Sockeye Salmon on a Baking Stone

Dec 30

Pampered Chef Air Fryer Oven Method

There are some meals that remind you that healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated. This sockeye salmon is one of them. Simple ingredients, steady heat, and a baking stone do all the work — leaving you with perfectly cooked salmon that’s flaky, flavorful, and nourishing.

I cooked this in my Pampered Chef Air Fryer Oven using the small oven baking stone, and it turned out so good it instantly became my go-to salmon method.

Why Sockeye Salmon?

Sockeye salmon is lean, rich in omega-3s, and packed with protein. Because it’s leaner than Atlantic salmon, it benefits from high heat and a shorter cook time, which is exactly where the air fryer oven shines.

Ingredients

Sockeye salmon fillet(s)
Olive oil
Sea salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Oregano or garlic powder (optional)
Lemon wedges or basil pesto (for finishing)

How to Cook Sockeye Salmon on a Baking Stone

1. Preheat

Place the small oven baking stone in the air fryer oven and preheat to 390°F.
Preheating the stone helps the salmon cook evenly and prevents sticking.

2. Prep the Salmon

Pat the salmon dry. Lightly brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano or garlic powder.

Tip: Oil the salmon, not the stone.

3. Cook

Carefully place the salmon skin-side down on the hot stone.
Cook at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness.

No flipping needed.

4. Rest & Finish

Remove from the oven and let rest for 1–2 minutes.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon or a small spoon of basil pesto.

How You Know It’s Done

Color changes from deep red to light pink
Salmon flakes easily with a fork
Center is moist, not dry

For best texture, pull the salmon when it reaches 125–130°F for medium or 140°F if you prefer fully cooked.

Why the Baking Stone Works

Using a baking stone in the air fryer oven:

Creates even, gentle heat
Prevents hot spots
Keeps lean salmon from drying out
Produces a lightly crisp exterior with a tender center

It’s one of those small upgrades that makes a big difference.

Thrive Tip

This is the kind of meal that supports heart health, protein goals, and simple living — no complicated prep, no heavy sauces, just real food cooked well.

Pair with:

Steamed green beans
Roasted vegetables
A simple quinoa or farro bowl

Final Thought

This recipe reminded me that thriving doesn’t require perfection — just the right tools and a little intention. If you’ve been intimidated by cooking fish, this method is a great place to start.

Monica Marotz