If you’re a fan of easy and delicious meals that pack a punch, then this Sweet & Spicy Air Fryer Salmon is just what you need. The blend of honey and spices creates a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, making this dish a standout at any dinner table.
During a recent family gathering, I was reminded of how food can bring everyone together. We were reminiscing about past holidays, and my aunt mentioned how she loves experimenting with different salmon recipes. That conversation inspired me to try something new with salmon, leading to this delightful creation. This dish is a twist on the traditional grilled salmon, offering a quick and convenient alternative using an air fryer.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can have a flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes. The ground coriander and turmeric add an earthy depth, while the chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes bring the heat. The honey not only balances the spices but also gives the salmon a beautiful glaze.
If you’re someone who likes to tweak recipes, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own. For a milder version, you can reduce the amount of chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you prefer a bolder flavor, try adding a touch of smoked paprika or a splash of soy sauce to the honey mixture. For those who enjoy a bit of citrus, a squeeze of lime or lemon juice can brighten up the flavors beautifully.
Pair this Sweet & Spicy Air Fryer Salmon with a fresh green salad, some roasted vegetables, or a light quinoa pilaf for a complete meal. It’s also an excellent option for meal prep, as the salmon holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days.
This recipe is not only a testament to how easy cooking can be but also a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking!
Making Sweet & Spicy Air Fryer Salmon
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Ingredients
- 3 fillets of salmon, 1 inch thick
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes, crushed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander, ground
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, ground
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Heat the honey in a microwave-safe container for about 10 seconds until it’s just runny.
- Mix in the ground coriander, turmeric, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes into the warmed honey until well combined.
- Rinse and pat dry the salmon fillets. Generously coat each fillet with the honey-chili mixture, ensuring all sides are covered well.
- Place the coated salmon fillets in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 12 minutes.
- Once the timer goes off, take the salmon out of the air fryer and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Storing Suggestions:
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating with the honey-chili mixture for even cooking.
What sides go well with sweet and spicy salmon?
Great sides include steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. The sweetness and spiciness of the salmon pair well with a variety of sides.
Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey. Each will provide a slightly different flavor but will still give you a sweet and sticky coating.
Is it possible to bake this salmon instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F. The flesh should be opaque and separate easily.
What can I do if the salmon is too spicy?
If the salmon is too spicy, you can reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder in the recipe. Serving it with a cooling side like yogurt or a cucumber salad can also help balance the heat.
Easy Sweet & Spicy Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 3 salmon fillets 1 inch thick
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup honey
- ⅛ teaspoon salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Stir in the ground turmeric, ground coriander, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes into the warmed honey, mixing thoroughly.
- Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them dry. Once dry, generously coat each fillet with the honey-chili mixture, making sure to cover the sides well.
- Place the coated salmon fillets in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 12 minutes.
- After the timer goes off, remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve with your preferred sides. Enjoy!
