🍣 Brown Sugar Air Fryer Salmon
Sweet, smoky, and tender salmon with a caramelized glaze
⏱ Time
-
Prep: 5 minutes
-
Cook: 10–12 minutes
-
Total: ~15 minutes
🍽 Serves
2–4 people (depending on portion size)
🧾 Ingredients
-
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin on or off)
-
2 tbsp brown sugar (packed)
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
-
1 tbsp soy sauce (for balance)
-
½ tsp salt
-
¼ tsp black pepper
-
Lemon wedges (for serving)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
-
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
-
Place the fillets on a plate or tray.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Marinade
-
In a small bowl, mix together:
-
Brown sugar
-
Olive oil
-
Garlic powder
-
Smoked paprika (optional, adds a smoky flavor)
-
Soy sauce
-
Salt and pepper
-
-
Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. Marinate the Salmon
-
Brush the brown sugar mixture generously over the top of each salmon fillet. Make sure each piece is well coated with the glaze.
-
Let it marinate for about 5–10 minutes (if you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 30 minutes in the fridge).
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
-
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
5. Air Fry the Salmon
-
Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if using skin-on salmon.
-
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model.
-
Check the salmon at around 8 minutes if your fillets are thinner or smaller.
6. Serve
-
Once done, remove the salmon from the air fryer.
-
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for added brightness and flavor.
-
Serve hot with your choice of side dishes!
🌟 Serving Suggestions
-
Serve the salmon with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes.
-
You could also pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a more complete meal.
-
Drizzle with a bit of extra soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired twist.
❓ Q & A (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use skinless salmon fillets?
Yes, skinless fillets work great! Just be gentle when flipping or removing them from the air fryer since skinless fillets tend to be more delicate than skin-on.
Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?
You can use coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor, or even maple syrup (though this might make the glaze a bit thinner).
Q: What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work fine. For an extra smoky flavor, you could use a tiny bit of liquid smoke or smoked salt.
Q: Can I make this with frozen salmon?
Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer! Just increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes. There’s no need to thaw the salmon, just make sure to brush the glaze on top after it’s cooked through.
Q: How can I tell when the salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). You can use a food thermometer to check the temperature if you’re unsure.
Q: What should I serve with Brown Sugar Salmon?
-
Roasted vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, carrots)
-
Quinoa or couscous
-
Mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the salmon for up to 30 minutes before cooking it. If you’re making it ahead for meal prep, you can store the marinated salmon in the fridge and cook it the next day.
Q: Can I use other fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works for any firm fish fillets, such as trout, halibut, or tilapia. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.