Air Fryer BBQ Salmon

Air fryer BBQ salmon is so easy to make! This salmon only uses a few simple ingredients and can be ready in less than 15 minutes start to finish.

If you've seen some of my other recipes, you know my love for air fryer salmon.

I make air fryer salmon several times a week, and I love playing around with new flavors. But recently I realized I hadn't made salmon using bbq sauce. So of course, I tried it a few times and came up with a recipe for it.

And it's so good. Seriously. I can't believe I hadn't made this before. Adding this to the dinner rotation.

There are so many reasons to love this dish. First, salmon is healthy. And bbq sauce adds that delicious flavor that just makes me happy (coming from a Texas girl here who grew up eating delicious bbq).

Second, it's so easy! It only uses 6 ingredients! Four if you don't include salt and pepper.

And quick. There is zero marinade time required, no preheating time, and the salmon cooks up in less than 10 minutes.

Can you see why I love the air fryer bbq salmon so much? Flavorful and delicious, easy, fast. Perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillet - This can be fresh or frozen, but if using frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• BBQ Sauce - You can use whatever type of bbq sauce you love! I used a mesquite bbq sauce here.
• Salt and pepper

How to customize

While I used smoked paprika to add an additional boost of flavor, you could use chili powder instead or regular paprika.

Instead of (or in addition to) onion powder, you could also use garlic powder.

If you want a little sweetness to your air fryer bbq salmon, add ½ a teaspoon honey or brown sugar to the bbq sauce and mix together before adding to your salmon.

What to serve with the salmon

If you're wanting to serve the air fryer bbq salmon with a side dish that is made in the air fryer, I recommend air fryer smashed potatoes, air fryer radishes, air fryer mini potatoes, air fryer sweet potato wedges, air fryer green beans and bacon, or air fryer lemon asparagus.

If looking for a side dish NOT made in the air fryer, I love these crispy battered french fries, roasted red cabbage, or smashed cucumber and mint salad.

Recipe notes

• All air fryers cook a little differently. Cook time will depend both on your air fryer and on the thickness of your salmon. Thinner fillets may be ready at 6 minutes, while thicker fillets may take 8 minutes. (Mine was on the thicker side and took 8 minutes).
• To prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer, either brush or spray the basket with oil or use air fryer parchment paper.
• This recipe serves 1, but is easy to double, triple, or quadruple.
• I typically cook the salmon with the skin on, and then remove after cooking. However, you can take the skin off prior to cooking if you prefer.

How to make air fryer bbq salmon

Take your salmon fillet and pat dry with paper towels. Place salmon on a plate.

Season with the onion powder and smoked paprika. Then rub into the top surface of the salmon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Add bbq sauce to the top and spread over the top.

Brush or spray the air fryer basket to prevent salmon from sticking. (Or use air fryer parchment paper, like I did).

Place salmon in the air fryer basket.

Air fry at 400 degrees F (200 degrees celsius) for 6-8 minutes or until salmon is done to your preferred temperature.

Plate and enjoy!

More air fryer salmon recipes

• Air fryer salmon with crispy skin
• Air fryer brown sugar salmon
• Air fryer pesto salmon
• Air fryer maple dijon salmon
• Air fryer honey mustard salmon
• Air fryer miso salmon
• Air fryer honey garlic salmon