Chef Donal Skehan is shaking up midweek dinners with a game-changing recipe—and it all starts with an air fryer. In a recent post shared by BBC Food on Instagram, the beloved TV chef dubbed his salmon dish a “midweek winner” and a lifesaver for busy parents.
“I’m all about the air fryer at the moment, because we’ve got the two young kids in the house,” Donal explained. “I need to get quick dinners to the table.”
Skehan’s air fryer salmon isn’t just fast—it’s full of flavor and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Ready in under 30 minutes, the recipe turns a basic salmon fillet into a crispy, sticky, flavor-packed delight, while staying juicy on the inside.
Soap star Natalie Cassidy even chimed in, admitting her air fryer has only been used for frozen fast food, and that she felt “scared” to try new recipes. But Donal’s take on salmon might be the dish to change that.
According to The Express, Skehan promises that the air fryer delivers crispy skin while locking in moisture. And it’s not just for salmon—he adds that chicken and white fish work equally well.
Instagram foodies are already loving it. One commenter wrote, “Loved this. Salmon is so great in the air fryer,” while another shared, “This is a nice twist… I love salmon cooked in the air fryer.”
Here’s a quick breakdown of Donal’s viral recipe:
Air Fryer Sticky Soy Salmon with Crispy Rice & Pineapple Salsa
For the Salmon
Season salmon with salt, pepper, sesame oil, and cornflour. Air fry at 180°C for 8 minutes until crispy. (Alternatively, oven bake at 200°C for 8–10 minutes.)
For the Crispy Rice
In a pan, melt butter and sesame oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, and spring onions, then stir in cooked rice. Press into the pan and cook until golden and crisp on the bottom. Flip out onto a plate and keep warm.
For the Pineapple Salsa
Mix pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, coriander, lime zest, and juice. Season lightly.
To Finish the Salmon
In a pan, heat sesame oil, then add garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar. Simmer until sticky, then toss in the salmon and sesame seeds.
Serve the sticky salmon over crispy rice with salsa and garnish with spring onions. A delicious, easy meal that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring—or time-consuming.
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