Easy Airfryer Salmon Skewers
If you love effortless meals that don’t skimp on flavour, these air fryer salmon skewers are about to become your new weeknight obsession.
Perfectly glazed salmon bites cook up tender and juicy in just minutes, making them a great option for busy nights when you want something both delicious and healthy.
Pair them with rice, noodles, or your favourite veggies, and you’ve got a meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying.
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About this recipe
What Are Air Fryer Salmon Skewers?
Skewered meats and seafood have been enjoyed across cultures for centuries, from Japanese yakitori to Middle Eastern kebabs.
Salmon skewers, in particular, have gained popularity as a quick and easy way to enjoy the rich flavour of salmon with a variety of marinades and seasonings.
With the rise of air fryers, this dish has become even more accessible, allowing home cooks to achieve that perfect grilled taste with minimal effort.
This method not only locks in moisture, keeping the salmon tender and juicy, but also delivers a beautiful caramelisation on the outside.
Why You’ll Love These Salmon Skewers
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavour: The air fryer does all the work, giving you perfectly cooked salmon every time.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is a great choice for a balanced meal.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve with rice, noodles, or a fresh side of veggies to suit your taste.
- Less Mess, Less Oil: Cooking in the air fryer means minimal cleanup and a healthier cooking method compared to pan-frying.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, skin removed
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp mirin, or honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red chilli, finely chopped
Optional broccoli side:
- Tenderstem broccoli roughly rubbed in a little salt and sesame oil
Pair it with
Instructions
1. Marinate the Salmon
In a mixing bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and lemon juice. Add the salmon chunks and marinate for at least 10 minutes to let the flavours soak in
Add the salmon chunks to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them sit for at least 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavours. For even better results, you can marinate them for up to 30 minutes in the fridge.
2. Prep the Broccoli (If Using)
If you're adding broccoli to your meal, toss the florets with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of sesame oil.
This helps the broccoli crisp up beautifully in the air fryer while enhancing its natural flavour.
3. Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated salmon pieces onto soaked bamboo skewers or metal skewers. If you're cooking broccoli on skewers, do the same, or place the florets directly on the air fryer tray.
4. Airfry to Cook
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the salmon skewers in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
Cook for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. (Exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model.)
If cooking broccoli, place it on a separate tray or cook it alongside the skewers if your air fryer has enough space.
5. Enhance with Extra Glaze (Optional)
For an added flavour boost, take the leftover marinade, simmer it in a small pan until thickened, and drizzle it over the cooked salmon skewers. This creates a rich, glossy glaze that elevates the dish.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Serve your hot, juicy salmon skewers with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or a fresh side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon before cutting and skewering to ensure even cooking.
2. How long should I cook salmon skewers in the air fryer?
Cooking times vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, but generally, 8-10 minutes at 200°C (400°F) is ideal.
3. Can I make these skewers without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can grill them, bake them in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, or cook them in a pan over medium heat.
4. What kind of marinade works best?
A simple mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil gives a great balance of sweet and savoury. However, feel free to experiment with teriyaki, lemon herb, or spicy Cajun marinades!
5. Do I need to soak wooden skewers before air frying?
No, since the air fryer doesn’t have an open flame, soaking isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer, you can use metal skewers to avoid any risk of burning.
Video demonstration
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