Salmon Sandwhich: Fresh And Easy

Name: Salmon Sandwich: Fresh And Easy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 piece of air fryer salmon; 2 leaves butter lettuce; 1 tbsp homemade tarter sauce; 1 toasted bun; a few slices of thinly sliced red onions

If you love a crispy, flaky Salmon Sandwich with a buttery toasted bun and a tangy homemade tartar sauce, this recipe is for you. It comes together in minutes, thanks to the air fryer, and is packed with fresh, simple ingredients. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this sandwich is easy to throw together and full of flavor. Plus, I’m sharing all the best tips to make it perfectly crispy, along with easy variations to switch things up.

Close-up of a sandwich with salmon, creamy white sauce, lettuce, and red onion on a wooden board. The sandwich is made with a shiny brioche bun.

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The air fryer and I are great friends, and lately, I’ve been using it to make the best salmon sandwich. I’ve been a sandwich lover since, well, forever, and this one feels a little fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. The crispy, flaky salmon, homemade tartar sauce, and crunchy onion and lettuce make it crazy delicious. And if that’s not enough, y’all, it comes together in just 15 minutes!

What Makes This Sandwich So Good?

Quick & Easy – The air fryer cooks perfectly crispy salmon in minutes, with almost no prep and very little effort.
Incredibly Flavorful – The combination of flaky salmon, creamy tartar sauce, and fresh toppings tastes like a gourmet sandwich—without the fuss.
Healthy & Customizable – Packed with protein and omega-3s, this sandwich is lighter than fried fish sandwiches.

Can I Make This Sandwich Without An Air Fryer?

Yes! While the air fryer makes it super easy, you can still get that crispy, flaky texture using other cooking methods. You can pan-sear the salmon in a little oil over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side or bake it at 400°F until it’s cooked through. If you want extra crispiness, broil it for the last minute or two.

How To Buy The Best Fresh Salmon Filets

Check the Color: Look for vibrant colors, ranging from deep orange to bright pink. Avoid dull or discolored flesh.
Inspect the Skin: Fresh salmon should have shiny, moist skin.
Check for Firmness: Fresh salmon should feel firm to the touch. If it feels mushy, it’s not fresh.

Salmon Sandwich Ingredients

Image of ingredients for a salmon burger. Includes toasted buns, air fryer salmon, butter lettuce, red onions, and a bowl of homemade tartar sauce, all placed on a white surface. Each item is labeled.

Salmon – Cooked in the air fryer for a crispy, flaky texture. I use skinless salmon fillets for quick prep.
Toasted Buns – I love using brioche buns, but any slice of bread works.
Homemade Tartar Sauce: My homemade sauce with fresh dill and dill pickles, it’s creamy, tangy, and so much better than store-bought.
Butter Lettuce – This variety is crunchy and has leaves large enough to cover the bun, so you won’t have to fight with it falling out while eating.
Red Onion – Thinly slice for a mild, slightly sweet crunch. If the onion slices are too tangy for you, drop them in water while making the salmon. This will take the bite out of the raw onion slices.

Recipe Variations

This salmon sandwich recipe can be customized in so many delicious ways! Here are a few of my favorites:

Make it Spicy – Use a dollop of Spicy Mayo or Alabama White Sauce. You can also sprinkle the fish with spices like cumin and red pepper.
Salmon Melt: Before assembling, Melt a slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese on the salmon. It will remind you of that fast-food fish filet sandwich you had as a kid!
Add More Toppings – Add a few slices of avocado, tomato, cucumber or pickles on the piece of salmon. Bacon is also delicious for extra crunch and smokey flavor.

Step by Step Directions

A spoon scooping creamy sauce onto a salmon sandwich. The sandwich has a piece of grilled salmon, bright green lettuce, and red onion slices on a bun. A halved bun and a piece of cloth are in the blurred background.

Make the tartar sauce: Prepare the homemade tartar sauce and set it aside.
Cook the salmon: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a single layer of cooking spray and place the salmon in it. Set the temperature to 400 degrees and the timer to 8 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature is perfect. When the timer goes off, check the salmon for doneness. Add another 1-minute if desired. Follow my easy Air Fryer Salmon recipe to get the full directions for perfectly crispy, flaky salmon.
Toast the buns: Lightly spread with butter, then toast them in the air fryer.
Assemble the sandwich: Layer butter lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, air-fried salmon, and a generous spread of tartar sauce on the toasted buns.

How Long Does This Sandwich Stay Good For?

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store the salmon and sauce separately. The salmon will last for 2 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and the tartar sauce will last 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought tartar sauce?

Yes! While homemade has the best flavor, store-bought works for convenience. This sandwich is also delicious with a Balsamic Reduction.

Can I bake the salmon instead of air-frying it?

Absolutely! Place the filet on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Then bake at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes until cooked through.

What’s the best bun for a fish sandwich?

Brioche buns are soft and slightly sweet, but you can also use whole wheat or even sourdough.

A delicious-looking sandwich with grilled salmon, lettuce, sliced red onions, and a generous dollop of creamy tartar sauce on a glossy bun, placed on a dark wooden board. In the background are lettuce leaves, red onion slices, and a bowl of sauce.

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What To Serve With A Salmon Sandwich

I love to whip up this sandwich for a hearty lunch when I just need something filling and quick. While the salmon cooks, I’ll whip up a Super Simple Caprese Salad or this Spinach Salad for a sandwich and salad combo.

If serving it for dinner, you can pair it with Cheesy Ranch Potatoes, Skillet Green Beans, or even a spread of veggies and Stuffed Celery.

Try These Air Fryer Recipes

If you tried this Salmon Sandwich Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!

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Salmon Sandwich: Fresh And Easy

Author: Donya Mullins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings:

Calories: 635kcal

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If you're looking for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner, this Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Sandwich is the perfect choice! Flaky salmon cooked in just minutes in the air fryer is topped with my staple homemade tartar sauce, fresh butter lettuce, and crisp red onion, all tucked between toasted buns—it's a sandwich you'll want to have again and again. It's a simple recipe that's as easy to make as it is to love.

Ingredients

▢ 1 piece of air fryer salmon
▢ 2 leaves butter lettuce
▢ 1 tablespoon homemade tarter sauce
▢ 1 toasted bun
▢ a few slices of thinly sliced red onions

Instructions

▢
Prepare your homemade tartar sauce and set it aside.
▢
Follow my air fryer salmon recipe to get perfectly crispy, flaky salmon.
▢
Lightly toast them in a pan, air fryer, or oven for extra texture.
▢
Layer butter lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, air-fried salmon, and a generous spread of tartar sauce on the toasted buns. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Recipe Variations:

- Make it Spicy – Use a dollop of Spicy Mayo or Alabama White Sauce. You can also sprinkle the fish with spices like cumin and red pepper.

- Salmon Melt: Before assembling, Melt a slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese on the salmon. It will remind you of that fast-food fish filet sandwich you had as a kid!

- Add More Toppings – Add a few slices of avocado, tomato, cucumber or pickles. Bacon is also delicious for extra crunch and smokey flavor.

Leftovers:
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store the salmon and sauce separately. The salmon will last for 2 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and the tartar sauce will last 5 days.

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