Description
This Air Fryer Salmon recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare perfectly cooked salmon with a smoky and slightly sweet spice rub. Utilizing the air fryer ensures a crispy exterior and moist, tender interior in just minutes, making it an ideal healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillet (preferably thick skin-on fillets)
Seasoning Rub
- 1 tablespoon oil (suitable for high temperature cooking)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust if using kosher or sea salt)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Salmon: Lightly oil the salmon fillets. If using skin-on fillets, oil only the non-skin side; if skinless, oil all over to help seasoning stick.
- Make and Apply the Seasoning Rub: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ground paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the oiled salmon fillets, covering the top completely or the entire fillet if skinless.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, adjusting time based on thickness and doneness preference. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption, but for a more tender texture, cook to 120-125°F.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning amounts to taste, especially salt depending on the type used.
- Cooking time varies with fillet thickness; thinner pieces may cook faster.
- Allow salmon to rest a few minutes after cooking for juices to redistribute.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches desired doneness safely.
- Brown sugar is optional but adds a nice caramelization and balance to the smoky spices.
