Air Fryer Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
Air Fryer Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon is tender, flaky, and ready in just 15 minutes. With a flavorful brown sugar glaze, this easy salmon recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!
If you use your air fryer often like I do, you know how versatile it is.
These twice baked potatoes, parmesan green beans, French bread pizza, and chicken strips are all made in the air fryer. So, it was finally time to add another recipe to the mix: this easy air fryer salmon recipe.
I thought my oven yielded the best results, but now that I tried this version, I’m officially hooked. The flaky salmon in juicy on the inside, with a crispy crust on the outside. It also cooks quicker in the air fryer than in the oven, which saves on time.
Let’s go back to the brown sugar mixture. It’s subtly sweet, which pairs well with the savory salmon. And because it’s so versatile, you can serve this dish with different vegetables or pastas to go along with it. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, double the glaze and toss it with some cooked asparagus or green beans.
This is one of my favorite ways to cook a delicious meal. By cooking salmon in the air fryer, you save on time, but you’re not short on flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Minimal ingredients! Just five main ingredients (plus salt and pepper).
- Easy! With less than five minutes of prep time, this salmon is ready in just 15 minutes. It makes the best weeknight dinner and is perfect for the whole family.
- Flavorful! The sweetness of the brown sugar combines perfectly with the pure maple syrup and seasonings.
- Air Fryer Perfection! Using an air fryer allows the air to circulate all around the salmon, resulting in a crisp outside and moist inside.
Ingredients in Brown Sugar Salmon:
- Salmon fillets: two 6–8-ounce salmon filets, skin-on or skinless
- Glaze: Olive oil, brown sugar, and maple syrup
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, and pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Recipe:
- Make the glaze: whisk the ingredients to make the air fryer salmon marinade
- Season: sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper
- Spread: spoon glaze on each salmon filet
- Cook: air fryer for 10 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flaky
How Do You Know When the Salmon is Done Cooking?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach a minimum temperature of 145℉.
Can You Put Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer?
Yes! You will need to cook it a bit longer, but as long as it reaches an internal temperature of 145℉, it is safe to do. Put the fillets, skin side down, into the basket and cook at 400℉ for 8 minutes. If using the marinade, spread on top of the fillets, and then air fryer at 400℉ for another 8-9 minutes, or until flaky and cooked through.
How Do You Keep Salmon From Sticking to the Air Fryer?
To prevent the salmon from sticking, lightly coat the air fryer with cooking spray or use a paper liner for easy clean-up.
Can You Put Aluminum Foil in the Air Fryer?
Yes, aluminum foil is safe to put in the air fryer, as long as it stays in the air fryer basket and doesn’t blow around in the basket (meaning it’s weighted down with food). Acidic foods can react with foil, so it’s best to avoid using foil when air fryer potatoes, peppers, or citrus fruits.
Storing Leftover Salmon:
Leftover salmon will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To freeze: wrap salmon in aluminum foil or store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When ready to serve, let thaw completely in the refrigerator.
To reheat: place in the air fryer at 380℉ for 3-4 minutes, or until warmed through.
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Salmon:
- Remember that the cooking time will vary slightly, depending on your air fryer model and thickness of the salmon pieces. I like to use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked properly.
- If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check for doneness by the color and flake test. The salmon should slightly pink and flake easily with a fork.
- Double the glaze for extra deliciousness! You can double to glaze to serve alongside the salmon, or to drizzle on top of veggies or pasta.
- Use the preheat option if your air fryer has this. If it doesn’t, I like to run the air fryer at 400℉ for 5 minutes, just like you would preheat an oven.
Serving Suggestions for Salmon:
Serve this easy air fryer salmon with this air fryer garlic bread, garlic parmesan potatoes, creamy mac and cheese, or roasted parmesan herb sweet potatoes.
Looking for More Easy Salmon Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
- Herb Crusted Salmon
- Maple Soy Glazed Salmon
- Sheet Pan Garlic Herb Salmon with Potatoes and Asparagus
- Honey Garlic Salmon Quinoa Bowl
- Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon
Air Fryer Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 (6-8 ounce) salmon filets
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer (if your model has this version). If your air fryer does not have this option, heat at 400℉ for 5 minutes (just like you would preheat an oven).
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, brown sugar, syrup, and garlic powder. Place salmon, skin side down, on a flat surface and season tops with salt and pepper and then spread the brown sugar mixture on top of salmon.
- Line air fryer with parchment paper or coat with cooking spray. Place salmon in air fryer basket and cook at 400℉ for about 10 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and is just cooked through. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Leftover salmon will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to three months.
- See my tips and tricks for making this Air Fryer Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon above the recipe box.
