Air Fryer Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon is tender, flaky, and packed with sweet-savory flavor from a simple brown sugar glaze. Ready in minutes, it’s a quick, healthy dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful seafood dinner, Air Fryer Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon is your answer.
The air fryer gives the salmon perfectly caramelized edges while keeping the inside tender and flaky, and the simple brown sugar glaze adds a sweet, savory touch that elevates the natural richness of the fish.
It’s effortless enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, pairing beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: Dinner’s ready in under 15 minutes.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor: Brown sugar glaze perfectly complements the salmon.
- Perfectly Cooked: Crispy, caramelized edges with tender, flaky fillets.
- Weeknight Friendly: Minimal prep and ingredients make it stress-free.
- Versatile Serving Options: Delicious with rice, veggies, or a fresh salad.
If you are looking for even more easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER MAPLE GLAZED SALMON, AIR FRYER SALMON WITH MUSHROOM SAUCE, AIR FRYER SALMON PATTIES, and AIR FRYER BLACKENED SALMON.
Ingredients Needed
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless, about 6 ounces each
- Brown Sugar: Sweet brown sugar to create a sticky glaze
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds savory balance to the sweetness
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for bold, aromatic flavor
- Olive Oil: Olive oil helps coat salmon and prevents sticking
- Salt: Small amount of salt to enhance natural salmon flavor
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper for gentle heat and seasoning
- Lemon Juice (optional): Squeezed fresh lemon juice to brighten the salmon flavor
- Fresh Herbs (optional): Chopped parsley or dill for garnish and color
How To Make Air Fryer Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
Step One: Set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking oil. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Step Two: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush the brown sugar glaze evenly over each fillet. Place salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step Three: Drizzle any remaining glaze over the cooked salmon and garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges. Enjoy your brown sugar glazed salmon with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a quick, flavorful meal.
Air Fryer Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe Tips
- Pat Salmon Dry: Ensures glaze sticks and creates caramelized edges.
- Even Fillets: Choose similar thickness for consistent cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Leave space in the air fryer basket for proper air circulation.
- Check Early: Thicker fillets may need an extra minute; thinner fillets cook faster.
- Rest Before Serving: Let salmon rest 1–2 minutes so juices settle.
Storing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as reheated salmon can lose texture and become dry.
Other Cooking Instructions
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place glazed salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 12–15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Stovetop Method: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon skin-side down 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until fully cooked.
- Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium heat. Place salmon on foil or a greased grate and grill 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until salmon is cooked through.
Air Fryer Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before glazing for best results.
How long does it take to cook? About 8–10 minutes in the air fryer, depending on thickness.
Can I make it spicier? Yes, add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the glaze.
Do I need brown sugar? Brown sugar gives the signature sweet caramelized glaze, but you could substitute with coconut sugar if needed.
What should I serve it with? Pairs perfectly with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
More Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipes
Olive Garden Salmon Bruschetta Recipe
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Air Fryer Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
Description
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt, optional
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking oil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, minced 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Pat 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush the glaze evenly over each fillet.
- Place salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Drizzle any remaining glaze over the cooked salmon and garnish with Fresh parsley or dill or Lemon wedges.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
Other Cooking Instructions
Oven Method:Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place glazed salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 12–15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Stovetop Method:
Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon skin-side down 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until fully cooked. Grill Method:
Preheat grill to medium heat. Place salmon on foil or a greased grate and grill 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until salmon is cooked through.
Nutrition
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