Dinner

Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Bylilan Sage February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

Introduction

This Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flavorful salmon cubes with a crispy, golden exterior and juicy, tender inside. It’s an easy, quick way to enjoy salmon packed with smoky and spicy seasonings.

The image shows a close-up of a black air fryer basket filled with small, crispy, golden-brown cubes of food that look well-cooked with a textured, crunchy surface. The air fryer itself is white, and a woman's hand lightly holds the handle at the bottom left of the frame. The crispy cubes are evenly spread inside the basket, and the background is a white marbled texture. 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 excess moisture. Cut the salmon into 1 to 2 inch cubes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cornstarch, and salt.
Step 3: Toss the salmon cubes with the spice mixture and oil, using your hands to ensure each piece is coated evenly.
Step 4: Place the salmon cubes in the air fryer basket, spreading them out so they are not overlapping.
Step 5: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. The salmon should be golden and textured on the outside, and juicy inside. For a slightly medium doneness, reduce the time to 6-7 minutes.

Tips & Variations

Use skinless salmon to avoid extra crisping time and make cutting easier.
Adjust chili powder to taste for more or less heat.
Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
If you don’t have cornstarch, a small amount of flour or arrowroot powder can be used instead.

Storage

Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at low heat to maintain the crispy exterior without drying out the fish.

How to Serve

A woman’s hand holds a dark gray plate with three main layers: the bottom layer is soft, pale beige pita bread folded neatly on one side; the middle layer consists of golden-brown, crispy fried chicken pieces, some with a creamy white sauce on top; the top layer is a fresh salad made of green leafy lettuce and bright red cherry tomato halves, mixed with a thick white creamy dressing filled with small green herb bits. A fork rests on the plate, partially under the chicken and salad. The background is a white marbled texture. 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 skin on?

Yes, you can leave the skin on if you like. It will crisp up nicely, but cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly to ensure the flesh cooks through.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the salmon cubes in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 10-12 minutes, spreading them out on a lined baking sheet.