Air Fryer Buffalo Salmon Recipe with Blue Cheese
This crispy and slightly spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Salmon Recipe packs a punch of bold flavors in every bite! A fun twist on traditional buffalo chicken wings, this dish is perfect for a lighter and healthier game day option. I love serving it alongside some of my favorite sides, like roasted potatoes or crunchy celery sticks, making it a complete and delicious meal.
This easy salmon recipe only requires a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, so you can have this flavorful dish on the table in no time—even on busy weeknights.
Why I Love This Recipe
Spicy and flavorful.
Buffalo wing sauce adds a perfect kick without being too spicy, and the blue cheese crumble balances it all out. It’s a simple, fiery dish that works any night of the week.
A twist on buffalo wings.
By swapping chicken wings for salmon, you get the same bold buffalo flavor but in a healthier, omega-3-packed option. It's a fresh take on a game day classic.Quick and healthy.
Air frying the salmon gives it a crispy finish with minimal oil. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a nutritious, protein-rich meal in no time.Only four ingredients.
With just salmon, buffalo sauce, panko breadcrumbs, and garlic powder, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious. Finish with lemon, blue cheese, and fresh herbs for added flavor.
Ingredients Breakdown
Salmon (2 filets)
I love using high-quality, wild-caught salmon for its rich flavor and omega-3 fatty acids, which make it a healthy and flavorful choice.
Buffalo Sauce (¼ cup)
I always go for Primal Kitchen’s buffalo sauce because it's made with clean ingredients and tastes amazing! Any store-bought buffalo sauce works—just pick your favorite. If you prefer homemade, mix together hot sauce, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, and garlic.Panko Breadcrumbs (2 tbsp)
These breadcrumbs add a perfect crispy topping. I prefer panko over Italian-style breadcrumbs for a lighter crunch. Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs are also easy to find.Garlic Powder (½ tsp)
A simple seasoning that adds savory depth. Fresh garlic can be used as an alternative for a stronger flavor.Lemon Juice (1 lemon, juiced)
A squeeze of lemon juice over the top brightens the dish and adds a fresh, tangy flavor. You can swap it for lime if you prefer.Blue Cheese (2 tbsp, crumbled for topping)
Buffalo sauce and blue cheese are a classic pairing. You can omit the blue cheese if it’s not your favorite or use a blue cheese dipping sauce for extra indulgence.Parsley (for garnish)
Fresh parsley is the perfect garnish to brighten up the dish with color and flavor. It’s my go-to for adding a finishing touch.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Salmon
Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels to help the buffalo sauce adhere to the fish. Rub the sauce all over the skin side and top of the salmon, making sure to coat it evenly.
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder with the panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the panko evenly over the top of the salmon filets for a crispy crust.
Place the salmon filets in your air fryer at 390°F and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the filets.
Once the salmon is cooked through, transfer it to a serving dish. Top with a squeeze of lemon juice, crumbled blue cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For extra heat, drizzle some additional sauce on top of the salmon.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For best results, reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to maintain the crispy texture. While the salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can still enjoy it the next day with some fresh sides.
What to Serve with Buffalo Salmon
This buffalo salmon pairs well with a variety of sides. Some of my favorite sides include:
If you want to keep things simple, you can also serve the salmon on a bed of greens with a side of blue cheese dressing for dipping. For a classic buffalo pairing, add crunchy celery and carrot
Jazz's Recommended Products:
Our Place Wonder Oven:
This versatile oven is a must-have for all your baking, roasting, and air-frying needs. It’s a true game-changer in the kitchen, making cooking a breeze with its even heat distribution and sleek design.
Want to learn more about the Wonder Oven? Check out my full review here!
Jazz's Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Salmon
Dry the salmon well: This helps the buffalo sauce stick and ensures that the fish cooks evenly.
Marinate for more flavor: For a stronger flavor, you can marinate the salmon in the buffalo sauce for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
Check the temperature: Make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.
Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure that your salmon is cooked to perfection.
FAQs
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Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw the filets completely before cooking. Pat them dry to help the buffalo sauce stick better.
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If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can omit it or use feta cheese for a milder flavor. A blue cheese dipping sauce on the side also works if you want a less intense flavor.
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To make your own buffalo sauce, mix together ¼ cup hot sauce, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of cayenne, and minced garlic. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
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Yes, you can bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The air fryer, however, gives a crispier texture.
This Air Fryer Buffalo Salmon Recipe with Blue Cheese is a must-try if you love bold, spicy flavors paired with the richness of salmon. It’s an easy meal to whip up, requiring only a handful of ingredients, making it perfect for game day or any night of the week. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy the great option of a healthy, flavorful dish!
Air Fryer Buffalo Salmon Recipe with Blue Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 salmon filets
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbps panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 lemon, juiced(topping)
- 2 tbsp blue cheese(topping)
- Parsley(topping)
Instructions
- Pat the salmon dry, rub buffalo sauce all over the salmon, including the sides.
- Sprinkle with an even layer of the garlic powder and breadcrumbs.
- Air fry at 390F for 10 minutes, until salmon internal temperature is 145F.
- Serve with lemon juice, blue cheese crumbles and parsley on top!
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
Watch the Recipe Tutorial
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