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Stuffed salmon in the air fryer is my go—to weeknight dinner for when I want something restaurant quality without fuss. The creamy ricotta and spinach filling meets a gentle kick of harissa, all wrapped up in juicy salmon that cooks up perfectly every time.
Salmon has become my dinner hero after discovering this version in a pinch one hectic evening. Now it is a little celebration every time I pull these out of the air fryer.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: pick firm even pieces with bright color and fresh scent for the best flavor
- Ricotta: creamy and rich with a light tang look for whole milk ricotta for extra smoothness
- Frozen spinach: brings fiber and greens to each bite always squeeze out extra liquid for the perfect texture
- Harissa paste: bold and smoky with a gentle heat try to find a high quality harissa for more flavor without too much salt
- Black pepper: adds warmth and depth freshly cracked is best
- Salt: just a pinch to balance the other flavors always taste your filling before stuffing the salmon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Filling:
- Microwave your frozen spinach just until thawed. Let it cool slightly then squeeze hard to press out all the liquid. Mix it well with ricotta harissa black pepper and salt in a separate bowl until you have a creamy stuffing. Make sure everything is evenly blended.
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Lay each fillet flesh side up on your board. With a sharp knife carefully slice through the thickest part of the fillet vertically creating a deep pocket but do not cut through the skin. The goal is to create space for stuffing while keeping the fillet intact.
- Stuff the Salmon:
- Use a spoon to fill each pocket with about two tablespoons of the ricotta and spinach mixture. Press it inside gently making sure the filling stays tucked in and is evenly distributed. This will keep your salmon moist in the air fryer.
- Prep for Air Fryer:
- Place each stuffed fillet onto a piece of tinned foil big enough to wrap the bottom but open at the top. Drizzle lightly with olive oil for extra moisture and to help browning. Arrange them so there is plenty of airflow around each piece.
- Cook in Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 190C or 370F. Place the foil packets in the basket. Cook for ten minutes checking at the eight minute mark since thickness varies. The salmon should be just cooked through and the filling hot and set.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Lift each salmon fillet carefully from the foil using a spatula. Serve hot by itself or over pasta rice mashed potatoes or crisp salad for a comforting complete meal.
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I always look forward to using good harissa paste for this recipe Its smoky heat brightens everything and reminds me of a dinner party where we had to double the batch because everyone wanted seconds
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat pop the stuffed salmon back into the air fryer for three to four minutes at a slightly lower temperature. This keeps the crust tender and the filling creamy without turning the fish dry. If you are preparing ahead you can mix the filling up to one day in advance and keep chilled until ready to use.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have ricotta try mascarpone or cream cheese as a substitute for a similar creaminess. Kale or swiss chard work just as well as spinach just be sure to cook and squeeze them dry before mixing. For a milder version swap harissa for sun dried tomato paste or a bit of smoked paprika for depth without the heat.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed salmon fillets love to be a main attraction atop buttery mashed potatoes garlicky pasta or a fluffy rice pilaf. Try a bright green salad alongside for crunch and freshness. A drizzle of lemon or a scattering of herbs is the perfect finishing touch for a truly special meal.
Cultural Context
Stuffed fish has roots in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines often featuring fresh herbs bright cheeses and a kiss of spice. Ricotta and spinach are classic Italian partners while harissa brings North African energy to the mix. Air fryer cooking is a new twist that gives you speed and crispy edges without deep frying or heating the oven.
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I hope this helps you create stuffed salmon fillets that feel effortless yet worthy of a special dinner There is something about that creamy spicy filling and perfectly flaky salmon that makes even the simplest weeknight meal into something a little bit elegant
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep the salmon from drying out in the air fryer?
Ensure not to overcook by checking for doneness at the 8-minute mark. The ricotta filling helps retain moisture, keeping the salmon tender inside.
- → Can I substitute the ricotta with another cheese?
Yes, you can use cream cheese or feta. Both alternatives bring unique flavors and maintain the creamy consistency of the filling.
- → Is fresh spinach a good swap for frozen?
Fresh spinach works well—sauté briefly to wilt, then squeeze out moisture before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
- → What sides pair well with stuffed salmon?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad are classic accompaniments, balancing the rich flavors of the salmon.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
You can assemble the salmon with filling ahead and refrigerate until ready to air fry, which makes for quick weeknight cooking.