This brown sugar salmon recipe uses the air fryer to cook a piece of salmon to seasoned and subtly sweet perfection in mere minutes.
Salmon is the most forgiving type of fish to cook in general, but the air fryer seems to be specially designed to help it reach sheer perfection. The way the hot air circulates around the filets helps it achieve flaky excellence.
While I stand firm that the air fryer rocks salmon, I understand not everyone has one handy, (or you might need to cook for a larger crowd!) so I’ve included the instructions for cooking it in a standard oven. Just check the recipe card for the how-to! It’s a simple variation and only takes a couple extra minutes of cooking time.
This method cooks the fish through completely while keeping it ever so slightly translucent in the center. I think once you’ve tasted this salmon, you’ll agree that air fryers are just about the best thing ever when it comes to cooking salmon.
Brown Sugar Salmon Rub
You truly don’t need to do much to this salmon. A simple brown sugar rub you throw together delivers just the right amount of seasoning. And the brown sugar forms a glaze as it cooks on the fish, giving you the most sublime brown sugar glazed salmon with very little effort.
Brown Sugar Salmon
It’s important to remember that salmon, like meat, will continue to cook as it rests. Begin checking your filets about 2 minutes before you expect them to be done. If they seem flaky and still a little translucent at the core, you can pull them from the air fryer and let them rest to finish.
Serve these brown sugar glazed salmon filets with sauteed asparagus, roasted rosemary garlic potatoes, and a big serving of blueberry shortcake for dessert!
If you have leftover salmon, flake it up and serve it over salad greens for a memorable lunch or light dinner. You’ll be so happy you did.
And if you’re looking for more excellent ways to use your air fryer, try air fryer chicken bites or air fryer french bread pizza next!
Brown Sugar Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 6-ounce salmon filets
- olive oil spray
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked or plain paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Set the salmon on a plate and let it rest at room temperature while you assemble the sugar and spices. Combine the brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika in a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Lightly spray or drizzle the salmon with olive oil. Top each salmon filet with the sugar and spice mixture and gently rub to coat well. Transfer the spice coated filets to the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes and test the salmon for doneness. The fish should barely flake apart with a fork. The cooking time required will depend on the thickness of the salmon.
Notes
Nutrition
Rate & Comment