This Easy Air Fryer BBQ Salmon is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky, tangy flavor. Ready in minutes, it’s a simple, healthy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Make weeknight dinners effortless with Easy Air Fryer BBQ Salmon.
This recipe delivers perfectly cooked, tender salmon fillets coated in a smoky, tangy barbecue glaze, all in just minutes.
Using the air fryer ensures a crisp, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flaky, making it an impressive yet simple meal for busy evenings or a quick healthy dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Tender & Juicy: Air fryer locks in moisture while giving a slightly crispy exterior.
- Flavor-Packed: Sweet, smoky BBQ glaze enhances the natural salmon flavor.
- Healthy & Light: Protein-rich salmon cooked with minimal oil makes a guilt-free meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve with rice, salad, or roasted veggies for a complete dinner.
Ingredients Needed
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless, about 6 ounces each.
- BBQ Seasoning: Bold, smoky BBQ seasoning to coat salmon evenly.
- Olive Oil: Light olive oil to help salmon crisp in air fryer.
- Salt: Pinch of salt to enhance the natural salmon flavor.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper for subtle heat and seasoning.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the salmon flavor.
- Fresh Herbs (optional): Chopped parsley or dill for garnish and visual appeal.
How To Make Easy Air Fryer BBQ Salmon
Step One: Set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking oil.
Step Two: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil, then season generously with BBQ seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Step Three: Place salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs for garnish.
Step Four: Enjoy the BBQ-seasoned salmon on its own, with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a quick and flavorful meal.
Easy Air Fryer BBQ Salmon Tips
- Dry the Salmon First: Patting the fillets dry helps the seasoning stick and improves texture.
- Use Even Thickness: Similar-sized fillets cook at the same rate and prevent overcooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between fillets so hot air circulates properly.
- Check Early: Thicker cuts may need an extra minute, but salmon dries out fast.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the salmon rest for 1-2 minutes so juices settle.
Storing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or until heated through.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as cooked salmon can lose texture once reheated.
Other Cooking Instructions
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season salmon as directed and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Cook seasoned salmon skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, flip, and cook another 2–3 minutes until done.
- Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium heat. Place seasoned salmon on foil or a greased grill grate and grill for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Easy Air Fryer BBQ Salmon Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning for best results.
What BBQ seasoning works best? Use a smoky BBQ rub without added sugar to avoid burning in the air fryer.
How do I know when salmon is done? Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internally.
Can I leave the skin on? Yes, skin-on salmon works great and helps hold the fillet together.
Is this recipe spicy? Only if your BBQ seasoning is spicy. Choose mild or hot based on preference.
What should I serve with it? Great with rice, roasted vegetables, air fryer potatoes, or a fresh salad.
More Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipes
Olive Garden Salmon Bruschetta Recipe
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Easy Air Fryer BBQ Salmon
Description
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons BBQ seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt, optional, adjust to seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil.
- Pat 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season evenly with 1½ tablespoons BBQ seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Place salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove salmon from the air fryer and let rest for 1–2 minutes. Serve with Lemon wedges and garnish with Fresh parsley if desired.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray, or Parchment paper
Notes
Other Cooking Instructions
Oven Method:Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season salmon as directed and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Stovetop Method:
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Cook seasoned salmon skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, flip, and cook another 2–3 minutes until done. Grill Method:
Preheat grill to medium heat. Place seasoned salmon on foil or a greased grill grate and grill for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Nutrition
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