Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 salmon fillets (each weighing 180–200g)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil for a lighter version)
Seasoning Mix:
- 2 heaping teaspoons brown sugar (balances the spices with a touch of sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a smoky depth)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (reduce for less spice or swap with cayenne for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil for variation)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (essential for savory flavor)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (adds subtle sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (for mild heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and a crispier finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly grease the inner basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil. If you prefer easier cleanup, place a piece of parchment paper inside, making sure it doesn’t block air circulation.
Step 3: Prep the Salmon
- Pat dry the salmon fillets with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this helps the seasoning stick better.
- Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the fillets with melted butter (only on the top side, not the skin).
- Rub the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets, making sure they’re well coated.
Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon
- Place the seasoned fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If unsure, use a digital meat thermometer to check.
- For extra crispiness, air fry for an additional 1–2 minutes at 400°F.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute before serving. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a perfectly cooked, restaurant-quality meal at home!
Notes
How to Tell If Salmon Is Cooked Perfectly
- The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque pink color inside.
- Use a meat thermometer: The safe internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (63°C).
What If the Salmon Is Overcooked?
- If the salmon turns out dry, try brushing it with extra melted butter before serving.
- Serve it with a creamy sauce (like garlic yogurt or lemon butter) to add moisture.
Preventing the Skin from Sticking
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket or use parchment paper.
- Let the salmon cook undisturbed for the first few minutes before checking on it.
What If the Salmon Is Undercooked?
- Simply air fry it for 1–2 more minutes and check again.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes