Bring some bold flavors to the dinner table any night of the week with this easy air fryer jerk salmon recipe! It's made with tender fish fillets marinated in a spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning blend, then quickly cooked in under 10 minutes for a fast and delicious main dish.

This air fryer jerk salmon recipe combines one of our favorite types of fish and one of our favorite cooking methods... Add an irresistibly spicy seasoning blend and you've got a seriously satisfying dish!

The convenience and (practically) foolproof factor of the air fryer makes it a go-to device to cook just about any protein. We especially love to use it for quick and easy seafood recipes! Because the heat is dialed in with precision, you are sure to air fry perfectly tender, moist, and flaky fish every time.

Here we marinate skin-on salmon fillets in a simple combination of Jamaican jerk spices, minced garlic, and oil. Together they create a delicious punch of vibrant flavor that goes perfectly with the mild fish. Then place the salmon right into the air fryer basket to cook for less than 10 minutes. That's it!

Before you know it you're enjoying an exciting and elegant (and healthy!) meal in under an hour, from start to finish. But I promise you will be thinking about the spicy, tangy taste for days after you enjoy!

Recipe ingredients

Salmon fillets. Wild caught, if possible, with the skin on. You can use fresh or frozen. However, frozen fillets need to be thawed first in the refrigerator overnight or in an ice bath.

Jerk seasoning. A spicy and delicious seasoning blend popular in Caribbean cooking.

Garlic cloves. Balances the spice of air fryer jerk salmon with a deep earthy and savory flavor.

Olive oil. Or other high heat and neutral tasting oil. Other suitable options are vegetable or avocado oil.

Lime. Fresh slices of sweet and zesty lime are great to pair with the bold fish.

How to make air fryer jerk salmon

1. Prepare the marinade: In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are properly mixed.
2. Marinate the salmon: Place the cleaned and patted dry salmon fillets in a shallow dish. Using a spoon or a silicone brush, evenly coat both sides of the fillets with the prepared marinade. Make sure the fillets are well covered with the mixture.
3. Rest the fillets: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salmon to absorb the marinade.
4. Prepare the lemon slices: Thinly slice the lemon and set the slices aside.
5. Arrange the fillets: Once the salmon has marinated for 30 minutes, remove the fillets from the refrigerator. Line the air fryer basket with lemon slices, making sure to cover the entire surface that will be under the fish. Place the marinated salmon fillets on top of the lemon slices, ensuring they are not overlapping.
6. Cook the salmon: Cook the salmon fillets in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
7. Serve with lime wedges: Carefully remove the cooked salmon fillets from the air fryer, making sure to remove any lemon slices that may have stuck to the fillets. Plate the salmon and serve with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish.

What is in jerk seasoning

Caribbean jerk seasoning is a classic spice blend originating from Jamaica. It is a complex combination that typically includes dried cayenne pepper or habanero peppers (used in super spicy seasoning blends). Also paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice and/or cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and thyme. Brown sugar is also a popular ingredient to balance the spices.

Variations

• Make this easy air fryer recipe with other kinds of fish you like. Jerk seasoning is delicious with tilapia, cod, halibut, and any flaky, tender and fairly mild fish.
• Salmon is great for air frying with nearly any blend of seasonings! Try this basic recipe with Old Bay, lemon pepper, Cajun seasonings, or any of your favorite spice combinations.
• We love the convenience of air frying but feel free to make jerk salmon using whatever cooking method you prefer. You can grill or oven bake with similar fork-tender results.

Frequently asked questions

Side dishes for air fryer jerk salmon

1. Coconut Rice: A creamy and flavorful rice cooked in coconut milk, which complements the spicy jerk seasoning on the salmon.
2. Mango Salsa: A fresh and tangy mixture of ripe mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice that adds a sweet and zesty contrast to the dish.
3. Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, or green beans can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil before being air-fried or steamed.
4. Plantains: Fried, baked, or air-fried ripe plantains offer a touch of sweetness that complements the jerk seasoning.
5. Black Beans and Rice: A classic side dish made with black beans cooked in a savory blend of spices and served over white or brown rice.
6. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with lime juice and zest and mixed with chopped cilantro for a zesty and refreshing side dish.
7. Avocado Salad: A simple salad made with ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a light lime dressing that pairs well with the bold flavors of the jerk salmon.

How to store leftovers

To store leftover Air fryer jerk salmon, allow the salmon to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the fillets to an airtight container or wrap them securely in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3 days, and reheat gently in the microwave, oven, or air fryer before consuming.

Freeze for up to 3 months in the freezer safe container or plastic bag.

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Hope you will like this air fryer jerk salmon recipe as much as we do. Rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.