Fast Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon Perfection

You know, sometimes the best meals are born out of sheer necessity – like when you need something *delicious* on the table in under 30 minutes but still want it to feel special. That’s exactly how I landed on this amazing Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon. It’s become my go-to for those busy weeknights when I’m craving a serious flavor punch without spending hours in the kitchen. I’m Anna Kowalska, and here I share tried-and-true homemade recipes that you and your family will love; everything is made with heart and flavor. This salmon recipe is a perfect example of that philosophy – simple ingredients, a little bit of magic from the air fryer, and a whole lot of taste that’ll make you feel like you’re dining out.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon

Trust me, this recipe is a winner for so many reasons:

• It’s a super quick and easy weeknight meal solution – seriously, dinner on the table in no time!
• You get this amazing spicy flavor with an unbelievably crispy texture from the air fryer.
• It’s a healthy and satisfying main course that feels totally indulgent.
• And the hasselback cut? It makes for such an impressive presentation, you’ll feel like a gourmet chef!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon

You know, the beauty of this Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon is that it uses pretty simple stuff you might already have, or can grab easily. For the star of the show, we’ve got two nice 6-ounce salmon fillets, about 12 ounces total. Make sure they’ve still got their skin on – that’s important for getting it crispy! We’ll also need some avocado oil to help our spices stick and get things sizzling. Then for our spice rub, we’re talking a mix of dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little kick from cayenne pepper. Don’t forget the salt and black pepper, of course!

Now, for that dreamy creamy sauce, Kewpie mayonnaise is my secret weapon here; it’s just got this wonderful tang. We’ll mix that with sriracha for heat, a splash of low-sodium soy sauce, and just a touch of maple syrup to balance it all out. And for the fresh, cooling salad that cuts through all that spice? We’ll use some finely diced English cucumber, a little bit of finely diced jalapeno (seeds out if you’re not a huge heat fan!), and some creamy diced avocado. A squeeze of fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper ties it all together. Oh, and of course, have your cooked rice ready for serving, plus a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for that pop of color and freshness!

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation Notes
Salmon Fillets	Two 6-ounce fillets (12 oz total)	Skin on, pin bones removed
Avocado Oil	2 tablespoons
Dried Oregano	1 teaspoon
Paprika	½ teaspoon
Garlic Powder	½ teaspoon
Kosher Salt	¼ teaspoon (for salmon) + pinch (for salad)
Black Pepper	¼ teaspoon (for salmon) + few turns (for salad)
Onion Powder	¼ teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper	¼ teaspoon	Adjust to your spice preference
Kewpie Mayonnaise	¼ cup
Sriracha	1 tablespoon
Low Sodium Soy Sauce	1.5 teaspoons
Maple Syrup	1-2 teaspoons	Adjust sweetness to your preference
English Cucumber	½ cup	Diced small
Jalapeno	2 tablespoons	Finely diced, seeds removed for less heat if desired
Avocado	1 small	Diced small
Lime Juice	1 tablespoon	Freshly squeezed
Cooked Rice	1 cup	For serving
Sesame Seeds	½ teaspoon	Divided, for garnish
Fresh Cilantro	1 tablespoon	Freshly chopped, divided, for garnish

Preparing Your Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon: Step-by-Step

Okay, let’s get this deliciousness happening! It’s really not complicated, I promise. We’ll just break it down into a few easy steps.

Creating the Spicy Sauce

First things first, let’s get that dreamy sauce going. Grab a little bowl and whisk together the Kewpie mayo, sriracha, that low-sodium soy sauce, and the maple syrup. Give it a good mix until it’s all smooth and happy. Pop a lid on it or cover it with some plastic wrap and tuck it into the fridge. It’ll be chilling out, letting those flavors meld together while we work on the rest.

Assembling the Fresh Salad

Next up is our super fresh salad. In another small bowl, toss together your diced English cucumber, that finely diced jalapeno (remember, seeds out if you’re being cautious with the heat!), and the little cubes of avocado. Now, give it a gentle squeeze of fresh lime juice, a tiny pinch of salt, and a couple of grinds of black pepper. Be gentle when you toss it – we don’t want mushy avocado!

Cooking the Rice

While we’re busy with the salmon, get your rice going according to the package directions. It’s nice to have it ready to go so everything can come together at the end. You can totally do this while the air fryer is preheating too!

Preparing the Salmon for Air Frying

Alright, time for the star! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your salmon fillets are nice and clean, with no pesky pin bones left, and definitely keep that skin on. Now for the fun part: the hasselback! Using a really sharp knife, carefully slice the salmon into about 1-inch thick pieces. You want to cut into the flesh, going about three-quarters of the way down, but *do not* cut all the way through the skin. This is what gives it that beautiful, fanned-out look! After slicing, pat those fillets super dry with paper towels – this is key for crispy skin, trust me. Then, drizzle on the avocado oil and rub it all over. In a tiny dish, mix up your dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, that ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of pepper, onion powder, and cayenne. Now, coat those beautiful salmon fillets all over with this spicy rub. Get it in all those little cuts!

Air Frying the Hasselback Salmon

Get your air fryer basket ready by giving it a quick spray with cooking spray. Carefully lay your seasoned salmon fillets into the basket. It’s best to place them on their side, skin-down if possible, or just propped up a bit – this really helps the skin get nice and crispy. Pop them in and air fry for about 5 to 6 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Keep an eye on it, as all air fryers are a little different. Once they look perfectly cooked and slightly fanned out, carefully take them out.

Assembling Your Dish

Now for the grand finale! Divide your fluffy cooked rice into two bowls. Gently place one of those gorgeous, spicy hasselback salmon fillets right on top of the rice in each bowl. Spoon that fresh, cool salad you made over and around the salmon. Then, drizzle that creamy, spicy sauce all over everything – don’t be shy! Finish it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some fresh chopped cilantro. Serve it up right away while it’s all warm and delicious!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon

You know, a few little tricks really make this Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon sing! First off, grab your sharpest knife for those hasselback cuts – it makes all the difference in getting clean slices without messing up that beautiful skin. And please, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Give that salmon some breathing room so it can get perfectly crispy all around. If you’re feeling brave, totally bump up that cayenne pepper for extra heat, or dial it back if you prefer things milder. Oh, and always keep an eye on the salmon during the last minute of cooking; it cooks fast, and we want it just right!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

You know, sometimes you just don’t have *exactly* what a recipe calls for, and that’s totally okay! For this Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon, the Kewpie mayonnaise really gives it a special tang and creaminess that I love. But if you can’t find it, don’t sweat it – regular mayonnaise will still work, it’ll just be a little different. We’re using low-sodium soy sauce to keep things light on the salt, but if you need a gluten-free option, tamari is a fantastic swap! And for the cucumber in the salad, any firm kind you have hanging out in the fridge will be just perfect.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon

Honestly, this Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon is pretty much a whole meal in itself with that delicious rice, fresh salad, and creamy sauce all together. But if you’re feeling like adding a little something extra, it’s lovely served over a bed of crisp mixed greens instead of rice for a lighter take. And you know what else is fantastic alongside it? Some simple steamed or roasted asparagus – it adds a nice little green veggie boost!

Storing and Reheating Your Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon

Sometimes you just make *too much* of a good thing, right? If you happen to have any of this delicious Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon leftover, don’t worry! Storing it properly is key to enjoying it again. Just pop the components into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge. The salmon reheats beautifully in the air fryer on a lower temp, around 350°F, for just a couple of minutes so it doesn’t dry out. You can also give it a quick sear in a skillet. The sauce is great cold or warmed gently, and the rice just needs a zap in the microwave. The salad is best eaten fresh, so if you have leftovers, just store the dressing separately and toss it right before serving!

Item	Storage Method	Reheating Method
Salmon	Airtight container in the refrigerator	Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, or in a skillet.
Sauce	Airtight container in the refrigerator	Serve cold or gently warm in a small saucepan.
Salad	Airtight container in the refrigerator (best fresh)	Best enjoyed fresh; if storing, add dressing just before serving.
Rice	Airtight container in the refrigerator	Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon

Now, I know some of you are curious about the numbers, so here’s a little peek at the estimated nutrition for this fantastic Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon. Remember, these are just ballpark figures, and they don’t even include the rice because that can change so much based on how you cook it! It’s a pretty satisfying meal, packed with good stuff.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	750 kcal
Fat	61 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Unsaturated Fat	49 g
Trans Fat	0.1 g
Carbohydrates	16 g
Fiber	8 g
Sugar	4 g
Protein	37 g
Cholesterol	105 mg
Sodium	860 mg

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can definitely wiggle around depending on the exact brands you use and how you whip things up!

Share Your Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon Experience

So, did you give this Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon a try? I’m just dying to know how it turned out for you! Seriously, hearing about your kitchen adventures makes my day. Please, spill the beans in the comments below – I’d love to hear all about it. And if you really loved it, a quick rating would be amazing and helps other folks find this tasty recipe too!

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