Name: Spicy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 oz salmon fillets, skin on or off; ¼ cup Kewpie mayo; 1 tbsp sriracha, more or less to taste; ½ tsp sesame oil; ¼ tsp salt; ⅛ tsp black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 12 reviews

I absolutely love how quickly and effortlessly I can whip up a flavorsome dinner with this Spicy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe. The combination of tender, juicy salmon kissed by a creamy, spicy sauce is a total game changer in my kitchen, especially when I need something that feels special but comes together in minutes. Whether I’m craving a spicy kick on a busy weeknight or something impressive to serve guests, this recipe always hits the spot with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

What truly makes this recipe stand out to me is the perfect balance of flavors—creamy kewpie mayo mixed with sriracha and a hint of sesame oil creates a spicy, tangy glaze that complements the rich salmon beautifully. The heat level is just right to excite your palate without overpowering the natural flavor of the fish. It’s like getting restaurant-quality salmon at home with next to no effort.

Another reason I adore this Spicy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. I’m talking about only a few minutes for prep and then the air fryer does all the magic while I get to relax or prepare the rest of my meal. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family dinner, a quick solo meal, or even when I want to impress friends with a fuss-free fancy dish. Plus, it cooks fast yet stays moist and flaky every time, which I find hard to achieve on the stove or in the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two cooked salmon fillets with a golden brown top layer and a slightly darker edge sit side by side on a square piece of white parchment paper inside a black air fryer basket. They have a light sprinkle of black pepper across their smooth, slightly shiny surface. The air fryer basket rests on a warm wooden surface, and in the top left corner, there is a small clear white bowl containing slices of garlic in some liquid. The setting is simple and clean, with the focus on the salmon pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients, all bringing essential qualities to the dish. Each one plays a vital role in enhancing the flavor, texture, or aroma to create a deliciously balanced salmon dinner.

Salmon Fillets (10 oz): Choose fresh fillets with skin on or off based on your preference for that juicy, tender base.
Kewpie Mayo (¼ cup): This Japanese mayo adds creaminess with a touch of umami that regular mayo just can’t match.
Sriracha (1 tbsp): Gives the perfect spicy kick, but you can adjust more or less to your taste.
Sesame Oil (½ tsp): A small amount infuses a subtle nutty aroma that rounds out the flavors wonderfully.
Salt (¼ tsp): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon and sauce.
Black Pepper (⅛ tsp): Adds a gentle heat and depth without dominating the other ingredients.

Directions

Step 1: Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel—this helps the sauce stick better and ensures you get a nice texture when cooked. Place the fillets skin side down (if they have skin) on a piece of parchment paper inside your air fryer basket for easy cleanup.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the kewpie mayo, sriracha, and sesame oil. This is the magic spicy sauce that will elevate your salmon. Stir it until fully blended.

Step 3: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the sauce evenly over each salmon fillet, coating the top nicely. Lightly season the fillets with salt and black pepper. Don’t forget to save any remaining sauce for serving later—it’s perfect for extra flavor!

Step 4: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the salmon for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on it near the end—the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still remains moist inside.

Step 5: Once cooked, serve your spicy salmon hot over a bed of rice or your favorite greens. Drizzle the leftover sauce on top for an extra burst of flavor and enjoy immediately for the best experience.

Servings and Timing

This Spicy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe makes a perfect portion for 2 people. The prep time is incredibly quick—just about 3 minutes to get everything ready. Cooking takes about 10 to 12 minutes in the air fryer, so your total time in the kitchen is approximately 15 minutes. There’s no resting time needed, so when it’s done, it’s ready to savor right away!

How to Serve This Spicy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Two thick rectangles of cooked salmon with a golden-brown and slightly crispy surface rest inside a black air fryer basket lined with white parchment paper, showing small bubbles of oil on the salmon’s surface. The background shows a blurred close-up of white rice in a white bowl and a glass with orange sauce, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this salmon, I love pairing it with simple yet flavorful sides that complement its spicy, creamy profile. Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice is one of my favorites because it provides a subtle fragrance that balances the heat of the sauce. I also sometimes throw together a quick Asian-style slaw or steamed bok choy to add some refreshing crunch and color to my plate.

For an elegant touch, I like garnishing the salmon with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some finely chopped green onions or fresh cilantro. It adds a pop of green and a delightful nuttiness to every bite. If you’re hosting friends, plating the salmon on a platter with lemon wedges allows everyone to customize their zing.

When it comes to drinks, I often go with a chilled sauvignon blanc or a crisp, cold Asian lager to cut through the richness. For those preferring non-alcoholic, a sparkling yuzu soda or iced green tea pairs beautifully. This dish really shines when served hot, just out of the air fryer, to enjoy the full creaminess and spicy aroma. I also find portion sizes perfect for a balanced main course that leaves you satisfied but not overly full.

Variations

I enjoy mixing things up with this Spicy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe by tweaking the spice level or ingredients to fit different moods or dietary needs. For a milder version, I reduce the sriracha and add a little honey for a sweet-spicy combo that kids or spice-sensitive eaters love. Alternatively, upping the sriracha or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper creates a fiery kick for those who crave more heat.

If you want to make this gluten-free, rest assured that the basic ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, but always check your sriracha and mayo labels to avoid hidden gluten. For a vegan twist, I sometimes swap the salmon for thick slices of marinated tofu or eggplant and use vegan mayo—cooking times are similar and the sauce still delivers the same punch!

While the air fryer is my favorite for fast, crispy results, you can also bake this salmon in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 to 15 minutes or pan-sear it gently on medium heat, finishing with the spicy mayo on top. Each method gives the fish a slightly different texture but keeps that fantastic flavor balance intact.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which I hope doesn’t happen often!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find using glass containers with secure lids work best to preserve flavor and prevent any fridge odors from seeping in. Leftover cooked salmon stays good for up to 2 days, but I always try to enjoy it sooner for optimal texture and taste.

Freezing

While fresh is best for quality, you can freeze cooked spicy salmon if needed. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container to avoid freezer burn. It should keep well for about 1 to 2 months. When freezing, be sure to freeze the salmon without the extra sauce on top, adding fresh sauce after reheating for the best flavor experience.

Reheating

Reheating salmon can be tricky since it dries out easily. I prefer reheating gently in the oven at a low temperature, around 275 degrees Fahrenheit, for about 10 minutes to warm it through without toughening the flesh. Using the air fryer at a lower setting can also work if you watch closely. Avoid microwaving if possible, or do so in very short bursts to prevent rubbery texture. Add back any reserved sauce after warming to refresh that delightful spicy creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your salmon completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture. I recommend thawing in the refrigerator overnight or quickly under cold running water.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I still make this recipe?

Yes, you can bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes or cook it on the stove over medium heat. The flavors remain fantastic; cooking times and method are just slightly different.

How spicy is this Spicy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe?

The spice level is moderate due to the sriracha, but you can easily adjust it up or down by adding less or more sriracha based on your preference. The mayo also softens the heat, making it approachable for most palates.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes! Preparing the spicy mayo mixture ahead of time can save you even more time when cooking. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and give it a quick stir before spreading on the salmon.

Is skin-on salmon better for this recipe?

I enjoy using skin-on for extra texture and flavor, plus it helps keep the fillet intact while cooking. However, skinless works just as well if that’s your preference—just adjust cooking slightly and keep an eye on the salmon to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to add a vibrant, quick, and utterly delicious main dish to your rotation, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Spicy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe. It sparks joy with every bite, blends bold flavors with ease, and cooks up incredibly fast. Trust me, once you discover how effortless it is to make this spicy, creamy salmon at home, it’ll quickly become your go-to for any meal craving something both simple and spectacular.