bowl and mix in the ricotta, harissa paste, black pepper, and salt.
- Step 2: Lay the salmon fillets flesh side up. Make a gentle vertical cut lengthwise through the thickest part of each fillet, slicing down to the skin to create a pocket for the filling.
- Step 3: Spoon two tablespoons of the spinach and ricotta mixture into each salmon pocket, stuffing it evenly. Place the stuffed fillets on tinned foil and drizzle with oil.
- Step 4: Place the salmon in the air fryer and cook at 370°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so check for doneness.
- Step 5: Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve with your choice of pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh spinach if preferred; cook and drain it well before mixing with ricotta.
- For a milder flavor, reduce the harissa paste or substitute with a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the cooked salmon for extra brightness.
- Try topping the filling with some shredded cheese for a golden finish.
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 the texture, avoiding microwaving which can dry out the fish.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the stuffed salmon in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
Is it necessary to squeeze out the spinach liquid?
Yes, removing excess moisture from the spinach prevents the filling from becoming watery and helps it hold together better inside the salmon.
PrintStuffed Salmon in Air Fryer Recipe
This quick and flavorful stuffed salmon recipe uses air frying to create a perfectly cooked fish with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling flavored with harissa paste. Ready in just 10 minutes, this healthy and delicious dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Salmon and Filling
- 2 (260g) salmon fillets
- 4 tbsp ricotta cheese
- 100g frozen spinach, defrosted
- 1 tbsp harissa paste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- Drizzle of cooking oil
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Place the frozen spinach in the microwave to defrost. Once thawed, squeeze out any excess liquid and transfer the spinach into a separate bowl. Add the ricotta cheese, harissa paste, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the bowl, then mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients into a smooth filling.
- Prepare the salmon: Lay each salmon fillet flesh side up on a clean surface. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice vertically down the center of the thickest part of each fillet, cutting down to but not through the skin, to create a pocket for the filling.
- Stuff the salmon: Spoon approximately two tablespoons of the prepared filling into each salmon pocket, pressing gently to fill them evenly. Place the stuffed salmon fillets onto a sheet of tinned foil and drizzle with a little cooking oil to help with browning and prevent sticking.
- Air fry the salmon: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Place the foil with the stuffed salmon inside the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so check the salmon towards the end to ensure it is cooked through but still moist.
- Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with sides such as pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the spinach to avoid a watery filling.
- Adjust the amount of harissa paste based on your preferred spice level.
- Cooking times can vary by air fryer model; check the salmon at 8 minutes if cooking for the first time to prevent overcooking.
- If you do not have ricotta, cream cheese can be used as a substitute.
- To prevent sticking, you can also line the air fryer basket with parchment paper instead of foil.
Keywords: stuffed salmon, air fryer salmon, ricotta stuffed salmon, spinach and ricotta salmon, quick seafood recipe, healthy air fryer meals
