Cooking salmon in an air fryer? You’ve already made a fantastic choice! The air fryer is a game-changer for seafood, giving you perfectly crispy skin and tender, flaky fish inside, all with minimal oil and fuss. But even the best air fryer can’t work magic on its own. The real secret to truly delicious salmon, especially when you’re looking for that perfect, restaurant-quality taste, lies in the seasoning.
Finding the best seasoning for salmon in air fryer can make all the difference, transforming a simple fillet into a memorable meal. A great seasoning blend complements the rich flavor of salmon without overpowering it, enhancing that beautiful golden crust the air fryer creates. Whether you’re a fan of garlicky, smoky, herby, or a touch of sweet heat, there’s a perfect blend out there for you.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you our top picks for seasonings that will elevate your air-fried salmon from good to absolutely glorious. Let’s dive in and find your next go-to spice blend!
What Makes a Great Salmon Seasoning?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly chat about what makes a seasoning blend stand out for salmon. It’s all about balance! You want a mix that:
* Complements, not competes: Salmon has a delicate yet rich flavor. The seasoning should enhance it.
* Stands up to heat: Air fryers cook quickly and intensely, so flavors need to hold up.
* Creates a great crust: Many blends contain a touch of sugar or specific spices that help achieve that desirable golden-brown exterior.
* Versatility: While we’re focusing on air fryer salmon, a good blend often works wonders on other fish or even veggies.
Our Top Picks: Best Seasoning for Salmon in Air Fryer
Let’s get to the good stuff! Here are our reviews of the top seasonings designed to make your air-fried salmon sing.
1. McCormick Salmon Topping Seasoning, Flavor Maker, 5.2 oz
This McCormick Flavor Maker seasoning is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a sweet and savory punch that works perfectly with salmon. It brings together the aromatic notes of garlic and green onion with a hint of sesame, creating a balanced profile that’s incredibly versatile. It’s designed to make adding flavor super easy, whether you’re sprinkling it on before cooking or adding a dash at the table.
- Key Features:
- Expertly crafted with garlic, sesame, and green onion.
- Sweet and savory profile, ideal for salmon, seafood, shrimp, or stir-fry.
- Convenient flip-top lid for easy dispensing.
- Designed for quick and easy flavor application.
- Pros:
- Versatile flavor profile suitable for various dishes.
- Easy to use with a shaker top.
- Widely available and a trusted brand.
- Adds a nice savory depth with a touch of sweetness.
- Cons:
- Some might find the sweetness a bit prominent if they prefer purely savory.
- Contains salt, so adjust additional seasoning accordingly.
- User Impressions: Users often praise this blend for its simplicity and the delicious, consistent flavor it delivers. Many find it’s their go-to for weeknight salmon, appreciating how it makes their fish taste restaurant-quality without much effort. It’s noted for its balanced sweetness and savoriness that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Just Spices Salmon Allrounder, 1.94 OZ
The Just Spices Salmon Allrounder truly lives up to its name, offering a premium blend that’s ideal for enhancing any salmon dish. Its sophisticated mix of fleur de sel, red onion, dill, and green pepper provides a fresh, balanced flavor that’s not overpowering. This blend is incredibly versatile, working as a rub, marinade, or even a finishing spice, making it a fantastic contender for the best seasoning for salmon in air fryer because of its adaptability to create a great crust or infuse deep flavor.
- Key Features:
- Premium blend with fleur de sel, red onion, dill, and green pepper.
- Designed for fresh, balanced flavor.
- Versatile use as a rub, marinade, or finishing touch.
- Can also be mixed with cream cheese for a veggie spread.
- Developed by in-house chefs using fine ingredients.
- Pros:
- High-quality ingredients for superior flavor.
- Excellent balance of savory and fresh notes.
- Truly an “all-rounder” for various cooking methods and even other foods.
- Dill adds a classic, appealing flavor to salmon.
- Cons:
- Smaller size might run out quickly for frequent users.
- May be a bit pricier than mainstream options.
- User Impressions: Customers rave about the fresh, authentic taste this blend provides. They love how it elevates simple salmon dishes, noting that the dill and onion flavors shine through beautifully. Many appreciate its versatility and the gourmet touch it adds to their home cooking, often remarking on its quality ingredients.
- See it on Amazon here
3. McCormick Salmon Topping Seasoning, Flavor Maker, 2.87 oz
This is the smaller, more compact version of the McCormick Flavor Maker Salmon Topping Seasoning. While the features are identical to its larger counterpart (garlic, sesame, green onion, sweet and savory profile), this 2.87 oz size is perfect for those who want to try it out, don’t cook salmon as often, or prefer smaller containers for pantry organization. It offers the same consistent, delicious results, making your air fryer salmon effortlessly flavorful.
- Key Features:
- Same sweet and savory flavor profile as the 5.2 oz version (garlic, sesame, green onion).
- Convenient smaller size for less frequent use or travel.
- Flip-top lid for easy seasoning control.
- Enhances salmon, seafood, shrimp, and stir-fry.
- Pros:
- Excellent choice for trying out the flavor without committing to a large container.
- Perfect for smaller kitchens or pantries.
- Delivers reliable, beloved McCormick flavor.
- Cons:
- Less cost-effective per ounce if you use it frequently.
- You might find yourself needing to restock sooner!
- User Impressions: Users of this smaller size echo the praise for its larger sibling, highlighting its delicious taste and ease of use. They appreciate having a convenient size, especially for those with limited spice rack space, and find it’s a great way to ensure they always have fresh seasoning on hand.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Louisiana AIR FRYER Seasoned Coating Mix for FISH
Unlike the rubs and sprinkles, this Louisiana AIR FRYER Seasoned Coating Mix is designed to give your fish a crispy, flavorful crust, much like traditional fried fish but with the health benefits of air frying. While specific ingredients aren’t detailed, a “seasoned coating mix” typically implies a blend of flour or cornmeal with savory spices. This product is perfect if you love that breaded, crunchy texture on your salmon, making it a distinct option for the best seasoning for salmon in air fryer if your goal is a deep-fried feel without the oil.
- Key Features:
- Designed specifically for air fryers to create a crispy coating.
- Provides a seasoned, breaded texture for fish.
- Ideal for achieving a “fried” feel with less oil.
- Likely a savory blend typical of Southern-style fish coatings.
- Pros:
- Achieves a wonderful crispness that rubs can’t provide.
- Great for those who miss the texture of fried fish but want a healthier alternative.
- Adds a robust, savory flavor to the exterior of the salmon.
- Cons:
- Not suitable if you prefer a simple rub or no coating.
- Less focused on the natural salmon flavor, more on the coating.
- Specific flavor profile details are not provided.
- User Impressions: Users typically love the ease of getting a truly crispy fish using this coating mix in their air fryer. They often remark on how well it mimics deep-fried textures and flavors, making it a hit for quick fish and chips nights or anytime they crave a crunchy exterior on their seafood.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub, Seasoning Blend, 1 Pack
Trader Joe’s is known for its unique and delicious food items, and their Salmon Rub is no exception. This seasoning blend hits all the right notes with a delightful mix of brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. The brown sugar helps create a beautiful caramelized crust in the air fryer, while the smoked paprika adds a lovely depth and warmth. It’s truly a standout for enhancing the natural richness of salmon.
- Key Features:
- Blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Specifically formulated for salmon and other seafood.
- Instructions recommend brushing with oil before coating for best results.
- Pros:
- Fantastic smoky and subtly sweet flavor that caramelizes well.
- Great balance of salt, spice, and herbs.
- Enhances the natural richness of salmon.
- Beloved by Trader Joe’s fans for its unique profile.
- Cons:
- Availability might be limited to Trader Joe’s stores or online resellers.
- Might be too sweet for some who prefer purely savory.
- User Impressions: This rub consistently receives high praise for its unique and addictive flavor profile. Customers love the smoky sweetness that develops, creating an irresistible crust on air-fried salmon. Many consider it a pantry staple, quick to recommend for its ability to transform everyday fish into something special.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Magic Seasoning Salmon Magic, 24-Ounce
Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Magic Seasoning Blends are legendary, and Salmon Magic is one of his most beloved creations. This generous 24-ounce container ensures you won’t run out quickly! It’s a carefully selected blend of herbs and spices with subtle accents of dry mustard seeds, designed to enhance the natural goodness of salmon and any other type of fish or seafood. Whether you’re air frying, grilling, or baking, this blend adds a professional touch to your meals.
- Key Features:
- Unique blend of herbs and spices with dry mustard seeds.
- Enhances salmon, fish, shellfish, and seafood.
- Versatile for grilling, sautéing, baking, broiling, or poaching.
- All-natural, no MSG or preservatives, and Kosher approved.
- Pros:
- Large size offers great value for frequent use.
- Sophisticated and nuanced flavor profile.
- Extremely versatile for various cooking methods beyond air frying.
- Trusted brand known for high-quality, authentic flavors.
- Cons:
- The large size might be too much for occasional cooks.
- Flavor might be more complex than what some prefer for simple salmon.
- User Impressions: Long-time fans and new users alike rave about the depth and complexity of Salmon Magic. They appreciate how it elevates fish without overwhelming it, often noting the subtle mustard undertones and how well it creates a savory, seasoned crust. It’s a go-to for many who seek a gourmet flavor at home.
- See it on Amazon here
7. McCormick Air Fryer Loaded Seasoning Mix, 1.25 oz
While not explicitly a “salmon” seasoning, this McCormick Air Fryer Loaded Seasoning Mix is developed specifically for the air fryer, promising the irresistible flavors of a loaded potato! This makes it an intriguing option if you’re looking to experiment beyond traditional salmon profiles. Imagine savory, cheesy, and smoky notes on your fish – perfect for a unique spin. While it’s marketed for fries and chicken tenders, creative cooks could certainly apply these “loaded” vibes to salmon for an unexpected twist.
- Key Features:
- Developed specifically for air fryer cooking.
- Delivers “loaded potato” flavors (likely savory, cheesy, perhaps smoky).
- Great for air-fried fries and chicken tenders.
- No artificial flavors; made with McCormick spices.
- Pros:
- Creates a unique, savory flavor profile not typical for salmon.
- Optimized for air fryer cooking, potentially leading to a great crust.
- A fun option for adventurous cooks wanting to try something different.
- Cons:
- Not designed specifically for salmon; flavor might not appeal to everyone for fish.
- You might prefer a more traditional seasoning for your salmon.
- User Impressions: Users typically love this mix for its intended use on potatoes and chicken, praising its strong, delicious “loaded” flavor. For salmon, brave experimenters find it adds a surprisingly savory and comforting twist, making for a different kind of fish dish that breaks away from the norm.
- See it on Amazon here
How to Air Fry Perfect Salmon Every Time
Even with the best seasoning for salmon in air fryer, a few tips can ensure your fish is always perfect:
- Pat it Dry: This is crucial for crispy skin! Use paper towels to pat your salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning.
- Light Oil: A thin coating of olive oil or avocado oil on the salmon (before seasoning) helps the seasoning stick and promotes a beautiful, even crisp.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there’s space around each fillet in the air fryer basket for even air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Temperature & Time: Generally, 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 12-18 minutes, depending on thickness. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Check Doneness: Use a fork to gently flake the thickest part of the salmon. If it flakes easily, it’s ready.
Conclusion
Transforming simple salmon fillets into a culinary delight is easy with the right air fryer and, more importantly, the best seasoning for salmon in air fryer. Whether you opt for a classic savory-sweet blend like McCormick’s, a gourmet “Allrounder” from Just Spices, a unique smoky rub from Trader Joe’s, or even venture into the crispy world of a Louisiana coating mix, you’re set for a delicious meal.
Each of these options brings something unique to the table, helping you achieve that perfect balance of crispy skin and tender, flavorful fish. So go ahead, pick your favorite, and get ready to enjoy some incredibly delicious air-fried salmon!
FAQ Section
Q1: How long does it take to cook salmon in an air fryer?
A1: The cooking time for salmon in an air fryer typically ranges from 12-18 minutes at 375-400°F (190-200°C). Thicker fillets will take longer than thinner ones. Always aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for doneness.
Q2: Do I need to use oil when air frying salmon?
A2: While the air fryer uses much less oil than traditional frying, a light brush of oil (like olive or avocado oil) on your salmon before seasoning helps the seasoning stick, promotes an even crisp, and prevents sticking to the basket. It’s highly recommended for best results.
Q3: Can I make my own salmon seasoning blend?
A3: Absolutely! Making your own blend is easy and allows for customization. A popular homemade mix includes garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried dill, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of brown sugar or lemon zest. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
Q4: What temperature is best for air fryer salmon?
A4: Most recipes recommend cooking salmon at 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). This temperature range helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flaky.
Q5: How do I prevent my salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A5: Ensure your air fryer basket is clean and lightly spray it with cooking oil (non-aerosol if your air fryer manual recommends against aerosol sprays). Alternatively, you can use parchment paper liners designed for air fryers. Patting the salmon dry and using a little oil on the fish itself also helps.
Q6: What are some good side dishes to pair with air-fried salmon?
A6: Air-fried salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, a fresh garden salad, quinoa, brown rice, or even air-fried sweet potato fries for a complete, healthy meal.
Q7: Can I air fry frozen salmon?
A7: Yes, you can air fry frozen salmon, but it will take longer. Increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes, checking for doneness. It’s often best to thaw salmon first for the most even cooking and best texture, but it’s not strictly necessary.