Air fryer tandoori salmon became my go-to when I wanted something bold and flavorful without turning on the oven. My first attempt lacked that deep, spiced coating and came out a bit flat. After testing this three ways, I discovered that using yogurt in the marinade helped the spices stick and kept the salmon tender. Then I cracked the code by cooking at a higher temperature for a slightly charred finish, and now it comes out juicy, vibrant, and packed with flavor every time.
Air Fryer Tandoori Salmon – Spicy & Juicy in 12 Minutes
Juicy salmon coated in a bold tandoori yogurt marinade and air-fried to perfection with lightly charred edges.
Equipment
- Air Fryer (6-quart recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Brush (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets about 6 oz each
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, cumin, garam masala, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
- Coat each fillet evenly with the marinade.
- Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place salmon fillets in the basket skin-side down in a single layer.
- Cook at 390°F (199°C) for 8 minutes.
- Check for doneness—the salmon should flake easily with a fork.
- Continue cooking for 2–4 minutes if needed until fully cooked.
- Remove and rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Air fryer models vary, so check the salmon at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat at 325°F (163°C) for 3–4 minutes to keep it moist. You can swap yogurt for dairy-free alternatives or adjust spices for heat preference. Serve with rice, salad, or naan for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 34gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 10mg
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CONCLUSION
I keep coming back to this air fryer tandoori salmon when I want something bold yet easy. The spices, that slight char, and the juicy texture make it feel like a special meal without much effort.