Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
This Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon recipe delivers perfectly cooked, juicy salmon cubes with a flavorful spice blend that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. Ready in just 13 minutes and requiring minimal prep, it’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy salmon with a golden, textured exterior and tender inside.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 lb. salmon (skin removed if present)
Spice Mix
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)
Other
- 2-3 teaspoons avocado or olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the salmon: Remove the skin from your salmon if it has skin, then pat the surface dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the salmon into 1 to 2-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Prep the spices: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cornstarch, and salt to create the spice mix.
- Toss salmon with spices and oil: Place the salmon cubes into a mixing bowl and toss them with the spice mix and 2-3 teaspoons of avocado or olive oil, using your hands for even coverage.
- Air fry the salmon: Transfer the seasoned salmon pieces into the air fryer basket, spreading them out so they aren’t piled on top of each other. Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and cook for 8 minutes to achieve a golden, textured exterior.
- Check for doneness: Once air-fried, the salmon should flake easily when pressed with a fork and be juicy inside. For a medium doneness, cook for 6-7 minutes instead of 8.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately for a delicious, quick meal.
Notes
- Removing the skin from the salmon helps achieve a more uniform cook and crispier surface.
- Patting the salmon dry ensures the spices adhere well and creates better texture after air frying.
- Adjust cooking time based on your preferred doneness; 8 minutes for fully cooked, 6-7 for medium.
- You can substitute olive oil if avocado oil is unavailable.
- This method works well with fresh or thawed salmon.
