This air fryer spicy hasselback salmon is a fun twist on a sushi roll and it’s perfect any night of the week. The blackened salmon is air fried to crispy perfection, then topped with a fresh cucumber, jalapeno, avocado salad. Dusted with sesame seeds, fresh cilantro and the BEST spicy creamy sauce, your entire family will LOVE this recipe.

Option to serve this dish over a bed of rice for a heartier meal or you can enjoy it as is. Either way, this recipe is so delicious.

Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon – Healthyish Foods

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s

What is the best type of salmon to use for this recipe? Scottish or Atlantic salmon works best for this recipe. The thicker cuts or center cuts of salmon are easier to slice into the hasselback style.

Why do you pat the salmon dry with paper towel? Removing the moisture on the surface of the salmon and its skin, allows the salmon to get a nice crispy sear on the outside.

Can you remove the skin before cooking? No, you have to have the skin on for two reasons. One, it helps lock in the moisture when air frying. And two, it allows the hasselback pieces to stay intact during air frying. Option to remove the skin once the cooked salmon is plated.

What air fryer are you using? I love my COSORI 4qt air fryer. I’ve had it for years and it works perfectly. However, it has a smaller basket. So, if you have a larger family you may want a larger air fryer with a larger basket.

Why do you use avocado oil? Avocado oil has a high smoke point and does not impart flavor on the salmon like olive oil would. It’s also the best cooking spray to use in any air fryer.

Substitutions and Ingredients Needed for Spicy Hasselback Salmon

Salmon – You’ll need two, 6-ounce salmon filets for this recipe. Be sure to remove any pin bones and leave the skin on. Slice the salmon into 1-inch-thick slices to create the hasselback effect. Be careful not to cut through the skin. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel then drizzle it with avocado oil. Rub the oil in well then add the blackening spice. Make sure the salmon is well coated in the rub.

Avocado Oil – You’ll need two tablespoons of avocado oil for this recipe. Make sure the hasselback salmon is well coated in the oil before adding the blackening spice.

Blackening Rub – Combine dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, onion powder and cayenne in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.

Spicy Creamy Sauce – Combine kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, low sodium soy sauce, and maple syrup. Mix well, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Salad – Combine diced English cucumber, finely diced jalapeno, and diced avocado in a small bowl. Add the juice from half of a lime, pinch of kosher salt and a few turns of cracked black pepper. Gently toss and set aside.

Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon – Healthyish Foods

How to Make Spicy Hasselback Salmon

Make the Sauce

Combine kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, low sodium soy sauce, and maple syrup. Mix well, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Make the Salad

Combine diced English cucumber, finely diced jalapeno, and diced avocado in a small bowl. Add the juice from half of a lime, pinch of kosher salt and a few turns of cracked black pepper. Gently toss and set aside.

Make the Rice

Boil rice according to the package. You’ll want a ½ cup of cooked rice per person.

Prepare the Salmon

You’ll need two, 6-ounce salmon filets for this recipe. Be sure to remove any pin bones and leave the skin on. Slice the salmon into 1-inch-thick slices to create the hasselback effect. Be careful not to cut through the skin. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel then drizzle it with avocado oil. Rub the oil in well then add the blackening spice. Make sure the salmon is well coated in the rub.

Air Fry the Salmon

Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil cooking spray. Add the salmon to the basket. Place the salmon it on its side so each piece can get crispy. Air fry for 5-6 minutes at 400 degrees. This will give you a medium-plus temperature. Remove the salmon from the basket.

If you do not place it on its side, cooking time might vary. Cooking time may also vary based on the thickness of the salmon.

Assemble the Dish

Grab two bowls, add rice to each bowl. Add the crispy hasselback salmon to each bowl with the skin on. Top each piece with salad, sesame seeds, cilantro and spicy creamy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!

Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon – Healthyish Foods

How to Store Spicy Hasselback Salmon

Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave. Store extra spicy sauce in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Looking for more recipes?

Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon – Healthyish Foods

Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon

Yield: 2 bowls
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
This air fryer spicy hasselback salmon is a fun twist on a sushi roll and it’s perfect any night of the week. The salmon is air fried to crispy perfection, then topped with a fresh cucumber, jalapeno, avocado salad. Dusted with sesame seeds, fresh cilantro and the BEST spicy creamy sauce, your entire family will LOVE this recipe.
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Ingredients

Salmon

Spicy Creamy Sauce

Salad

  • ½ cup English cucumber, diced small
  • 2 tablespoons jalapeno, finely diced
  • 1 small avocado, diced small
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh squeezed
  • pinch kosher salt, to taste
  • pinch cracked black pepper, to taste

Rice / Garnishes

  • 1 cup rice, cooked
  • ½ teaspoon sesame seeds, divided
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, freshly chopped and divided

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer
  • 3 mixing bowls sauce, salad, blackening spice

Instructions 

How to Make Spicy Hasselback Salmon

    Make the Sauce

    • Combine kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, low sodium soy sauce, and maple syrup. Mix well, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

    Make the Salad

    • Combine diced English cucumber, finely diced jalapeno, and diced avocado in a small bowl. Add the juice from half of a lime, pinch of kosher salt and a few turns of cracked black pepper. Gently toss and set aside.

    Make the Rice

    • Boil rice according to the package. You’ll want a ½ cup of cooked rice per person.

    Prepare the Salmon

    • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
      Remove any pin bones and leave the skin on your salmon. Slice the salmon into 1-inch-thick slices to create the hasselback effect. Be careful not to cut through the skin.
      Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel then drizzle it with avocado oil. Rub the oil in well then add the blackening spice. Make sure the salmon is well coated in the rub.

    Air Fry the Salmon

    • Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil cooking spray. Add the salmon to the basket. Place the salmon it on its side so each piece can get crispy. Air fry for 5-6 minutes at 400 degrees. This will give you a medium-plus temperature. Remove the salmon from the basket.
      If you do not place it on its side, cooking time might vary. Cooking time may also vary based on the thickness of the salmon.

    Assemble the Dish

    • Grab two bowls, add rice to each bowl. Add the crispy hasselback salmon to each bowl with the skin on. Top each piece with salad, sesame seeds, cilantro and spicy creamy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    This recipe is a fun twist on a sushi roll. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1bowl – this includes the salmon, half of the sauce, half of the salad, sesame seeds and cilantro, Calories: 758kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 37g, Fat: 61g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g, Monounsaturated Fat: 28g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 105mg, Sodium: 1304mg, Potassium: 1493mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 558IU, Vitamin C: 33mg, Calcium: 72mg, Iron: 3mg
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Calories: 758