Getting my kids to agree on seafood is basically impossible at this point.
My older kid absolutely loves salmon and could probably eat it every week without complaining once. Meanwhile, the younger one wants nothing to do with salmon but will happily eat shrimp like it’s the greatest thing ever. And of course, the older one doesn’t even like shrimp. Mom problems, right?
So recipes like these air fryer salmon skewers became my little compromise.
They’re quick, easy, and honestly fun to eat, which somehow makes salmon more exciting around the dinner table.
The salmon turns tender and flaky in the air fryer while the zucchini and bell peppers get slightly roasted around the edges. Everything cooks in about 8 minutes, which makes this one of my favorite dinners for busy evenings when nobody feels like waiting forever for food.
I also like that these skewers feel lighter than some of our usual dinners, especially during warmer months. Serve them with a salad, roasted potatoes, rice, or just a dipping sauce on the side and dinner is done.
And if your family argues over seafood preferences like mine does, at least the salmon fans in the house will be very happy with this one.
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless, boneless salmon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 to 10 zucchini slices
- 8 to 10 bell pepper pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs
Optional Add-Ins
- Cherry tomatoes
- Lemon slices
- Thinly sliced shallots
For Serving
- Tartar sauce
- Your favorite dipping sauce
- Light salad
- Roasted potatoes
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Skewers
Add the salmon pieces to a medium bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle in half of the salt, paprika, and half of the dried herbs. Gently toss everything together until the salmon is evenly coated. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
In a separate bowl, combine the zucchini slices and bell pepper pieces. Add the remaining olive oil, salt, and dried herbs, then toss until the vegetables are well coated.
Thread the salmon and vegetables onto skewers, alternating pieces as you go. If using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked in water beforehand.
Preheat your air fryer if needed. Arrange the skewers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overlapping.
Cook at 360°F (180°C) for about 8 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through cooking so everything browns evenly.
Remove the skewers once the salmon is fully cooked and lightly golden around the edges.
Serve warm with tartar sauce, a fresh salad, roasted potatoes, or your favorite dipping sauce.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but make sure the salmon is fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning so it cooks evenly.
Do I need to remove the salmon skin?
For this recipe, skinless salmon works best because it’s easier to cut into cubes and thread onto skewers.
What vegetables work well on these skewers?
Zucchini and bell peppers are great, but you can also use cherry tomatoes, red onion, mushrooms, or asparagus.
How do I keep wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 to 30 minutes before using them.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and look opaque in the center.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
What dipping sauces go well with salmon skewers?
Tartar sauce, garlic aioli, yogurt dill sauce, spicy mayo, or even sweet chili sauce all taste great with these skewers.
Can I cook these in the oven instead?
Absolutely. Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F until the salmon is cooked through and lightly golden.
Are salmon skewers healthy?
Yes. Salmon is packed with protein and healthy fats, and the vegetables add extra nutrients and flavor.
What sides go well with salmon skewers?
Rice, roasted potatoes, couscous, quinoa, or a simple green salad all pair nicely with this recipe.