Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Introduction
This Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flavorful salmon cubes with a crispy exterior and juicy interior in just minutes. It’s a simple, delicious way to enjoy salmon without much fuss or cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. salmon (skin removed if desired)
- 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)
- 2-3 teaspoons avocado or olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the skin from your salmon if it has any. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels so the surface is mostly dry. Cut the salmon into 1 to 2-inch cubes.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cornstarch, and salt to create the spice mix.
- Step 3: Toss the salmon cubes with the spice mix and the oil, using your hands to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Step 4: Place the salmon pieces in the air fryer basket, spreading them out so they are not crowded or overlapping.
- Step 5: Air fry the salmon at 400°F for 8 minutes. For a slightly less cooked interior, reduce the time to 6-7 minutes.
- Step 6: When done, the salmon should be golden and textured on the outside, and tender and juicy inside. Test by pressing with a fork—the pieces should flake easily.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, you can sprinkle a little additional cornstarch on the salmon before air frying.
- Try swapping smoked paprika with regular paprika if you prefer less smokiness, or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dipping sauce like garlic aioli to enhance flavor.
Storage
Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature to maintain texture without drying it out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I air fry salmon with the skin on?
Yes, you can air fry salmon with the skin on. It can help keep the fish moist and adds extra crispiness if air fried skin-side down. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the salmon cubes in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, though they may not be as crispy as air fried.
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Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2 to 3 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon recipe delivers perfectly cooked, juicy salmon cubes with a flavorful, smoky spice blend. Using the air fryer, the salmon achieves a crispy golden exterior while maintaining a tender, buttery inside in just minutes—ideal for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade:
- 1 lb. salmon fillet, skin removed
- 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)
- 2–3 teaspoons avocado or olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the salmon: Remove the skin from the salmon if present and pat the fillet 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, mixing thoroughly to make the spice blend.
- Toss salmon with spices: Place the salmon cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with 2 to 3 teaspoons of avocado or olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the salmon and use your hands to toss everything together until the salmon pieces are evenly coated.
- Air fry the salmon: Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping for even crisping. Set the air fryer to 400°F (205°C) and cook for 8 minutes.
- Check for doneness and serve: Once air fried, the salmon should have a golden exterior and a juicy, tender interior that easily flakes with a fork. For medium doneness, cook for 6 to 7 minutes instead. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If your salmon has skin, removing it helps achieve an even crispness on all sides.
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning ensures the spices adhere better and promotes browning.
- You can adjust cooking time based on preferred doneness—less time for medium, more for well done.
- The cornstarch in the spice blend helps create a crispy coating in the air fryer.
- Using avocado or olive oil adds healthy fats and enhances the flavor while promoting browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Air fryer salmon, crispy salmon cubes, quick salmon recipe, smoked paprika salmon, healthy air fryer fish
