Dinner

Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

ByEthan Lark January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

Introduction

This Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flavorful salmon cubes that are crispy on the outside and tender inside. With a blend of smoky spices and just a touch of sweetness, it’s a quick and easy way to enjoy salmon any night of the week.

A white bowl contains four main parts arranged separately: a section of brown rice with a soft, slightly sticky texture at the bottom right, a creamy light tan sauce layer placed in the center overlapping part of the rice, golden brown roasted salmon pieces with a crispy skin stacked on the left side, and small diced cucumber cubes with a fresh green color on the top right. A woman's hand is holding a gold spoon breaking a piece of salmon, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. salmon (skin removed, see note below)
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 to remove moisture. Cut the salmon into 1 to 2-inch cubes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Toss the salmon cubes with the spice mixture and drizzle with the avocado or olive oil. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly so the salmon is evenly coated.
Step 4: Place the salmon cubes in the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer without overcrowding.
Step 5: Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. For slightly less cooked, aim for 6-7 minutes. The salmon should be golden and slightly crispy outside, while tender and flaky inside.

Tips & Variations

For a more delicate texture, reduce the air frying time slightly to 6-7 minutes.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat or swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a different sweetness.
If your salmon has skin, removing it ensures even cooking and prevents curling in the air fryer.

Storage

Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispness, or warm through in the microwave, though it may soften the exterior.

How to Serve

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with three clear layers. The bottom layer is light brown rice with a soft, fluffy texture. On top of the rice to one side, there are small cubes of fresh, green cucumber. Next to the cucumber, there is a serving of crispy, golden-brown cooked salmon with a slightly shiny surface. In the center, there is a creamy, light brown sauce drizzled over the rice, creating smooth texture contrasts. A woman's hand is holding the bowl with a gold spoon lifting some food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I air fry salmon with the skin on?

Yes, but removing the skin helps the salmon cubes cook evenly and prevents them from curling or sticking during air frying.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

When cooked, the salmon should be golden and crispy on the outside and should flake easily with a fork. The interior should be moist and tender but not raw.