Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
This Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flavorful salmon cubes with a delightful golden crust and juicy interior. Seasoned with a blend of smoky and spicy spices, then air fried to perfection, this dish is quick, easy, and healthy—ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1 lb. salmon, skin removed and cut into 1 to 2 inch cubes
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)
Additional Ingredients
- 2–3 teaspoons avocado or olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the salmon: Remove the skin from the salmon if it has any. Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels to ensure the surface is mostly dry. 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. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform spice blend.
- Toss salmon with spices: Add the salmon cubes to the spice mixture along with the avocado or olive oil. Use your hands to toss and coat the salmon evenly with the spices and oil for full flavor coverage.
- Air fry the salmon: Place the seasoned salmon cubes in the air fryer basket, spreading them out so they are not piled on top of each other. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 8 minutes to achieve a golden crust and juicy interior. For a slightly less done texture, cook for 6-7 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, the salmon should flake easily with a fork and have a buttery, juicy texture inside. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Removing the skin is recommended to ensure even cooking and spice coating.
- Patting the salmon dry helps achieve a better crust during air frying.
- Adjust cooking time slightly if your salmon pieces are thicker or thinner to avoid overcooking.
- You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer your salmon medium cooked, reduce air fry time to 6-7 minutes.
Keywords: Air fryer salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon, quick seafood, crispy salmon cubes
