The broiling cooking method uses high heat coming from above to cook food. It is a healthy way to cook fish. It retains the nutrients and flavor of the salmon without adding any unhealthy fats or oils.
Broiling also cooks the fish quickly and evenly, resulting in a flaky and tender texture. So it’s a healthy option if you’re short on time.
How to Broil Salmon in a Toaster Oven
Toaster oven. Credit: canva
Why Broiling in Toaster Oven?
There are a few reasons why broiling salmon in a toaster oven might be a good idea.
Because the toaster oven is smaller than a regular oven, it cooks food more quickly, which can help prevent the fish from becoming dry or overcooked.
The broiler’s intense heat can give the fish a nice crispy crust without making it too greasy.
Using the toaster oven rather than your regular oven can save energy costs.
Raw salmon on a foil, ready to be cooked. Credit: canva
This recipe is quick, easy, and healthy, and it’s one of my favorite weeknight dinners. So let’s get started!
Ingredients:
1 pound salmon fillet
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper
Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your toaster oven to the “broil” setting. Place the rack in the middle of the oven.
Line a baking sheet with foil and place your salmon filets on the sheet.
Rub the fillet on each side with olive oil, then lemon juice—season with salt and pepper, to taste. If you’re using fresh herbs, now is the time to add them.
Place the baking sheet in the oven without closing the foil, and broil for about 10 minutes until cooked. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillet, so keep an eye on it and pull it out of the oven when it’s cooked through to your liking.
Check for doneness by flaking with a fork or knife: it should flake off easily when done.
Remove the fillets from the oven once cooked, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. I like to serve mine with roasted vegetables or a simple salad. Enjoy!
Be sure to use a broiling rack or put something between your fish and the bottom of the oven so it doesn’t stick. Burning the bottom layer of salmon can make your entire dish taste bitter.
If you’re making more than one fillet, you can often fit them all on a single baking sheet by arranging them, so they’re slightly overlapping.
You can season with a sprinkle of dried herbs if you don’t have fresh herbs.
To make this dish even faster, look for pre-marinated fillets at your grocery store. This will save you time and let you enjoy dinner even more quickly.
FAQs
Can I use aluminum foil while broiling the salmon in a toaster oven?
Yes. You can use aluminum foil. Broiling on aluminum foil is a great way to prevent the fish from sticking to the pan and makes for an easy clean-up.
Just be sure to spray the foil with cooking spray first so the fish doesn’t stick.
How long should I broil the salmon in a toaster oven?
It depends on the thickness of your fillet, but generally speaking, broil for about 7-10 minutes per 1-inch thickness of the fish.
Can I season the salmon before putting it in the toaster oven?
Absolutely! Adding some herbs or spices can enhance the flavor while it’s being broiled.
Should I flip the salmon while it’s cooking in the toaster oven?
Flipping while cooking in a toaster oven is unnecessary since both sides will be exposed to heat evenly.
However, if you prefer, you can gently flip it halfway through cooking for more even cooking on both sides.
Can I add veggies or other ingredients to my salmon when broiling in a toaster oven?
Yes, adding vegetables or other ingredients can make for a tasty and well-rounded meal. Just be sure to arrange them on the tray to cook evenly alongside the fillets.
Can I cook frozen salmon in a toaster oven?
It is not recommended to cook frozen seafood in a toaster oven as it may not cook evenly and could be undercooked in some areas.
Allow frozen seafood to thaw completely before cooking in any appliance or method.
Is it safe to eat browned or blackened parts of my broiled salmon from the toaster oven?
Small bits of browning or blackening on your cooked seafood are typically safe to eat as it is just from exposure to high heat during cooking.
However, if there are large charred areas on your seafood, it is best to cut those parts off before consuming them, as they may have an unpleasant taste and texture.
