Air fryer BBQ salmon

Name: Air Fryer BBQ Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 cup bbq sauce

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This quick and easy air fryer bbq salmon recipe includes 4 simple ingredients, like skin-on salmon and your favorite barbecue sauce, to make a mouthwatering dish in under 20 minutes. Serve perfectly sticky-sweet and lightly crisp fish fillets with classic comfort food sides for a delicious southern-style dinner in a snap!

This classic air fryer salmon fillets recipe is something you will also enjoy if you love salmon.

air fried salmon with bbq sauce with broccoli on the plate

I simply can’t get enough seafood! There is such a great variety of proteins and tastes, from tender briny shrimp to flaky sweet fish. It’s impossible to choose one favorite… But skin-on salmon fillets are definitely at the top of my list. And what better way to prepare one of my favorite types of fish than to use one of my favorite cooking methods? I am big-time in love with this air fryer bbq salmon recipe, and I’m sure it’s going to become a favorite of yours, too!

Here we take just 4 pantry staple ingredients and turn them into a delicious restaurant-quality main dish that’s fit for any night of the week. Prep is minimal and takes practically zero effort. And the fish marinates for just a quick 10 minutes before cooking.

However, you do not need to put together an actual marinade with oils and aromatics. Instead, combine your favorite bbq sauce with a couple of basic spices to add bold flavor to the salmon! Then place the fish in the fryer basket and cook undisturbed. In no time the salmon is crisp and fork-flaky, and beautifully caramelized with bbq sauce.

From start to finish this recipe will have dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes! Serve sweet and tender BBQ salmon fillets alongside hearty starches and veggies, use the fish for topping salads and pasta, or include in satisfying grain bowls loaded with extra goodies.

Recipe ingredients

Salmon fillets. Skin-on fillets with the pin bones removed. Use fresh or previously frozen fish that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator per the package instructions. I usually let them defrost in the fridge overnight in a pan to catch any moisture. Pat the fish dry with a clean lint-free towel before seasoning.

Garlic powder and paprika. These spices are the perfect combination of earthy, smoky, and savory. Together they balance the sweetness of the fish and bbq sauce.

BBQ sauce. Use your preferred brand and of choice of bbq flavor… There are different varieties that are sweet, spicy, or smoky. I prefer my sauce more sweet and peppery versus spicy, but feel free to choose whichever you like.

Optional: add some smoked salsa to BBQ sauce for a spice kick and unique flavor.

Step by step instructions

Start by placing the two salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping; each piece should lay flat. Air fryer needs space for the hot air to circulate.

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two seasoned salmon fillets in air fryer

Next, take the garlic powder and paprika, and sprinkle it over the salmon fillets. These spices will give a nice, savory flavor to the salmon.

Now, get your BBQ sauce and a brush. Gently brush the BBQ sauce over the top of the spiced salmon fillets. The sauce will add a delicious, tangy glaze that’ll caramelize slightly when cooked.

Turn the air fryer up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let the salmon cook. You’ll want to set a timer for about 7 minutes. At this temperature, the salmon will cook thoroughly, becoming beautifully tender and flaky.

brushing bbq sauce on top of salmon fillets

After the timer goes off, check the salmon to make sure it’s cooked through. It should flake easily with a fork and have a nice, golden color from the BBQ sauce and spices.

Frequently asked questions

How do you keep salmon from sticking to the air fryer?

Keep the fillets from sticking and cut down on mess by lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Add the paper after the fryer has preheated, right as you are ready to place the salmon into the basket.

Do you cook salmon skin up or down in the air fryer?

Skin-on salmon should be cooked skin-side down in the air fryer. Because the appliance circulates hot air all around the food, keeping the skin down ensures an even crispiness on the skin while the meat also gets nice and caramelized.

Do you have to flip salmon in air fryer?

No, there is no need to flip when cooking skin-on fish fillets. Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket and it will get perfectly crisp all around.

How long should you let salmon marinate?

We only marinate the fish for about 10 minutes in this quick and easy recipe. It is enough time for the seasoning and bbq sauce to flavor the meat without making the salmon have an overwhelmingly strong barbecue taste. You still want that delicious natural sweetness of the fish to shine!

Does salmon need to be thawed before air frying?

You can technically cook salmon fillets from frozen in the air fryer. But I personally prefer to thaw them entirely before cooking.

The frozen fish will still need to marinate in the bbq sauce. But because the sauce isn’t able to really penetrate the frozen meat, it won’t be quite as flavorful as thawed fish. I suggest defrosting the salmon in the fridge overnight (or for at least 6 hours) prior to making this recipe.

air fryer bbq salmon fillets with broccoli

Leftovers and reheating

Store leftover air fryer bbq salmon in the air tight plastic or glass container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave for 1 minutes or until heated through.