Cooking salmon has never been easier or more flavorful than with this Air Fryer Salmon recipe. It yields tender, flaky fish with a beautifully golden exterior in just minutes. Paired with a creamy, tangy, and spicy mayo sriracha sauce, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests on special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, simple, and requires minimal cleanup thanks to the air fryer. The salmon turns out juicy and flavorful, with a crisp edge that rivals pan-searing or oven-roasting. The mayo sriracha sauce adds a creamy, spicy kick that complements the rich fish perfectly. It’s versatile, healthy, and satisfying—all with very little effort.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Air Fryer Salmon:
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2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Mayo Sriracha Sauce:
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3 tbsp mayonnaise
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1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp lime or lemon juice
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½ tsp honey (optional, for balance)
directions
1. Prepare the salmon:
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Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
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Brush with olive oil and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Air fry the salmon:
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
4. Place the salmon in the air fryer basket, skin side down if applicable.
5. Cook for 7–9 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the surface is golden.
3. Make the mayo sriracha sauce:
6. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon or lime juice, and honey (if using). Stir until smooth.
4. Serve:
7. Plate the salmon and drizzle with the mayo sriracha sauce or serve it on the side.
8. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total time: 13 minutes
Variations
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Add Veggies: Air fry sliced zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers alongside the salmon.
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Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to the seasoning.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve with a side of cauliflower rice or a leafy green salad.
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Creamy Dill Sauce: Substitute the sriracha mayo with Greek yogurt, lemon, and dill for a milder flavor.
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Sweet & Spicy Glaze: Mix honey and sriracha to brush over the salmon before air frying.
storage/reheating
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in the air fryer or oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying.
Store the sauce separately in the fridge for up to 1 week.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
Do I need to flip the salmon in the air fryer?
No, there’s no need to flip if the air fryer circulates air evenly. Cook skin-side down.
What’s the best temperature to cook salmon in the air fryer?
400°F (200°C) works best for a crispy exterior and tender interior.
How do I know when salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use another fish?
Yes, cod, trout, or halibut also work well with this method.
Is the sauce spicy?
The spice level is moderate. Adjust the sriracha to suit your taste.
Can I make this sauce dairy-free?
Yes, just ensure your mayonnaise is dairy-free (most are).
What can I serve with this dish?
Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad pair well.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating ensures even cooking and a crisp finish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce can be made ahead, but the salmon is best cooked fresh for ideal texture.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Salmon with Spicy Mayo Sriracha Sauce is a fast, flavorful, and foolproof way to enjoy perfectly cooked salmon. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have a dish that’s both elegant and easy. Whether for a quick dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Print
Air Fryer Salmon with Spicy Mayo Sriracha Sauce
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fryer Salmon with Mayo Sriracha Sauce is an easy and flavorful meal featuring perfectly flaky salmon with a crisp exterior, paired with a creamy, spicy sauce. Ideal for weeknights or elegant dinners. Keywords: air fryer salmon, spicy mayo salmon, sriracha salmon recipe, healthy salmon dinner, quick salmon in air fryer
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
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2 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Mayo Sriracha Sauce:
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3 tbsp mayonnaise
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1 tbsp sriracha sauce
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1 tsp lime juice
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1/2 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the Salmon:
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Pat salmon fillets dry and brush with olive oil.
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Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Air Fry the Salmon:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Place salmon in the basket skin-side down.
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Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
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Make the Sauce:
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sriracha, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
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Serve:
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Plate the salmon with a drizzle of sauce and lemon wedges. Serve with rice, veggies, or salad.
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Instructions
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Prep the Salmon:
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Pat salmon fillets dry and brush with olive oil.
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Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Air Fry the Salmon:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Place salmon in the basket skin-side down.
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Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
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Make the Sauce:
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sriracha, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
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Serve:
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Plate the salmon with a drizzle of sauce and lemon wedges. Serve with rice, veggies, or salad.
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Notes
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Adjust sriracha to your spice preference.
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Use parchment or foil in the air fryer for easier cleanup.
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Great with a side of roasted broccoli or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired