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
Scale
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
