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Close up of a salmon filets - showing the perfectly cooked meat.
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Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Brown sugar on salmon creates a caramelized crust that's better than it has any right to be. Fifteen minutes, no oil, zero stovetop mess. The sugar hits the hot air and turns into this crispy-sweet shell while the fish stays flaky inside. Use this exact technique with any spice mix you want—teriyaki, cajun, lemon pepper, whatever you're craving. Works with any salmon at any thickness.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 269kcal
Author: Kita Roberts

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • small mixing bowl
  • Tongs or fish spatula

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets small; skin-on or skinless
  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Press the seasoning mixture firmly over the tops and sides of each salmon fillet.
    Four raw salmon fillets on a white plate, topped with a layer of seasoned breadcrumbs.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F..
  • Place the salmon fillets in the basket in a single layer, seasoning side up.
  • Air fry for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
    Four seasoned salmon fillets are arranged in a single layer inside an air fryer basket, cooked with a golden-brown finish.

Notes

  • Pat the salmon dry before seasoning for better browning.
  • Thicker fillets may need the full 10 minutes.
  • Pull salmon at 125–130°F for moist results; it will continue cooking slightly as it rests.
  • Skin-on fillets help protect the salmon from overcooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 368mg | Potassium: 865mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 316IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg