Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon
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.
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.
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!
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 Summer Salmon
- Chopped Smoked Salmon Salad
- Spicy Salmon Roll Bowls
- Air Fryer Blackened Salmon
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.
Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 3 mixing bowls sauce, salad, blackening spice
Ingredients
Salmon
- 12 ounces salmon, skin on, two 6-ounce fillets
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
Spicy Creamy Sauce
- ¼ cup kewpie mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1.5 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup
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
- few turns cracked black pepper, to taste
Rice / Garnishes
- 1 cup rice, cooked
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds, divided
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, freshly chopped and divided
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!
106 Comments on “Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon”
This is the favorite meal at our house! Absolute perfection.
We made this last night and it is SO GOOD. I’ve already shared the recipe with 3 people. Can’t wait to make it again. It’s so quick & easy. Thank you! I’m excited to try more of your recipes.
Absolutely delicious, and this is coming from a non-seafood eater! Wouldn’t change a thing.
This was so delicious and easy! I loved the flavor profile of everything together and this is such a fun way to cook salmon! Will definitely be adding this to the rotation.
Made this again for dinner and it has become a favorite that I go back to over and over. I make the quick veggie topping and season the salmon early and then when I am ready to get dinner on the table it comes together so quick and easy but seems like I went all out for a nice dinner. Kudos on a delicious recipe!!
Love this! Thank you for the feedback. Easy prep for the win!
Made this tonight. So so good!
I am so happy to hear that!
I made this meal for my boyfriend the other night after we got back from Las Vegas. He said it was hands-down, his favorite meal he has ever had. He even dared to say that it was even better than some of the food we had at Nobu the day prior.
I would recommend this recipe for anyone! Super quick, easy and delicious.
Thank you, Melanie! This truly made my night! I’m actually speechless, but so happy you both enjoyed!
This is a spectacular dish. So easy to make, so delicious- my family loved it. Made it twice in one week at my husbands request. Love the ingredients and the healthy, yummy flavors. Thank you for such a great dinner idea.
I am so glad you and your family enjoyed it, Mary!
Perfect, easy, healthy & delicious week night dinner!
thank you, Terry!
This recipe is a rock star. Just follow it and you will not be disappointed. So many amazing flavors, and it all works perfectly. We had doubts that it might be too spicy, but it’s perfect when it’s all together. Love this and will make it for guests in the future!
Yay! I am so happy to hear that!! Thank you, Angie!
Wow, this was amazing. I made it just as the recipe was written and I loved the way it was written and explained. I will definitely be trying some of your other recipes as this was my first. The best part is I am not a fan of left overs and this was a perfect recipe for two.
I am so glad you enjoyed it, Dayle!
Made this tonight for my family and we all loved it! Will definitely be making this for many more Sunday dinners to come!
So happy to hear that!
Best meal I’ve made in a long time. Thank you for sharing
This was amazing! I’m not always a big salmon fan, but something about this recipe drew me in and I loved it. I’ll definitely be making this again!
I absolutely loved this salmon recipe and will make it often!! Still drooling thinking about it.