Sweet & Savory Brown Sugar & Garlic Air Fryer Salmon (Keto-Friendly Adaptation!)
Get ready for incredibly flavorful and perfectly cooked salmon in minutes with this Sweet & Savory Brown Sugar & Garlic Air Fryer Salmon! Salmon fillets are coated in a delicious, sweet-and-savory spice rub, then air-fried to tender, flaky perfection. This recipe uses a keto-friendly brown sugar substitute to keep it low-carb while still delivering that classic caramelized sweetness.
IMPORTANT KETO NOTE: Traditional brown sugar is not low-carb or keto-friendly. This recipe is adapted to use a keto-friendly brown sugar substitute to achieve the desired flavor profile while maintaining low net carbs.
Yields: 2-4 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 12-15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound salmon fillets (2-4 individual portions, about 1-inch thick, skin-on or skinless)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons keto-friendly brown sugar substitute (e.g., Swerve Brown, Lakanto Golden, Allulose Brown)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Non-stick cooking spray or a little avocado oil (for air fryer basket)
Equipment:
- Small bowl
- Air fryer
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)
Instructions:
- Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere and promotes better crisping.
- Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper.
- Make Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the keto-friendly brown sugar substitute, chili powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well until all spices are evenly distributed.
- Season Salmon: Generously rub the prepared spice mixture over all sides of each salmon fillet, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with non-stick cooking spray or brush with a little avocado oil.
- Air Fry Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down (if applicable). Ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Turn the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook for 12-15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon and your desired doneness. Salmon is typically done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). For thinner fillets (½ inch), check at 10 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy! Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Serve warm immediately.
Tips for Success:
- Keto Brown Sugar Substitute: This is essential for keeping the recipe low-carb. Do not use regular brown sugar.
- Doneness: Overcooked salmon can be dry. For moist, flaky salmon, cook until it just flakes easily. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 145°F (63°C).
- Crispy Skin (Optional): If you desire crispier skin, you can flip the salmon skin-side up for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Even Thickness: If your salmon fillets vary greatly in thickness, try to cut them into more uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: This salmon pairs wonderfully with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, cauliflower rice, or a fresh side salad for a complete keto meal.
Storage: Store any leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or air fryer (at a lower temperature like 350°F) to avoid drying it out.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein from the salmon.
- Low-Carb: Yes, when using a keto-friendly brown sugar substitute. Traditional brown sugar would make this high-carb.
- Keto: Yes, when using a keto-friendly brown sugar substitute.
- Salmon: Excellent keto protein source.
- Spices: All generally keto-friendly.
- Brown Sugar Substitute: Crucial for keto compliance.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
