Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 3 minced garlic cloves (about 1 tablespoon)
Salmon and Assembly
- 2 (4 ounce) skin-on, boneless salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dry roasted peanuts, minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 thinly sliced green onion
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, light brown sugar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small bowl until well combined to create the flavorful marinade.
- Score the Salmon: Using a knife, cut into each salmon fillet in 1-inch increments down to the skin edge, being careful not to pierce through the skin. This helps the marinade penetrate and promotes even cooking.
- Marinate the Fillets: Place the salmon fillets into a resealable bag, pour half of the marinade over them, then tightly seal the bag. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb flavors, or up to 2 hours for deeper taste.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Remove the salmon from the marinade and pat dry lightly to prevent excess moisture. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil cooking spray. Place each fillet curled on its side into the basket and spray the top lightly with cooking spray for better browning.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook the salmon for 8 minutes until cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Make the Glaze: While the salmon cooks, pour the remaining marinade into a small pot and simmer over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in chili crisp if using to add a spicy kick.
- Serve: Carefully remove salmon fillets from the air fryer and place skin-side down on plates with steamed rice. Spoon the reduced soy glaze generously over each fillet. Garnish with minced roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced green onions for crunch and freshness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not pierce through the skin when scoring the salmon to keep the fillets intact during cooking.
- Marinating time can be extended up to 2 hours for a more intense soy flavor.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, salmon can be cooked in a conventional oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, though texture will differ slightly.
- Chili crisp is optional but adds a nice spicy, crunchy element to the glaze.
- Use skin-on salmon to help keep the fillets moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat