My air-fryer salmon with strawberry salsa recipe is fresh, light, and bursting with bold summer flavor! You’ll love how quick and easy it is—especially during the warmer months when it's strawberry season and dinner needs to be simple, healthy, and delicious. The combo of tender, air-fried salmon bites and zesty strawberry jalapeño salsa is the kind of chef's kiss moment your taste buds deserve! I hope you love my new recipe as much as my family and I do!
If you love this easy and simple salmon recipe with simple and fresh ingredients, you will love my Trader Joe's Salmon Bite Bowls or my air-fryer salmon bites (soy garlic butter) recipe.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crave-worthy salmon with strawberry salsa:
For the Salmon:
- Fresh Atlantic salmon (skinless & boneless), cut into 1” cubes – rich in omega-3 fatty acids and cooks quickly in the air fryer! You can also use wild salmon.
- Olive oil or avocado oil – adds healthy fats and helps the seasoning stick to the salmon pieces.
- sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika – the perfect spice blend for bold flavor and crispy edges.
For the Salsa:
- Fresh Strawberries,diced– juicy and sweet, these are the star of my fresh strawberry salsa!
- Ripe Peach, diced – adds a soft, sweet contrast to the strawberries.
- Jalapeño, diced – for the right amount of spice.
- Lime Juice– gives brightness and balances the sweetness with some acidity. You can also use lemon juice if you don't have lime juice.
- Hot honey – a sweet and spicy drizzle that brings it all together.
Serve with:
- Cooked rice – serve everything on top of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the salmon:
In a small bowl, toss your salmon cubes with olive oil (or avocado oil), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Air fry the salmon:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lay the salmon pieces in a single layer in the basket and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 3: Make the strawberry salsa:
In a large bowl, combine your diced strawberries, peach, jalapeño, lime juice, a drizzle of olive oil, hot honey and salt and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature while the salmon cooks so all the flavors meld together.
- Step 4: Assemble the bowls:
Spoon your cooked rice into bowls, top with the crispy salmon bites, a scoop of strawberry salsa, and a drizzle of hot honey. YUM!
Hint: If you don't have cooked rice on hand, start by cooking your rice first!
Substitutions
- Peach: Try mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Jalapeño: Want it milder? Use green bell pepper or skip it altogether.
- White rice: Sub in cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even a bed of mixed greens for a low-carb or grain-free option.
- Olive oil :Use avocado oil or any high smoke point oil you have on hand.
- Vegetarian: Use tofu cubes instead of salmon to make this recipe vegetarian. You will need to press the tofu to remove the excess liquid beforehand and you will likely need to air-fryer for an additional 5-7 minutes to achieve a good crisp.
This recipe is already gluten-free and dairy-free on its own. This meal is also pescatarian friendly!
Variations
- Extra Spicy- add some chili powder, cayenne powder or red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
- Kid friendly - skip the jalapenos and use regular honey instead of hot honey to make this recipe toddler and kid-friendly.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Medium bowl (x2)
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Small pot to cook the rice (optional)
Storage
If you have leftover salmon, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Keep the salsa separate so it stays fresh. Reheat the salmon in the air fryer for best results, or enjoy it cold over a salad the next day!
Christina's Dietitian Tip:
This colorful dish checks all the boxes: protein, healthy fats, fiber, and fresh produce! Thanks to salmon’s heart-healthy fats and the hydrating power of strawberries and lime, it’s a feel-good, healthy summer meal that satisfies and fuels your day.
My salmon with strawberry salsa recipe might just become one of your new favorite healthy recipes. Light, bright, and bursting with juicy flavor, it’s the perfect way to bring some sunshine to your plate—any night of the week!
FAQ
Yes! Just thaw it fully and pat dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Not overly, but you can control the heat by using less or more jalapeño, or leave it out for a milder salsa.
Absolutely! Use a grill pan or even a charcoal grill for extra flavor—just oil the grates and cook the salmon for about 2–3 minutes per side.
Yes, of course! You can bake your salmon at 400 F for 10-12 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a little golden crispness on the edges!
Dinner
Looking for other easy dinner recipes like this? Try these:
Summer
Looking for other easy summer recipes like this? Try these:
Jump to: Recipe
Air-Fryer Salmon with Strawberry Salsa
Equipment
- Medium bowl (x2)
- Cutting board + knife
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Small pot to cook the rice (optional)
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 1 lb skinless salmon cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- ¾ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Pepper
- ½ Teaspoon Garlic powder
- ½ Teaspoon Onion powder
- ½ Teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Salsa:
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- 1 ripe peach diced
- 1 jalapeño finely diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon hot honey
- 1 pinch Salt and Pepper
Serve with:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- 1 drizzle Hot honey to garnish, optional
Instructions
- Season the salmon: In a medium mixing bowl, toss your salmon cubes with olive oil (or avocado oil), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Air fry the salmon: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lay the salmon pieces in a single layer in the basket and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Make the strawberry salsa: In another medium bowl, combine your diced strawberries, peach, jalapeño, lime juice, a drizzle of olive oil, hot honey and salt and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature while the salmon cooks so all the flavors meld together.
- Assemble the bowls: Spoon your cooked rice into bowls, top with the crispy salmon bites, a scoop of strawberry salsa, and a generous drizzle of hot honey. YUM!
- Hint: If you don't have cooked rice on hand, start by cooking your rice first!
Notes
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 140 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw fish
- Wash hands after touching raw fish
- Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Leslie Sullivan says
This is soooo good ! I salmon was perfectly done in the air fryer and the salsa a great accompaniment. I did not have hot honey so used ordinary honey and the salsa had a nice gentle bite from the Jalapeno. I think you could add more jalapeno if you don't have hot honey. I served with Jasmine Rice. This recipe is a keeper!