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air fryer BBQ salmon served on a white platter with Mexican corn, crispy cauliflower, and avocado slices
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Quick and Easy Air Fryer BBQ Salmon

A simple recipe that still packs a ton of flavor and can be served with a variety of sides.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time13 minutes
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried salmon, air fryer, Air Fryer BBQ Salmon, air fryer salmon, BBQ salmon, easy meals, quick meals
Servings: 2 Servings
Author: Lama

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 Salmon filets or ½ pound cubed salmon
  • 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Olive Oil enough for a drizzle

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

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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.

Nutrition

Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 346mg | Potassium: 920mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 373IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg