Brown Sugar Air Fryer Salmon
Two salmon fillets coated with a brown-sugar, paprika, and herb rub, air-fried at 400°F until the thickest center reaches 145°F.
Ingredients
Fish
- 2 fillets salmon Fully thawed; 5–8 ounces each, about ¾–1 inch thick
Brown sugar rub
- 1½ tablespoons brown sugar Packed
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Thaw fillets fully in the refrigerator if needed, remove pin bones, and pat dry. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F according to its manual.
- Blend brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, coarse salt, and pepper in a bowl. Divide evenly and press onto the exposed salmon flesh.
- Arrange the two fillets skin-side down in the basket with space between them. Air-fry and begin checking around 7 minutes.
- Continue cooking in short increments, commonly 7–12 minutes total, until each thickest center reaches 145°F. Remove a thinner fillet earlier if it is ready. Lift carefully and serve immediately.
Notes
Two fully thawed 5–8-ounce fillets, approximately ¾–1 inch thick. Cook time varies by thickness and appliance; check 145°F at the center. No added oil in the rub. The 22-minute estimate allows preheating/preparation and up to 12 minutes cooking.