Description
A quick and flavorful Air Fryer Salmon recipe featuring a simple spice rub that enhances the natural taste of thick, skin-on salmon fillets. This recipe delivers moist, tender salmon with a slightly crispy exterior, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner cooked in just minutes using an air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Oil
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillet (thick skin-on fillets preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oil (suitable for high temperature cooking)
Spice Rub
- 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 (increase slightly if using kosher or sea salt)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking temperature for the salmon.
- Prepare the Salmon: Lightly oil the salmon fillets. For skin-on fillets, oil only the non-skin side; for skinless, oil all over to prevent sticking.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the oiled salmon, applying all over or just on the flesh side depending on fillet type.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 8-12 minutes. Cooking time depends on fillet thickness and desired doneness. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for safety, though 120-125°F is preferred by many chefs for optimal tenderness.
Notes
- Use an oil with a high smoke point such as avocado oil or refined olive oil for best results.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity or omit it based on your sweetness preference.
- Check salmon doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Skin-on fillets help keep the salmon moist during cooking and make flipping easier.
- Rest the salmon for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
