Indulge in the savory delight of air-fryer BBQ Salmon, a quick and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Marinated in BBQ sauce, this salmon emerges from the air fryer crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal in minutes, guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
Experimenting with my air fryer has become a fun adventure in my kitchen, and one of my recent successes has been making salmon with BBQ or Buffalo sauce. It’s a dish that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to prepare.
Serving it up to my family is always a delight and makes the simple joy of cooking with the air fryer even sweeter. Moments like these remind me why I love spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals that bring us all together.
Why is this the best recipe
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper creates a rich and delicious marinade that infuses the salmon with smoky and savory flavors.
- Healthier Cooking Method: Using the air fryer reduces the oil needed for cooking, making this recipe a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and a short marinating time, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Moist and Tender Salmon: The air fryer cooks the salmon fillets evenly, resulting in moist and tender fish that flakes easily with a fork.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Salmon fillets: The main protein source for the dish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. If desired, you can use other types of fish fillets, such as trout or tilapia.
- BBQ sauce: Provides the signature smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor to the fish. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can create a homemade version by combining ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture to the salmon and helps the BBQ sauce stick to the fillets. You can use avocado oil or vegetable oil as a substitute for olive oil.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor to the marinade, enhancing the BBQ sauce’s smokiness. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor to the marinade. You can use fresh minced garlic or garlic paste instead of garlic powder.
Step-by-step: BBQ salmon recipe
- Thaw the salmon and pat it dry with a paper towel. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish. Brush with olive oil, then season it with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with garlic powder and paprika. Marinate for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place them in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
- Brush the salmon with BBQ sauce, then air-fry for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until the fish is cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
- Serve the salmon hot, garnished with lemon wedges.
Air Fryer BBQ Salmon Recipe
Indulge in the savory delight of air-fryer BBQ Salmon, a quick and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Marinated in a compelling blend of BBQ sauce, olive oil, and spices, this salmon emerges from the air fryer crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal in minutes, guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
Video
Ingredients
- 1 lbs (500 grams) Salmon fillets – about 3 to 4 pieces
- ½ cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- ½ tsp Salt to taste
- ½ tsp Black pepper powder
- Lemon wedges for serving
Method
- Thaw the salmon and pat it dry with a paper towel. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish. Brush them with olive oil, then season them with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with garlic powder and paprika. Marinate for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator.1 lbs Salmon fillets – about 3 to 4 pieces, 1 tbsp Olive oil, 1 tsp Smoked paprika, ½ tsp Garlic powder, ½ tsp Salt , ½ tsp Black pepper powder
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place them in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
- Brush the salmon with BBQ sauce and air-fry again for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the fish is cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets.½ cup BBQ sauce
- Serve the BBQ air fryer salmon hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.Lemon wedges
Notes
- Use fresh salmon: Fresh salmon will have the best flavor and texture. Look for fillets that are firm, moist, and have a bright color.
- Marinate for flavor: Marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish. You can marinate it for longer for a more intense flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure that they cook evenly. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small.
- Check for doneness: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C).
- Serve immediately: Serve the salmon hot, garnished with lemon wedges, if desired. Enjoy it as a main dish, or use it in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Experiment with different sauces: Try using different flavors of BBQ sauce or adding other seasonings to create your own unique marinade.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
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Frequently asked questions
It’s recommended to marinate the salmon for at least 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish. You can marinate it for longer for a more intense flavor.
Yes, you can use other types of fish fillets, such as trout or tilapia. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the fillets.
Yes, depending on your preferences, you can use different types of BBQ sauce or marinades. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.
Yes, you can grill BBQ salmon instead of using an air fryer. Simply grill the salmon over medium-high heat for about 4-6 minutes per side or until it flakes easily with a fork.
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C).
Yes, you can use frozen salmon for BBQ salmon. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before marinating and cooking.
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Hi, I’m Veena
I’m the recipe developer, baker, and food photographer behind Veena Azmanov Kitchen.
I’ve spent years developing and testing recipes, from everyday meals and homemade breads to cakes and desserts.
I share the practical tips and little details I’ve learned along the way so you can get great results in your own kitchen.
So Which is it? Marinate coated with sauce for 30 mins+ –OR– brush with sauce after 400F for 8 mins and air Fry an addit ional 5-6 mins?
Please Advise, John
[email protected]
Hey John,
First, marinate for 15 minutes (but 30 minutes works too)
Preheat the air fryer for 3 – 5 minutes
Cook for 8 mins at 400°F
Then brush with BBQ and cook for an additional 5 – 6 minutes
Nice and easy recipe. I had all the ingredients and home and I was able to fix dinner in just a few minutes. So tasty. Thanks for the great and quick recipe!
we live our air fryer. This way of doing salmon in is is amazing. The BBQ sauce pairs so well with salmon and that glaze that happens is a texture and flavor bomb!
love it!
I love the bbq flavor but because I have no bbq at home, making it in the airfryer is the way to do it! The salmon came out so juicy and flavorful, we loved it!
Who knew making salmon in the air fryer would be so good? The salmon was cooked to tender perfection and I didn’t have to heat up the kitchen . Thanks for a great recipe , this is my go to all summer dish.
This BBQ salmon recipe is so smoky, flavorful, and delicious! The fact that it’s made in the air fryer makes it even better…tasty and easy!!