Ingredients
1 lb. salmon (see tips)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (see tips)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)
2–3 teaspoons avocado or olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the Salmon: Remove the skin (if needed), pat the salmon dry with paper towels, and cut into 1 to 2 inch cubes.
- Mix the Spices: Combine all spices in a small bowl.
- Season the Salmon: Toss the salmon cubes with the spice mix and a bit of oil until well coated, I like using my hands for this.
- Air Fry: Add the salmon to the air fryer basket and spread them out so they aren’t piled up. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes.
- Serve: The salmon should be golden and crisp on the outside, buttery and juicy inside, flakes apart easily with a fork. For medium doneness, try 6 to 7 minutes instead.
Notes
Salmon Tips – I like using boneless, skinless salmon in one nice thick piece, it’s way easier to cube up evenly. You can usually find this kind at Trader Joe’s, Target, or most grocery stores. If you’re shopping somewhere a little fancier with a seafood counter, don’t be shy, ask them to remove the skin and cut it into chunks for you. Total time-saver. This spice mix works for about 1 to 1.5 pounds of salmon. If you’re closer to 1.5 pounds, the coating will be a little lighter, just taste and sprinkle in a bit more salt after cooking if needed.
Brown Sugar Tip – If your brown sugar’s a little clumpy (totally normal!), just break it up with your fingers or a fork before mixing. You want it nice and crumbly so it blends easily with the spices and sticks to the salmon evenly, no weird sugar pockets here.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
