Description
This Air Fryer Salmon recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy perfectly cooked salmon fillets with a simple brown sugar and chili powder spice rub. Air frying the salmon ensures a tender, moist interior with a slightly crispy exterior, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Main
- 4 salmon fillets, skin on (about 6 ounces each)
Instructions
- Prepare the spice mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir or whisk until all ingredients are evenly mixed to create a flavorful spice rub.
- Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Evenly sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over each fillet, gently patting it onto the surface so it adheres well to the fish.
- Air fry the salmon: Arrange the salmon fillets skin side down in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for 8 to 14 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Thin fillets will cook closer to 8 minutes, while thicker pieces may take up to 14 minutes. Cook until the salmon reaches your preferred level of doneness and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time according to the thickness of the salmon fillets.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F for fully cooked salmon.
- The spice rub can be customized by adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after air frying for juices to redistribute.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
