Salmon is a superb option for a scrumptious and wholesome dinner, yet there’s nothing more disheartening than ending up with a piece that’s dry or tough. The lean nature of salmon means it’s prone to overcooking, particularly in an air fryer where its low fat content can lead to a loss of moisture.
However, culinary whizz Arman Liew from The Bigman’s World has let slip a nifty trick to keep your salmon bursting with flavour. Arman divulged: “Brown sugar. My secret ingredient! Adding a touch of sugar helps caramelize the fish and gives it a crispy exterior and a very subtle sweetness.” A dash of brown sugar not only seals in the succulence but also ensures your salmon fillet emerges impeccably cooked, brimming with juiciness and tenderness within.
Moreover, this sweet glaze encourages the skin to crisp up beautifully during cooking, enhancing the overall taste experience.
The addition of brown sugar offers a delightful contrast, accentuating the inherent richness of salmon and imparting a buttery flavour that makes each mouthful absolutely divine.
Arman continued: “The air fryer works its magic to create a perfectly crispy and flaky exterior for the salmon while locking in all its juices, and the sweet and spicy rub takes it to the next level. It’s one of my family’s favorite weeknight dinners.”
How to make salmon juicy in the air fryer
Ingredients:
- Four salmon fillets
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- Two tablespoons of of brown sugar
- Half a teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Half a teaspoon of garlic powder
- Half a teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and paper
Method
To kick off, dab the salmon with kitchen roll to remove excess moisture. This ensures an even cook in the air fryer and minimises any glaze splatter.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt and pepper. Stir in the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder and onion powder.
Smother the salmon with the glaze, then position the fillets skin side down in the air fryer basket or tray.
Set the air fryer to 200C and let it work its magic for six minutes. Bear in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so do check on it after six minutes and add a minute or two if needed for that perfect crispiness.
Once done, remove from the air fryer and allow the salmon to rest for three to five minutes. As the salmon cooks, its juices rise to the surface, and letting it rest helps redistribute this moisture back into the flesh, ensuring a juicier bite.
After a brief pause, your succulent and tender salmon is ready to be savoured.