If you’re hungry and craving something good and good for you, all you need is 15 minutes to make this scrumptious air fried salmon recipe. Serve with potatoes, rice and/or veggies and voila! Dinner is served.
Homemade Air Fried BBQ Rubbed Salmon
Y’all know I love my air fryer. I’ll admit that I originally had doubts, but I am a now a firm believer. Considering my most popular recipe is air fried, I think y’all are, too. We’ve air fried everything from Chicken Cordon Bleu to Brussels sprouts to now SALMON! These salmon filets are rubbed with a scrumptious Southern style dry barbecue seasoning that’s going to knock your socks off. Did I mention it’s super easy and ready in about 15 minutes?
What Is an Air Fryer Anyway?
An air fryer is a small kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around food by using a convection mechanism. It’s typically found as a standalone appliance, but some ovens have this feature built in now.
It’s no secret these small appliances have become poplar among home cooks as they provide a healthy alternative to deep frying and serve as a multipurpose cooker. Not to mention much easier clean-up.
What Should I Look for When Buying Salmon?
Look for salmon that is bright and saturated in color. It shouldn’t be dull or have brown spots on the flesh or bruises on the skin. Salmon should smell like it’s from the sea but should not smell fishy or sour.
What Is a Dry Rub?
A dry rub is a mixture of dry ingredients that are rubbed onto the surface of meats before cooking to add flavor. Commonly used on chicken and beef, it’s also a great option for heartier fish like salmon.
Key Ingredients
You only need 8 pantry staple ingredients to make this Air Fryer BBQ Salmon at home:
- Dark Brown Sugar (offers a stronger molasses flavor for the barbecue rub than light brown sugar)
- Smoked paprika
- Ground mustard
- Garlic powder
- Kosher salt
- Ground pepper
- Olive oil
- Salmon (wild-caught preferred)
How To Make Air Fried BBQ Rubbed Salmon
Making your own Air Fryer BBQ Salmon at home is as easy as preheating your air fryer, rubbing your salmon fillets with the barbecue seasoning, and cooking it until the salmon is flakey, but not dry.
What To Serve with Air Fried BBQ Rubbed Salmon
- Broccolini Mushroom Salad
- Panfried Risotto Cakes (also cook well in the air fryer)
- Air Fried Brussel Sprouts
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. (This Air Fried BBQ Rubbed Salmon recipe is great for meal-prepping!)
- It’s best not to freeze cooked fish, as it will become dry, so we do not recommend freezing leftovers.
- Reheat leftover salmon in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the air fryer for 5 minutes. Avoid overcooking and drying the salmon out. Can also eat cold!
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes To Try
If you’re feeling inspired by my air fried salmon recipe, you’ll love these other air fryer recipes:
Air Fried BBQ Rubbed Salmon
Air Fried BBQ Rubbed Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound salmon
Instructions
- Into a small bowl mix sugar, paprika, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Rub olive oil over top and sides of salmon filets. Follow with rub mixture.
- Spray basket of air fryer with non-stick cooking spray. Place salmon into air fryer basket.
- Set air fryer to 400 degrees and cook for approximately 10 minutes OR until salmon is flaky. Check at 8 minutes. Time will depend on the thickness of your filets and your air fryer.
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