Air Fryer Harissa Salmon

Air fryer harissa salmon is flavorful and can be ready in less than 15 minutes! The salmon has the perfect combination of spice, sweetness, and brightness. A healthy and delicious salmon recipe for lunch or dinner.

this recipe

Salmon in the air fryer is always so good. I love how perfectly flaky the salmon comes out. And it's so quick and easy!

This air fryer harissa salmon is so delicious. It's a little spicy from the harissa, bright and citrusy from the lemon, with the perfect slight touch of sweetness from the honey.

And it's ready in less than 15 minutes!

You can make this with fresh or frozen salmon. If making with frozen salmon, you will want to thaw the salmon ahead of time to make sure it cooks properly. You can do this in a bowl of water or in the refrigerator overnight.

Ingredients

• Salmon - I typically use wild Alaskan salmon, but use what you have! You can use frozen salmon, just thaw it before cooking.
• Harissa - I use jarred harissa for this recipe.
• Lemon - You'll use lemon juice for the harissa sauce. Save a few slices if you like for serving!
• Honey
• Salt + Pepper

What type of harissa to use

For this recipe, you'll use jarred harissa.

Harissa can come in a variety of spice levels (mild, medium, spicy). If you love your dishes spicy, then opt for the spicy kind! If you don't like as much heat in your dishes, choose a mild harissa.

Don't have harissa? Check out these alternatives to harissa.

What type of air fryer to use

You can use any type of air fryer to make this recipe. Basket or tray style air fryers both work.

Since this is a single-serving recipe, it can also be made in small air fryers.

How to customize

Want a little more sweetness? Add more honey! Want more spice? Add a spicy harissa.

If you find that you want more flavor, add some smoked paprika to the salmon before adding the harissa sauce.

Want air fryer salmon with crispy skin? Try this recipe.

What to serve with the harissa salmon

The air fried harissa salmon is a delicious main dish! I love pairing it with air fryer broccolini, air fryer smashed potatoes, or air fryer lemon asparagus.

Recipe notes

• All air fryers cook differently. Adjust cooking times as needed.
• Cooking time may depend on the thickness of your salmon (and desired level of doneness). Thicker pieces of salmon will take longer to cook.
• While I cook my salmon with the skin on (and then remove after cooking), you can remove before cooking if desired.

How to make air fryer harissa salmon

Dry the salmon with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then remove the paper towels from the plate.

Make the harissa sauce - add harissa, juice from ½ a lemon, and honey to a small bowl. Stir to combine.

Add the harissa sauce to the top of the salmon.

Place the salmon skin side down (sauce side up) in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380 degrees for 7-10 minutes. Cook time will depend on the thickness of your salmon and desired level of doneness.

Plate and enjoy!

Not sure if an air fryer is right for you? Check out air fryer pros and cons.

Other recipes using harissa

• Harissa roasted acorn squash
• Air fryer harissa chicken
• Harissa honey chicken
• Harissa vinaigrette
• Harissa roasted tomatoes
• Harissa butter
• Harissa scrambled eggs
• Harissa cauliflower with tahini
• Creamy harissa pasta

More air fryer salmon recipes