Tender Smoky Air Fryer Salmon

Transform your weeknight meals with this incredibly easy and exceptionally flavorful BBQ salmon recipe, perfectly cooked in your air fryer. Forget the fuss and embrace the speed; in under 15 minutes, you can whip up a truly delicious and undeniably healthy dish that promises to impress your friends and family. This isn’t just another salmon recipe; it’s a culinary shortcut to a meal that’s both gourmet in taste and wonderfully simple to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your busy schedule.

The magic of cooking salmon fillets in an air fryer lies in its ability to deliver contrasting textures that tantalize your palate. The edges of each fillet achieve a desirable crispiness, creating a delightful crunch with every bite, while the center remains exquisitely flaky and moist. This perfect balance ensures a succulent piece of fish every time, making it a firm family favorite. Our no-hassle salmon recipe breaks down this culinary marvel into just three quick and straightforward steps, proving that extraordinary meals don’t require extensive effort or time. Get ready to savor perfectly cooked salmon with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Two BBQ salmon fillets glazed with sauce, resting on a plate alongside grilled zucchini, lime wedges, and sliced avocado, showcasing a healthy and vibrant meal.

Why Air Frying is Your Go-To for Salmon

The air fryer has truly revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying and a remarkably quicker method than traditional oven baking or outdoor grilling, especially for delicate proteins like salmon. When it comes to preparing BBQ salmon, the air fryer acts as a miniature convection oven, circulating intensely hot air around the fish. This consistent, even heat is precisely what creates that irresistible crispy exterior while simultaneously locking in precious moisture, preventing the salmon from drying out—a common pitfall with less controlled cooking methods. It’s an ideal solution for achieving that coveted ‘grilled’ taste and texture without having to fire up an outdoor grill, making it a perfect year-round recipe regardless of the weather.

Beyond its impressive efficiency, air frying salmon is incredibly forgiving. Even if you’re new to cooking fish, the consistent results you’ll achieve with an air fryer will build your confidence in the kitchen. The rapid cooking time also means less energy consumption and less heat radiating into your kitchen, a welcome bonus during warmer months. It’s a true game-changer for busy individuals and families seeking nutrient-rich meals that don’t compromise on flavor, quality, or convenience. Enjoy the robust, smoky flavors of BBQ salmon with the added benefits of quick and easy preparation.

Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer BBQ Salmon

One of the many beauties of this air fryer salmon recipe is its delightful simplicity, requiring only five core ingredients. Most of these staples are likely already residing in your pantry or refrigerator, further enhancing the convenience of this dish. This minimalist approach makes it the ultimate choice for a busy weeknight when you crave something wholesome, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, all without the need for extensive shopping trips or complicated measurements. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

  • Salmon Fillets: The undeniable star of our dish! For the best results, aim for high-quality, fresh, or responsibly sourced frozen fillets. Skin-on fillets are often preferred for air frying, as the skin acts as a natural protective barrier, helping to shield the delicate flesh from the intense heat and ensuring it remains wonderfully moist. The skin can then be effortlessly removed after cooking.
  • BBQ Rub (or Honey Hog BBQ Rub): This is where the rich, smoky, and savory BBQ flavor truly comes alive. A good quality rub provides a complex and aromatic blend of spices that deeply penetrates the salmon, significantly enhancing its natural taste. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought BBQ rub, or for an extra layer of flavor customization and a truly unique profile, consider trying our homemade smoky BBQ rub.
  • Butter: A small pat of butter adds a touch of luxurious richness to the salmon and helps the BBQ rub adhere beautifully to the fillet. Furthermore, it contributes significantly to achieving that desirable crispy texture and a gorgeous golden-brown finish as the salmon cooks. For those seeking a dairy-free alternative or a lighter option, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil works just as beautifully, ensuring the salmon remains moist and succulent throughout the cooking process.
  • BBQ Sauce: This is the sweet and tangy glaze that unequivocally defines our BBQ salmon. The choice of BBQ sauce allows for immense personalization; select one that perfectly complements your preferred flavor profile—whether you enjoy it smoky, delightfully sweet, with a spicy kick, or a harmonious combination of all three. This sauce is strategically brushed on towards the end of the cooking process to prevent any burning and to create that irresistible, beautifully caramelized coating.
  • Honey: A delicate drizzle of honey introduces a subtle, natural sweetness that expertly balances the savory and tangy notes inherent in both the BBQ sauce and the spice rub. Beyond its taste contribution, honey also plays a role in creating that glossy, appetizing finish on the cooked salmon, making it visually appealing. For an adventurous twist and an extra layer of warmth, consider using hot honey.

You’ll find precise quantities, detailed notes, and any additional insights for all these ingredients conveniently listed in the comprehensive recipe card, which is strategically placed at the end of this article for your easy reference.

Two perfectly air-fried salmon fillets, glistening with a generous coating of BBQ sauce, ready to be served.

Mastering BBQ Salmon in the Air Fryer: A Simple Guide

Preparing delicious BBQ salmon in your air fryer is an incredibly straightforward process, making it perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. By following these three quick and easy steps, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked, flavor-packed salmon every time, with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction:

  1. Preparation is Key: Begin by preheating your air fryer to a precise 400°F (200°C). This crucial initial step ensures even cooking and is fundamental for achieving that desirable crispy exterior from the very start. While your air fryer is heating up, meticulously prepare your salmon fillets. Pat them thoroughly dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture; this not only helps the BBQ rub adhere better but also actively promotes superior crisping during cooking. Next, generously rub the flesh side of each fillet with your chosen BBQ rub, ensuring every surface is coated. Then, place a small pat of butter directly on top of each seasoned fillet. As an excellent alternative, a delicate drizzle of high-quality olive oil works wonderfully to help the rub stick and ensures the salmon remains wonderfully moist and succulent.
  2. The Art of Air Frying: Carefully arrange the seasoned salmon fillets, skin side down, into the preheated air fryer basket. It is essential to ensure there’s ample space between each fillet for proper hot air circulation; overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy finish. Air fry the salmon for an initial period of 7-9 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary slightly, primarily depending on the thickness of your individual salmon fillets and the specific model and power of your air fryer. For thinner fillets, typically around 1-inch thick, 7 minutes might be perfectly sufficient, while thicker cuts, approximately 1.5 inches or more, may require closer to 9 minutes. To accurately check for doneness, the salmon should flake easily with a fork at its thickest part, and its internal temperature should register 145°F (63°C) when tested with an instant-read thermometer. If needed, you can cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.
  3. Glaze and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked to absolute perfection, carefully remove the air fryer basket. While the salmon is still piping hot, brush a generous and even amount of your favorite BBQ sauce over the top of each fillet, allowing the residual heat of the salmon to gently warm and meld with the sauce. For an added touch of exquisite sweetness and a beautiful, glossy sheen, drizzle a bit of honey over the sauced fillets. Serve immediately with your preferred side dishes for a truly satisfying meal. Dinner is now ready in an astonishingly short amount of time!

These detailed instructions, complete with precise ingredient quantities and helpful tips, are also conveniently available in the comprehensive recipe card located at the very bottom of this post. From there, you can easily save or print the entire recipe for effortless future use and consistent culinary success.

A plate featuring two succulent BBQ salmon fillets, beautifully brushed with sauce, accompanied by grilled squash and fresh sliced avocados.

Beyond the Recipe Card: Tips for Air Fryer Salmon Success

Enhance Your Flavor: The Magic of BBQ Rub Application

When it comes to seasoning your salmon, while the recipe specifically calls for applying the BBQ rub only to the flesh side of the fillet, we encourage you not to hold back! A generous application is key to developing a deep, rich flavor profile. The reason we focus the seasoning on the flesh side is pragmatic: we cook salmon with the skin on primarily as a protective barrier in the air fryer, which helps to prevent the delicate fish from drying out. However, since the skin is typically discarded before eating, concentrating all that delicious flavor directly onto the edible portion ensures every bite is bursting with savory notes and aromatic spices. Consider experimenting with various BBQ rubs—from those offering a sweet and smoky profile to ones with a spicy kick or zesty undertones—to discover your personal favorite. This simple yet crucial step is fundamental to transforming plain salmon into a truly memorable BBQ salmon experience.

To Skin or Not to Skin? Cooking Salmon in the Air Fryer

When preparing salmon in an air fryer, a common and perfectly valid question often arises: should you remove the skin before cooking? Our steadfast recommendation is to always cook salmon with the skin thoughtfully left on. Think of the skin as a natural, highly effective protective shield within the intense, circulating heat of the air fryer. This barrier plays a crucial role in insulating the delicate salmon flesh, meticulously preventing it from drying out and ensuring that the interior remains wonderfully moist, tender, and succulent. Furthermore, the presence of the skin actively contributes to achieving that desired crispy texture on the bottom of the fillet, adding another layer of delightful contrast to the dish. Once the salmon is perfectly cooked to your liking, the skin becomes incredibly easy to separate and remove from the tender flesh, allowing you to enjoy the succulent meat without any fuss or extra effort.

For those who love to visualize the cooking process, imagine the air fryer working its magic, circulating hot air to achieve a perfect, smoky BBQ salmon that’s crispy on the outside and wonderfully moist within. This recipe brings the essence of outdoor grilling right into your kitchen, especially when finished with a special drizzle of hot honey, adding a delightful kick.

An air-fried BBQ salmon fillet, beautifully flaked apart with a fork, served over a bed of quinoa and grilled zucchini, highlighting its tender texture.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Air Fryer BBQ Salmon

This versatile air fryer BBQ salmon pairs wonderfully with an extensive array of side dishes, making it remarkably easy to create a complete, balanced, and immensely satisfying meal for virtually any occasion. Whether you’re aiming for a light and refreshing summer dinner or a hearty, comforting meal during colder months, here are some fantastic ideas to expertly complement the rich, smoky flavors of your salmon, ensuring a harmonious culinary experience:

  • No-Knead Artisan Bread: A freshly baked, crusty loaf is absolutely perfect for soaking up any leftover BBQ sauce and adds a wonderfully rustic, comforting touch to your meal.
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes (Instant Pot): The smooth, velvety, and buttery texture of mashed potatoes provides a comforting and delightful contrast to the savory, flaky salmon.
  • Garlic Herb Roasted Fingerling Potatoes: Earthy, aromatic, and perfectly tender, these roasted potatoes are a delightful and simple side that complements the salmon without ever overpowering its exquisite flavor.
  • Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes: A touch of natural sweetness combined with a soft, fluffy interior makes roasted sweet potatoes a vibrant, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful addition to your plate.
  • Soft Potato Rolls: Light, airy, and delicately flavored, these potato rolls are excellent for a quick bite alongside your main dish or for creating mini salmon sliders.
  • Fresh Tomato Cucumber Salad: A crisp, refreshing, and vibrant salad offers a bright, tangy, and cooling counterpoint to the richness and warmth of the BBQ salmon.
  • Grilled Asparagus (or Air Fried): Simple, beautifully green, and packed with nutrients, asparagus can be quickly cooked alongside or right before your salmon in the air fryer, making meal prep a breeze.
  • Steamed Green Beans with Lemon Zest: A light, vibrant, and zesty vegetable side that adds a touch of freshness and a satisfying crunch, perfectly balancing the meal.
  • Fluffy Quinoa or Hearty Brown Rice: For a more substantial, grain-based meal, a perfectly cooked bed of quinoa or brown rice makes an excellent, wholesome foundation for the flavorful salmon, absorbing all the delicious juices.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: The slightly bitter and sweet notes of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, enhanced with a tangy balsamic glaze, create a sophisticated and incredibly flavorful pairing.

The possibilities for pairing are truly endless! Do not hesitate to experiment with your favorite seasonal vegetables, diverse grain dishes, or even different types of salads to discover your own unique and perfect combination. This versatility ensures that every meal with air fryer BBQ salmon can be a new and exciting culinary adventure.

A plate featuring two BBQ salmon fillets arranged on a bed of cooked quinoa, presenting a wholesome and appealing meal.

Cooking with Confidence: Using Frozen Salmon in Your Air Fryer

Absolutely! You can confidently and successfully use frozen salmon fillets for this exquisite air fryer BBQ salmon recipe, making it an even more incredibly convenient option for those last-minute meal planning situations. The absolute best part about this method? There’s virtually no need to thaw the salmon beforehand, which saves you precious time and considerable effort, getting dinner on the table even faster.

When cooking frozen salmon directly in the air fryer, you will simply need to adjust the cooking time slightly to properly account for the initial frozen state of the fish. This minor modification ensures your salmon cooks through perfectly while retaining all its succulent moisture. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

  1. Initial Cook for Thawing: Begin by placing the frozen salmon fillets directly into your preheated air fryer basket. It’s important to ensure they are not touching for even circulation. Cook them for an initial period of 8-9 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This crucial first step helps to gently thaw the salmon from its frozen core and initiates the cooking process without shocking the delicate flesh.
  2. Season and Finish Cooking: After the initial cooking phase, carefully remove the air fryer basket. At this point, the salmon should be mostly thawed and partially cooked, making it pliable enough to handle. Now, you can proceed to generously apply the BBQ rub and add the butter (or olive oil) to the fillets, exactly as you would with fresh salmon. Return the now-seasoned fillets to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 6-7 minutes. Continue to air fry until the salmon flakes easily with a fork at its thickest part and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), indicating perfect doneness.
  3. Glaze for Flavor: Conclude by brushing on your favorite BBQ sauce and drizzling honey, precisely as outlined in the original recipe’s serving step.

This remarkably simple method ensures that even when starting from frozen, your air fryer BBQ salmon will consistently turn out moist, flaky, and absolutely packed with incredible flavor, demonstrating the extraordinary versatility and efficiency of your air fryer. It truly transforms frozen ingredients into gourmet meals with minimal fuss.

The Abundant Health Benefits of Salmon

Beyond its delightful taste and remarkable ease of preparation, salmon stands out as an unparalleled nutritional powerhouse, offering a myriad of impressive health benefits. Incorporating this incredibly beneficial fatty fish into your diet regularly can contribute significantly to your overall well-being and long-term health.

  • Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon is universally renowned for being one of the absolute best dietary sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, specifically Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). These essential fats are critically important for optimal brain health, play a vital role in reducing systemic inflammation throughout the body, and are particularly beneficial for robust heart health, known to effectively lower blood pressure and significantly decrease the risk of serious heart disease.
  • Excellent Source of High-Quality Protein: Each generous serving of salmon delivers a substantial amount of high-quality protein. Protein is indispensable for building and repairing muscle tissues, maintaining crucial muscle mass, and effectively supporting a healthy and efficient metabolism. It’s a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids.
  • Packed with Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Salmon is a true treasure trove of vital vitamins and minerals. It’s an outstanding source of a comprehensive array of B vitamins (including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12), all of which play a pivotal role in cellular energy production and optimal brain function. Furthermore, it provides significant amounts of Vitamin D, which is absolutely essential for strong bone health and a resilient immune system, and Vitamin A, crucial for healthy vision and robust immune function. Additionally, salmon is a good source of potassium, selenium, and various powerful antioxidants.
  • Supports Bone Health: With its generous supply of Vitamin D and a notable amount of calcium (particularly if you consume canned salmon with bones, but also present in fillets), salmon actively contributes to maintaining strong and healthy bones, helping to prevent debilitating conditions like osteoporosis.
  • Boosts Brain Function: The exceptionally high content of omega-3 fatty acids makes salmon an outstanding food choice for promoting superior cognitive health. Regular consumption can potentially lead to improvements in memory, enhanced focus, and overall elevated brain performance, supporting mental clarity and sharpness.
  • Aids Weight Management: Being exceptionally high in lean protein and beneficial healthy fats, salmon promotes a strong sense of satiety, effectively helping you feel full for longer periods. This can significantly reduce overall calorie intake throughout the day, which is highly beneficial for effective weight management and maintaining a healthy body weight.

Enjoying this flavorful air fryer BBQ salmon is not merely a treat for your taste buds; it is a profoundly smart and impactful choice for fostering a healthier lifestyle, offering robust and comprehensive nutrition in every single delicious bite.

Two air-fried salmon fillets, generously brushed with BBQ sauce, presented on a plate next to grilled squash and sliced avocados, highlighting a flavorful and nutritious meal.

Why This Air Fryer BBQ Salmon Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

There are countless compelling reasons why this air fryer BBQ salmon recipe is destined to become an indispensable staple in your kitchen, earning its place as a new family favorite. It perfectly blends convenience, robust health benefits, and truly exceptional flavor, addressing all the key elements of a satisfying and wholesome meal:

  • Unbeatable Speed and Ease: The primary and most undeniable draw is undoubtedly how incredibly quickly and effortlessly you can get a healthy, gourmet-quality dinner on the table. In under 15 minutes, you can transform a few simple ingredients into a meal that tastes like it took hours of meticulous preparation. This makes it an ideal, go-to solution for even the busiest weeknights, last-minute casual gatherings, or any time you simply don’t feel like dedicating a lot of effort to cooking.
  • Year-Round BBQ Flavor: The air fryer brilliantly mimics the smoky char and robust flavors often associated with a traditional outdoor grill, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy the hearty, outdoor taste of BBQ salmon regardless of the prevailing weather conditions outside. Craving that quintessential summer BBQ experience in the middle of winter? Your trusty air fryer has you completely covered, delivering authentic flavors any time!
  • Simple, Customizable Ingredients: The ingredient list is refreshingly short, impressively basic, and relies heavily on common pantry staples alongside fresh, high-quality salmon. This inherent simplicity also lends itself wonderfully to boundless customization. Feel free to experiment with a diverse range of BBQ rubs, try various types of BBQ sauces (from sweet and mild to spicy and tangy), or even swap honey for a drizzle of rich maple syrup or an adventurous hot honey to tailor the flavor precisely to your discerning palate.
  • Healthy and Exceptionally Nutritious: As we highlighted earlier, salmon is unequivocally a nutritional powerhouse. This particular recipe provides an incredibly delicious and accessible way to incorporate essential omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality lean protein, and numerous vital vitamins and minerals into your regular diet, all while maintaining a reasonable fat content compared to less healthy, deep-fried alternatives. It’s genuinely a meal you can feel supremely good about eating and proudly serving to your loved ones.
  • Consistently Perfect Texture: The air fryer consistently excels at delivering salmon that boasts an irresistible crispy exterior while maintaining a wonderfully flaky and moist interior. Say a definitive goodbye to dry, overcooked, and unappetizing fish! The circulating hot air ensures consistently even cooking throughout and creates a delightful textural contrast that significantly elevates the entire dining experience, making every bite a pleasure.

This recipe truly checks all the essential boxes for a fantastic, well-rounded meal, making it an absolute must-try for anyone seeking a quick, profoundly healthy, and incredibly tasty dinner option that consistently delivers on its promises.

Storing and Reheating Your BBQ Salmon

Proper storage and meticulous reheating are absolutely crucial for fully enjoying your leftover air fryer BBQ salmon while diligently maintaining its delicious flavor, delicate texture, and succulent moisture. Follow these guidelines to ensure your leftovers are just as delightful as the freshly cooked meal:

  • Optimal Storage Practices: Any leftover salmon should be promptly and carefully transferred to an airtight container immediately after cooling to room temperature. This container should then be securely placed in the refrigerator. When stored correctly, your salmon will maintain its quality beautifully for approximately 3-4 days, making it an excellent candidate for convenient meal prep throughout the week or quick, ready-to-eat lunches.
  • Enjoying Cold: Cooked salmon is remarkably versatile and can be enjoyed cold with immense satisfaction! It makes a fantastic, protein-packed addition to a fresh, vibrant salad for lunch the very next day, offering a flavorful boost without requiring any extra cooking whatsoever. Simply flake it over a bed of crisp greens, add your favorite dressing, and you have an instant, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal ready in moments.
  • Reheating for Best Results: While you might be tempted to microwave salmon for speed, this method often leads to undesirable dry, rubbery results and can unfortunately fill your kitchen with a lingering, unwanted odor. To impeccably preserve the salmon’s flaky texture and vital moisture, we highly recommend gently reheating it in the oven. Place the leftover salmon in a covered baking dish, ideally with a small splash of water or broth at the bottom (this ingenious trick creates steam, effectively preventing any dryness). Reheat in a preheated oven at a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C), for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until it is just warmed through to your satisfaction. This careful method ensures your salmon remains wonderfully succulent and delicious, tasting almost as exquisite as if it were freshly prepared. Crucially, always avoid over-reheating, as this is the primary culprit behind dry, unappealing fish.

By following these simple yet effective tips, your leftover BBQ salmon will be just as enjoyable and flavorful as the freshly cooked meal, ensuring that no delicious bite ever goes to waste.

A plate of BBQ salmon resting on a bed of cooked quinoa, accompanied by grilled squash, sliced avocados, and a lime wedge, offering a complete and visually appealing meal.

Having thoroughly explored and celebrated various baked and grilled salmon recipes on our blog, it was unequivocally high time we unveiled and perfected an irresistible air fryer salmon recipe! This BBQ salmon stands out distinctively for its incredible ease of preparation and its absolutely irresistible taste. It truly offers a complete, deliciously healthy dinner solution that can be effortlessly ready on your table in under 15 minutes, making it an indispensable and invaluable recipe for any home cook looking for unparalleled efficiency without ever sacrificing an iota of flavor. Embrace the air fryer magic and elevate your weeknight meals!

More Delicious Salmon Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve fallen completely in love with the sheer convenience and vibrant flavor of this air fryer BBQ salmon, you’ll be absolutely thrilled to discover even more of our exciting and creatively crafted salmon creations. Salmon, being a wonderfully versatile fish, is perfectly suited for a myriad of preparations and can effortlessly adapt to countless flavor profiles. Here are some other cherished and highly recommended salmon recipes from our extensive collection that we are confident you’ll absolutely adore, further expanding your culinary repertoire:

  • Sweet and Spicy Orange Salmon: A vibrant, zestfully citrus-infused dish with a tantalizing sweet and spicy kick that’s both wonderfully refreshing and deeply satisfying to the palate.
  • Maple Bacon Mustard Salmon: A truly unique and harmonious blend of savory, deliciously sweet, and subtly tangy flavors, all magnificently elevated by the irresistible crispness of perfectly cooked bacon.
  • Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls: An exceptionally quick and incredibly healthy weeknight option, featuring perfectly glazed teriyaki salmon served over a bed of fluffy rice and an assortment of fresh, crisp vegetables.
  • Easy Garlic Butter Salmon: A timeless and universally beloved combination that exquisitely highlights the rich, natural flavors of salmon with aromatic garlic and creamy, luxurious butter, resulting in a simple yet elegant dish.
  • Apricot Lemon Salmon: A bright and deliciously fruity recipe that masterfully marries the subtle, delicate sweetness of apricot with the zesty, invigorating freshness of lemon, creating a light, delicate, and profoundly flavorful dish.
  • Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: A lusciously sticky, perfectly sweet, and wonderfully savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully around the salmon, perfect for a quick yet incredibly impressive meal that’s bursting with flavor.
  • Lemon Dill Baked Salmon: A classic, aromatic, and comforting preparation that timelessly enhances salmon’s natural taste with the bright, herbaceous notes of fresh dill and the invigorating zest of lemon.

Each of these carefully crafted recipes offers a distinct and delightful flavor journey, unequivocally proving just how incredibly adaptable, wonderfully versatile, and consistently delightful salmon can be in any culinary setting. Dive in, explore, and discover exciting new ways to savor and enjoy this incredible superfood in your own kitchen!

Air Fryer BBQ Salmon

By
Sweet Basil
Prep
5 mins
Cook
8 mins
Total
13 mins
Servings
2
A perfectly cooked BBQ salmon fillet from the air fryer, ready to be served.

Ingredients

  • 2 Salmon Fillets
  • BBQ Rub, or Honey Hog Rub (see note for link)
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter, divided, or olive oil
  • BBQ Sauce
  • Honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Rub each fillet with BBQ rub and place a pat of butter on top or drizzle with olive oil and then rub.
    2 Salmon Fillets, BBQ Rub, 2 Tablespoons Butter
  3. Place the salmon in the air fryer and air fry for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. Please note, times may vary depending on the size of the fillet and air fryer. Open fryer and check for desired doneness; return for 1-2 minutes as needed.
  4. Serve with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and honey.
    BBQ Sauce, Honey

Recipe Notes

Honey Hog BBQ Rub is a recommended option.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 fillet, Calories: 342kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.01g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 124mg, Sodium: 165mg, Potassium: 836mg, Sugar: 0.01g, Vitamin A: 418IU, Calcium: 24mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Two BBQ salmon fillets glazed with sauce, resting on a plate alongside grilled zucchini, lime wedges, and sliced avocado, showcasing a healthy and vibrant meal.