Description
Perfectly seasoned salmon meets crispy exterior in this quick air fryer salmon delight. Healthy weeknight dinners become effortless when you can prepare this restaurant-quality fish in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 salmon fillets (58 ounces/1.64 kilograms each)
Dry Seasoning Rub:
- 1.5 tablespoons brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1 pinch of pepper
Instructions
- Craft a flavor-packed seasoning blend by thoroughly mixing brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and pepper in a compact mixing bowl until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
- Meticulously dry salmon fillets using paper towels to guarantee optimal rub adherence and achieve a crisp exterior coating. Massage the spice mixture generously onto both surfaces of the fish, ensuring complete coverage.
- Activate the air fryer and calibrate the temperature to 400°F. Allow the appliance to warm for 3-5 minutes to establish consistent heat circulation if no automatic preheat function exists.
- Strategically position salmon fillets skin-side down within the air fryer basket, maintaining adequate spacing to facilitate unrestricted airflow. Cook for 7-9 minutes, monitoring thickness and desired doneness. The fish is perfectly prepared when a golden caramelized layer emerges and the flesh effortlessly separates with minimal fork pressure.
- Delicately extract the salmon from the air fryer, transferring to a serving plate. The glistening, caramelized surface signals a tantalizing culinary creation ready for immediate consumption.
Notes
- Customize the rub by swapping Italian seasoning with other herb blends like Cajun or Mediterranean for diverse flavor profiles.
- Ensure salmon is patted completely dry to achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior that locks in moisture and maximizes flavor absorption.
- Choose skin-on salmon fillets for added texture and protection during air frying, preventing the delicate fish from sticking or breaking apart.
- Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness; thicker cuts might need an extra minute, while thinner pieces require less time to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, flaky texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4.5 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg