Quick Tandoori Salmon Recipe: a restaurant-style salmon recipe that absolutely ‘melts-in-your-mouth’. Made using homemade Indian tandoori masala, yogurt, fresh ginger-garlic paste, and Indian spices. Made in kitchen oven and Air Fryer.
This Quick Tandoori Salmon Recipe is by far our FAVORITE recipe using salmon and also for date nights.
It has just the right hint of spiciness along with some tartness from lemon and literally melts in every bite. You can Make it ahead of time and serve with choice of side.
I’m listing both the instructions to make it in Kitchen Oven and an Air Fryer.
Ingredients for Tandoori Salmon:
- Salmon (fillet or chunks)
- Yogurt (curd)
- Tandoori Spice (homemade or storebought)
- Lemon Juice
- Oil
How to Make Tandoori Salmon
I mean what can be simpler than marinated and baked meals where the dish looks straight out of a certified restaurant yet you spent less than 20 minutes making it 😉
The marination process remains the same for any medium you choose to cook the salmon.
Seriously, 20 minutes is all you need to mix, prep and marinate these gorgeous fillets with a quick homemade Indian spice mix called ‘ Tandoori Masala’ and your lovely recipe is ready to bake.
For Air Fryer Tandoori Salmon: follow the instructions below and air fry for 15 minutes after marinating the salmon.
What is Tandoori Masala / Spice Made Of?
It’s a mix of Indian garam masala with lemon juice, ginger + garlic paste, red/orange food coloring, and chili powder.
I usually make my own tandoori masala at home however, you can find them really easily in any Indian grocery store.
They are usually in the spices aisle and there are some really great brands (if you need suggestions, drop me a message below).
This masala/spice-mix is really very easy and you can make a huge batch and keep for later.
Now, if you’re a fan of Indian cooking or have eaten at any North Indian restaurant, you must have come across the term – Tandoori!
All ‘Tandoori’ recipes are spiced with an orange-colored spice+yogurt marinate and cooked in a clay pot deep oven called ‘Tandoor’ in India (hence the literal translation tandoori).
However, these days, we seldom have tandoors at home (seriously takes 40 minutes to prep a tandoor using coals) nor the time and energy to prep one (even if we have a huge grill at home).
So I’ve improvised and used a bake+broil method to get a similar texture with our sweet home ovens.
I really don’t have much to write about the process of this recipe as it’s literally that easy and quick 🙂 But I can definitely go on and on about its taste.
So, I’d rather take a leave and let you make this ASAP and try this deliciousness for yourself.
It’s also featured many times on our Valentine’s Day meal too, so go ahead and give it a try.
Some Helpful Notes About This Recipe:
How Long to cook Tandoori Salmon:
I cook the salmon for 10 minutes in the oven.
What to Serve with Tandoori Salmon:
I usually serve it with fresh lime/lemon wedges or a light salad or cilantro chutney or roasted seasonal veggies or cauliflower rice or any rice pilaf/pulao.
What Wine to Serve with Salmon:
I like serving it with a dry Pinot Gris or a Pinot Noir. But sometimes during brunches, I’ve also served it with a Chardonnay.
As always, I Looove when you try my recipes and send me pictures & feedback.
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Here are some other Fish Recipes you can Try:
Amritsari Fish (Indian style battered fish)
Air Fryer Fish Recipe (Air Fryer Tilapia)
Tandoori Fish Tikka (Made in Oven)
Quick Tandoori Salmon Recipe - Baked & Air Fryer Recipe
Quick Tandoori Salmon Recipe: a restaurant-style salmon recipe that absolutely 'melts-in-your-mouth'. Made using homemade Indian tandoori masala, yogurt, fresh ginger-garlic paste, and Indian spices. Baked & Air Fryer Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Salmon Fillets - medium size
- 1 Tsp Ginger+Garlic Paste
- 1/2 Cup Greek Plain Yogurt - or any thick yogurt
- 2 Tsp Olive Oil - or any light oil
- 1/2 Lemon Juice
Spices for Tandoori Masala *
- 1/8 Tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 Tsp Red Kashmiri Mirch Powder - red kashmiri chili is used for color n less heat.**
- Pinch of Orange Color - optional
- 1 Tsp Coriander Powder
- 1 Tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 Tsp Garam Masala - mix of cloves, pepper, cardamoms, cinnamon / or buy at Indian store
- 1 Tsp Dry Fenugreek Leaves - optional
- Salt - as per taste
Instructions
How to Make Quick Tandoori Salmon - Oven
- In a large bowl, mix yogurt, ginger+garlic paste, lemon juice, and all spices together.
- Add Salmon and keep aside for 10 minutes (more if you have time)
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line a baking tray with foil and spray cooking oil.
- Place the marinated salmon on the tray and bake for 10 minutes in the oven.
- Then turn up the heat to broil and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to char on the surface.
- KEEP an EYE as this can burn quickly.
- Turn off the oven and remove the baking tray.
- Transfer the salmon to serving dishes and serve immediately with mint chutney and vegetables.
- (You can serve this dish with any side of choice).
Air Fryer Tandoori Salmon Recipe:
- In a large bowl, mix yogurt, ginger+garlic paste, lemon juice, and all spices together.
- Add Salmon and keep aside for 10 minutes (more if you have time)
- Preheat the Air Fryer for 3 minutes
- Remove the Air Fryer basket and place 1 marinated salmon fillet in it and spray with olive oil.
- Air Fry at 350F for 10 minutes setting.
- Remove the basket, flip the fish to the other side and air-fry for another 5 minutes.
- Similarly, air-fry the other marinated salmon fillet and transfer to a serving dish.
- Serve with choice of salad and green chutney.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 275Total Fat: 43gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 31gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 300mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 3gSugar: 10gProtein: 59g
44 Replies to "Quick Tandoori Salmon Recipe in Oven and Air Fryer"
Albert Bevia January 29, 2018 (5:02 pm)
I eat salmon at least once a week, but have never had it like this….this is a stunning recipe, so many great spices and flavors, and the fact that you baked it makes it even better…love this
Molly Kumar February 1, 2018 (6:15 am)
Thanks so much Albert 🙂
Sarah January 29, 2018 (4:28 pm)
I love cooking with Indian spices! Never tried seafood with them before though! This sounds incredible!
Molly Kumar January 30, 2018 (7:27 am)
Thanks Sarah 🙂
Calleigh January 29, 2018 (1:02 pm)
Yummy!! I found another way to cook the salmon which is my family’s favorite fish. The color of this Tandoori salmon makes you dive in!
Mirlene | Savory Thoughts January 29, 2018 (8:41 am)
We love salmon in our family. Your recipe sounds amazing. Your pictures are beautiful. I can just eat this dish right off the screen.
Molly Kumar January 30, 2018 (7:27 am)
Awee, thanks so much Mirlene. So glad you liked it 🙂
Luci January 29, 2018 (2:58 am)
Another great recipe. I will have to make this dish for my family soon. I know that they will love this.
Molly Kumar February 1, 2018 (6:16 am)
Thanks.
swathi January 29, 2018 (2:46 am)
Salmon is the one fish I like to spice them heavily, I feel it is the one doesn’t want to stick any spices. I like your version of tandoori salmon , it looks delicious I need to try it.
Molly Kumar February 1, 2018 (6:16 am)
Thanks so much Swathi.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh January 29, 2018 (12:56 am)
I don’t like salmon, but I totally prepare it for my family all the time, since they love it. I’ll have to make this, they’ll love it.
Molly Kumar February 1, 2018 (6:17 am)
Thanks.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way January 28, 2018 (6:59 pm)
We love our salmon and yours looks totally irresistible — such a beautiful color. It does look like it came from a restaurant. I would love to experience the spices you put on it.
Molly Kumar January 29, 2018 (12:48 am)
Thanks so much Marisa.
Soniya January 28, 2018 (6:30 pm)
One of my favorite fish and favorite marination in one!! I can imagine the flavors you have going on in this dish! Yum 🙂
Molly Kumar January 29, 2018 (12:57 am)
Thanks.
Catherine January 28, 2018 (6:10 pm)
Dear Molly, I will have to give this a try next time I make salmon. Looks absolutely delicious and flavorful!
Molly Kumar January 29, 2018 (1:02 am)
Thank you so much 🙂
Uma January 28, 2018 (4:17 pm)
I love tandoori Masala. I make at home and I will add to cauliflower and potato Masala. Your recipe pictures looks awesome Molly!
Molly Kumar January 29, 2018 (1:01 am)
Thanks Uma.
Kylee from Kylee Cooks January 28, 2018 (3:09 pm)
I am ALL about easy, fresh recipes for date nights (or any night really), plus those tandoor flavors are sooooo good! My husband would adore this. Thanks, Molly!
Molly Kumar February 1, 2018 (6:17 am)
So glad you like it Kylee 🙂
Karyl | Karyl's Kulinary Krusade January 28, 2018 (3:08 pm)
Wow, that salmon looks beautiful! I usually grill it or blacken it, but I love the idea of this Tandoori spice. I’ll have to give it a try
Molly Kumar January 29, 2018 (1:05 am)
Thanks Karyl.
Pavani January 28, 2018 (1:11 am)
Sounds like a delicious and flavorful dish.
Molly Kumar January 28, 2018 (1:14 am)
Thanks Pavani.
April January 27, 2018 (4:31 pm)
The flavors sound amazing! I’m a big fan of salmon but never tried tandoori salmon. I love finding new ways to make it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Molly Kumar January 28, 2018 (1:22 am)
Thanks April, give it a try soon 🙂
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy January 27, 2018 (2:45 pm)
We do love our salmon in our house. Even the grandkids love it. This recipe sounds delicious, and you can never go wrong with Tandoori anything as far as I’m concerned.
Molly Kumar January 28, 2018 (1:23 am)
So True – Thanks 🙂
Adriana Lopez Martin January 27, 2018 (4:29 am)
I love anything tandoori style, the flavors are amazing and I cam imagine this salmon has been elevated to a delightful flavor. This is a dish I would be really happy to eat right now, yummy!
Molly Kumar January 28, 2018 (1:23 am)
Thank you so much Adriana – so glad you liked the recipe 🙂
Veena Azmanov January 26, 2018 (6:56 pm)
I love tandoori anything – especially fish and Salmon with tandoori masala is definitely a big winner. Salmon really has the potential to take on so much flavor. I can almost smell the masala… yum!
Molly Kumar January 27, 2018 (4:03 am)
Thanks Veena
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife January 26, 2018 (5:56 pm)
This salmon is GORGEOUS! I love turmeric and the tandoori sounds so delicious. A beautiful, healthy meal like this that can be done in 35 minutes is definitely one I want to try!
Molly Kumar January 27, 2018 (4:02 am)
Thanks Marlynn 🙂
Lauren January 26, 2018 (3:01 pm)
I love finding new ways to cook salmon, and this looks delicious! yum!
Molly Kumar January 27, 2018 (4:00 am)
Thanks Lauren n hope you try it soon 🙂