Delicious Air Fryer Maple Salmon

This quick and delicious air fryer recipe pairs flaky maple-glazed salmon with crispy Brussels sprouts for a flavorful and easy dinner that can be on your table in under an hour. The combination of sweet maple syrup, savory soy sauce, and a touch of heat from sriracha makes the salmon irresistible while the Brussels sprouts cook to a perfect crisp in the air fryer.

This was a game changer for me when I wanted a healthy dinner that didn’t require standing over the stove. Now it’s a go-to that I make whenever I want something comforting yet fresh.

Ingredients

• Pure maple syrup: for natural sweetness and glossy glaze
• Soy sauce or tamari: adds savory umami depth use tamari for gluten free option
• Sriracha hot sauce: brings a gentle kick without overpowering
• Garlic clove minced: imparts a fragrant aromatic base
• Sea or kosher salt divided: enhances all flavors with clean saltiness use a good quality salt for best results
• Freshly ground black pepper divided: adds mild heat and complexity
• Smoked paprika: adds subtle smoky warmth to the salmon seasoning
• Olive oil divided: helps crisp up Brussels sprouts and maintains moisture in the salmon
• Fresh salmon fillets: choose firm, bright flesh with no discoloration for the best texture and flavor
• Brussels sprouts halved: fresh and firm sprouts will crisp nicely and cook evenly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Whisk together the pure maple syrup, soy sauce or tamari, sriracha, and minced garlic in a small bowl to create the glaze. This combination will transform the salmon with sweet, savory, and spicy notes.

Season the Salmon:

Rub the salmon fillets with a quarter teaspoon of salt, a quarter teaspoon of pepper, and sprinkle smoked paprika evenly over the surface. This layering of seasoning ensures the salmon is flavorful from edge to edge.

Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:

Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with one teaspoon of olive oil, the remaining salt, and pepper. Coating them thoroughly helps them caramelize and become perfectly crispy in the air fryer.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit which is about 190 degrees Celsius to ensure an even cooking temperature for both the salmon and sprouts.

Cook the Brussels Sprouts:

Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket and cook for ten minutes. Shake or toss halfway through to promote even cooking and browning on all sides.

Add the Salmon:

Brush the salmon fillets with half of the maple glaze. Push the sprouts to the sides of the basket and nestle the salmon fillets in the center. This allows them to cook together without crowding the basket.

Finish Cooking:

Air fry everything together for eight to ten minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the Brussels sprouts are tender with some crispy edges.

Glaze Before Serving:

Brush the remaining glaze over the salmon to boost the flavor and add a beautiful finish just before plating.

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This recipe is a favorite in my house because the sweet-spicy glaze always impresses guests and the air fryer means less cleanup. I remember the first time I served this for a casual dinner and everyone was surprised how flavorful and impressive the meal was with minimal effort.

Storage Tips

Store leftover salmon and Brussels sprouts in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature to maintain the salmon’s moisture and crisp the sprouts back up. Avoid microwaving as the texture can become rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have sriracha, use a dash of cayenne pepper or hot paprika for a similar mild heat. For a different glaze twist, try using honey instead of maple syrup. Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a lower sodium and soy-free option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salmon with a simple side of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the glaze. A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness and rounds out the meal without overpowering the main flavors.

Cultural Context

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Maple syrup is a classic North American sweetener, especially in fall and winter dishes. Combining it with soy sauce nods to Asian-inspired flavors, making this dish an easy fusion that many find comforting and fresh. Using an air fryer highlights modern cooking methods that focus on faster, healthier meals without sacrificing texture or depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What temperature is best for air frying the salmon and Brussels sprouts?

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking. This temperature allows the salmon to cook through evenly while the Brussels sprouts become crispy without burning.

→ How can I tell when the salmon is fully cooked?

Look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque appearance throughout. Cooking in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes usually achieves this.

→ Can I substitute the maple syrup with another ingredient?

While maple syrup provides a unique sweetness and caramelization, alternatives like honey or agave nectar can be used, keeping in mind the flavor will differ slightly.

→ How do I achieve crispy Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?

Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper before air frying. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps them brown evenly and crisp up nicely.

→ Is it necessary to use soy sauce or tamari in the glaze?

Soy sauce or tamari adds a savory depth and balances the sweetness. Using tamari is a great gluten-free option without compromising flavor.