Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 lb. salmon
see note 1
- 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
Directions
- 1
Prep the salmon: Remove the skin from your salmon, if it has skin. Pat with paper towels so the surface is mostly dry. Cut your salmon into cubes, 1 to 2 inches each (see photo).
- 2
Prep the spices: Mix the spices together in a small bowl.
- 3
Toss salmon with spices: Toss your salmon cubes in the spices and oil – I usually use my hands to mix it all together.
- 4
Air fry the salmon: Place your salmon pieces in the air fryer (I just dump them right in) and spread them out a bit so they’re not laying all over each other. Air fry at 400 degrees for 8 minutes!
- 5
You’re Done! Yum! At this point it should be textured and golden on the outside, and juicy and delicious on the inside. When you press each piece with a fork, they should easily flake / slip apart with a buttery, juicy texture inside. (You can do 6-7 minutes if you prefer more of a medium doneness.)
Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon
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About this Recipe
Craving perfectly cooked salmon with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior, all achieved with remarkable ease? This Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon delivers incredible flavor and texture, transforming a simple fillet into something truly special.
The air fryer is a game-changer for preparing fish, creating that desirable golden crust while keeping the inside incredibly moist. Our unique spice rub, combining the subtle sweetness of brown sugar with smoky paprikas and savory aromatics like onion and garlic powder, adheres beautifully thanks to a touch of cornstarch. This blend locks in flavor and contributes to that irresistible, slightly crisped finish.
Get ready for a salmon experience that defies its simplicity. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: a savory, slightly sweet crust that gives way to rich, buttery-soft salmon. The seasoning is balanced, making this dish approachable yet deeply flavorful, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. You'll love how the natural richness of the salmon is enhanced by the aromatic spices, creating a truly satisfying bite.
Customization & Variations
The versatile spice blend can be tweaked to your liking; reduce the chili powder for a milder flavor or increase it for more kick. While the recipe calls for coarse kosher salt, you can use regular table salt by adjusting the amount as indicated. Feel free to use either avocado or olive oil for brushing, depending on what you have on hand.
This salmon is wonderful as a standalone protein, alongside a simple green salad, or paired with roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Its quick preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights, yet it's impressive enough to serve to guests.