Here’s a quick, flavorful Spicy Air Fryer Salmon recipe — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a spicy kick.
🌶️🐟 Spicy Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients (2–4 servings)
- 2–4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional garnish: lime wedges, chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Prep the salmon
- Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Drizzle olive oil over the fillets.
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
2. Preheat the air fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
3. Cook the salmon
- Place fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if applicable.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7–10 minutes, depending on thickness (internal temperature should reach 145°F / 63°C).
- Check halfway; fillets should be slightly crispy on the edges and tender inside.
4. Serve
- Serve immediately with lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
- Pairs well with rice, quinoa, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
✨ Tips & Variations
- Extra spicy: brush with hot sauce or sriracha before cooking.
- Citrus twist: add lemon or orange zest to the spice rub.
- Sweet heat: drizzle with honey or maple syrup before air frying for a sweet-spicy glaze.
- Crispier skin: air fry skin-on fillets skin-side down for a few minutes longer.
- Meal prep: cook extra fillets and store in the fridge for 2–3 days; reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
I can also give a ready-in-15-minutes version with a honey-sriracha glaze for extra flavor punch. Do you want me to do that?
