Salmon is a staple in many households for weeknight dinners due to its versatility and ease of preparation. It is highly nutritious, rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D, and is considered an immune-boosting food by many experts. For those looking to enhance its flavor, a simple kitchen trick from baker Amanda Rettke can transform the fish into a remarkable dish.
The Secret Ingredient: Brown Sugar
On her recipe blog, I Am Baker, Amanda Rettke shares that coating salmon with brown sugar before cooking creates an irresistible savory-sweet flavor. She explains, "Brown sugar-glazed salmon is a simple and delicious way to kick your salmon up a notch. I love the contrast of the light and flaky salmon with a sweet brown sugar glaze. It’s easy enough to put together for a weeknight dinner, and the kids love it too!"
Both light and dark brown sugar work well, but dark brown sugar contains more molasses, giving a richer flavor. The glaze adds a delightful caramelized crust to the tender, flaky fish.
Quick and Easy Preparation
The recipe requires only 10 minutes of prep time and 5-7 minutes of cooking in an air fryer. Cleanup is effortless, especially if you line the basket with foil or use non-stick spray.
Ingredients
- 50g brown sugar
- Two tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Four boneless salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar and Dijon mustard.
- Spoon the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. For convenience, you can leave the skin on.
- Place fillets in the air fryer basket and pour any remaining glaze on top.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through. Check periodically, as cooking times vary by air fryer. The goal is to char the outside slightly.
- Salmon is done when the meat is solid pink in the center. Note that it will continue cooking for a few minutes after removal from heat.
This simple method elevates salmon to a new level of flavor, making it a perfect choice for a quick, delicious dinner.
