This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Air Fryer BBQ Salmon is your answer to a quick and easy lunch or dinner. With the perfect blend of smoky paprika, sweet honey, and tangy BBQ sauce, each bite is a burst of mouthwatering delight.
Ready in just minutes, it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a nutritious and savory dinner any night of the week. I love how full of flavor the salmon are but literally take minutes to prepare! It also pairs so well with some of my favorite sides.
Table of Contents
- Air Fryer BBQ Salmon Recipe Overview
- Main Ingredients
- The Corsori Air Fryer
- Why I Love the Cosori Air Fryer
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why You’ll Love Air Fryer BBQ Salmon
- Serving Suggestions with Air Fryer BBQ Salmon
- Tips and Hacks
- Storage
- Other Yummy Salmon Recipes:
- Quick and Easy Air Fryer BBQ Salmon Recipe
Air Fryer BBQ Salmon Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Air Frying
Skill Required: Easy
Signature Taste: Smoky and Sweet
Diet Info: Gluten-free
Main Ingredients
- Salmon Filets: Rich and flaky, salmon provides a perfect base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds a tangy and sweet kick, giving the salmon a bold and savory taste.
- Honey: Enhances the BBQ sauce with a touch of sweetness, balancing out the smoky flavors.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses a deep, smoky flavor, making the salmon taste like it’s been grilled.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth that complements the BBQ sauce and honey.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing out the best in each ingredient.
- Olive Oil: Helps to keep the salmon moist and juicy while adding a subtle richness.
The Corsori Air Fryer
The Cosori Air Fryer is designed with cutting-edge DC motor technology. This basically means you can cook meals up to 46% faster than your other traditional AC motor air fryers.
This is great because it’s freeing you from the time constraints of stovetop cooking. Below are a few more of the features and benefits of this remarkable air fryer.
Key Features and Benefits
- Angled Control Panel: The user-friendly angled control panel makes it easy to choose and view settings, ensuring a smooth cooking experience.
- Whole-Family Cooking: With a 6-quart capacity, this air fryer can cook meals and sides for 3-5 people. Therefore making it perfect for family dinners.
- 9 Cooking Functions: Enjoy versatility with functions including Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, and Keep Warm. Which also means you can prepare a wide variety of dishes with just one appliance.
- Efficient DC Motor: This advanced motor ensures faster cooking times and more efficient energy usage, allowing you to prepare meals quickly without compromising on quality.
- Dishwasher-Safe Basket & Crisper Plate: Cleanup is a breeze with the nonstick basket and crisper plate that are both dishwasher-safe.
- Less Oil, Healthier Meals: Use up to 95% less oil than traditional deep frying methods, yet still achieve crispy, delicious results. In short, a healthier way to enjoy your favorite fried foods.
- 5 Fan Speeds: Corresponding with the 9 cooking functions, these speeds help control the food’s moisture levels and ensure even cooking results every time.
- Access to Online Recipes: Get inspired by a variety of chef-created recipes available online, enabling you to discover and taste new flavors every day.
- Automatic Shutoff: For added safety, the air fryer features an automatic shutoff function when the basket is removed during cooking.
With the Cosori Air Fryer, not only do you get faster and more efficient cooking, but you also have the tools to explore a world of cooking possibilities.
Whether you’re making my Air Fryer BBQ Salmon or trying out a new recipe, the Cosori Air Fryer makes cooking enjoyable and hassle-free.
Promo Code: FOODIE20
Get 20% off the purchase of the Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer
Unique Link: Taste Great Foodie’s Promo
Why I Love the Cosori Air Fryer
This Air Fryer BBQ Salmon recipe is a game-changer for me. It’s incredibly quick, taking only 6 to 9 minutes depending on the thickness of the salmon. Compared to baking, which usually requires 13 to 15 minutes, this recipe cuts the cooking time in half. Just open up the air fryer to check if the salmon is done—it’s that simple.
The Cosori air fryer fits perfectly on my countertop without taking up much space, and its basket has a surprisingly large capacity. I love that it cooks 46% faster than other air fryers, making meal prep efficient and stress-free.
For example, when I air-fried cauliflower, it was so crispy that I had to stop cooking a few minutes earlier than expected. This efficiency is consistent across various foods, from salmon to veggies.
One of my favorite features of the Cosori air fryer is its versatility. Besides air frying, you can roast, bake, and even proof dough without needing to turn on your oven. This multifunctionality is a real time-saver.
When I made this recipe for my family, it was a breeze. I quickly seasoned the salmon, applied BBQ sauce, and air-fried it while heating up leftover mashed potatoes and preparing Mexican corn.
I even roasted cauliflower before the salmon and was blown away by how quick it cooked through and crisped up just the way I like it. The result was a delicious, complete meal in record time. This air fryer makes achieving a fast, nutritious dinner one of the easiest tasks in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking salmon in the Cosori Air Fryer typically takes about 6-8 minutes at 400°F, depending on the thickness of the salmon filets. For thicker pieces, you might need an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. However, for best results, it’s recommended to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
Yes, preheating the air fryer to 400°F before placing the salmon inside helps ensure that it cooks evenly and achieves the desired texture and doneness.
To prevent sticking, lightly coat the basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil before placing the salmon inside. The nonstick surface of the basket also helps to reduce sticking.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer BBQ Salmon
I know why I love this recipe and they’re probably the same reasons why I know you’ll love this recipe.
Quick and Easy
This Air Fryer BBQ Salmon recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and a cook time of under 10 minutes, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in no time.
Delicious Flavor
The combination of sweet honey, smoky paprika, and tangy BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Each bite of salmon is perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor.
Healthy and Nutritious
Salmon is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins. By using the air fryer, you can enjoy this healthy dish with significantly less oil, making it a great option for those looking to eat well without sacrificing taste.
Versatile
This recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Enjoy it over mashed potatoes, with a side of roasted veggies, or try it with Mexican street corn for a delightful twist.
Minimal Cleanup
Thanks to the dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate of the Cosori Air Fryer, cleanup is a breeze. Spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
Family-Friendly
The flavorful, tender salmon is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, the quick cooking time and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for any home cook.
Promo Code: FOODIE20
Get 20% off the purchase of the Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer
Unique Link: Taste Great Foodie’s Promo
Serving Suggestions with Air Fryer BBQ Salmon
This Air Fryer BBQ salmon recipe pairs so well with such a large variety of sides. I’m going to share some of my favorites with you.
Veggies:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Mixed Vegetables with Garlic
- Mexican Street Corn
- Grilled Corn with Spicy Cajun Butter
- Smoked Paprika and Garlic Baked Roasted Cauliflower
- Roasted Eggplant Salad
Salads:
Other Yummy Sides:
Tips and Hacks
- Choose the Right Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon if possible. It tends to have a richer flavor and firmer texture compared to farmed salmon. If using frozen salmon, ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for the best results.
- Perfect Seasoning: For an even distribution of spices, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt together before sprinkling them over the salmon. This ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.
- Honey Hack: To make drizzling honey easier and more even, warm it slightly in the microwave or in a bowl of warm water. This will make it more fluid and easier to spread over the salmon filets.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure there’s enough space around each salmon filet in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking and crisping. If necessary, cook the salmon in batches.
- Checking Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should reach 145°F for safe consumption. If you don’t have a thermometer, the salmon should flake easily with a fork when done.
- Extra Crispy: For an extra crispy exterior, lightly spray the salmon with cooking spray before air frying. This helps to achieve a beautiful, crispy finish without adding too much oil.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking for a bright, zesty kick. You can also try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy twist.
- Easy Cleanup: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to make cleanup even easier. This can help prevent the salmon from sticking and makes removing any residue a breeze.
Storage
Refrigerating
After cooking, allow the salmon to cool to room temperature. Place the cooled salmon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, you can enjoy it cold or reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Freezing
To freeze the salmon, let it cool completely, then wrap each filet tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped salmon in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
The salmon can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the salmon overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F until heated through.
Reheating Tips
For the best results, reheat the salmon in the air fryer to maintain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon rubbery and dry.
If reheating in the oven, preheat to 350°F and place the salmon on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Other Yummy Salmon Recipes:
- Baked Blackened Salmon
- Honey Soy Glazed Salmon
- Baked Salmon with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Creamy Salmon and Asparagus Pasta
- Cajun Salmon with Tahini Salsa
Quick and Easy Air Fryer BBQ Salmon
Equipment
- Cosori Air Fryer or any air fryer
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Wash then pat dry the salmon gently with paper towel.
- Drizzle the salmon filets with honey then evenly season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce, then drizzle with olive oil.
- Place the salmon in the air fryer and air fry for 6-8minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. The time needed depends on the size of the filet. Check the salmon and air fry for another 1-2 minutes if needed until done.
- Brush with more BBQ sauce if desired. Enjoy over mashed potatoes or with a side of roasted veggies, or Mexican street corn.
Notes
Get 20% off the purchase of the Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer Unique Link: Taste Great Foodie’s Promo Choose the Right Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon if possible. It tends to have a richer flavor and firmer texture compared to farmed salmon. If using frozen salmon, ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for the best results. Perfect Seasoning: For an even distribution of spices, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt together before sprinkling them over the salmon. This ensures that each bite is packed with flavor. Honey Hack: To make drizzling honey easier and more even, warm it slightly in the microwave or in a bowl of warm water. This will make it more fluid and easier to spread over the salmon filets. Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure there’s enough space around each salmon filet in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking and crisping. If necessary, cook the salmon in batches. Checking Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should reach 145°F for safe consumption. If you don’t have a thermometer, the salmon should flake easily with a fork when done. Extra Crispy: For an extra crispy exterior, lightly spray the salmon with cooking spray before air frying. This helps to achieve a beautiful, crispy finish without adding too much oil. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking for a bright, zesty kick. You can also try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy twist. Easy Cleanup: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to make cleanup even easier. This can help prevent the salmon from sticking and makes removing any residue a breeze.
