I recently tried making Air Fryer Salmon & Brussels Sprouts Recipe together in my air fryer, and honestly, it completely changed my weeknight dinners. I love how everything cooks in one basket with minimal effort.
The salmon comes out flaky and juicy, while the sprouts get perfectly crispy edges. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is incredibly simple.
If you’re like me and want something healthy, quick, and satisfying, this recipe is a must-try. You can also enjoy similar flavors with a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe for a hearty twist.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each) – Choose fresh, center-cut fillets for even cooking.
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved – Smaller sprouts cook more evenly and crisp better.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps with crisping and adds a rich flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives a stronger, more aromatic taste.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds tang and depth to the salmon.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup – Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Gives a subtle smoky flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Essential for enhancing all flavors.
- Lemon wedges for serving – Fresh citrus brightens the dish beautifully.
Note: This recipe serves 2 people generously. You can easily double the ingredients, but cook in batches for best crispiness. You can also try pairing this meal with Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa for a tropical flair.
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe based on your preferences:
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness.
- Use soy sauce or tamari for a slightly Asian-inspired flavor twist.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you like a spicy kick.
- Replace Brussels sprouts with broccoli or asparagus for variety.
- Make it dairy-free and gluten-free naturally—this recipe already fits both diets.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 20–22 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Air fryer – Main appliance for quick and even cooking
- Mixing bowl – For tossing Brussels sprouts with seasoning
- Small bowl – To prepare the salmon glaze
- Tongs – Helps flip or remove food safely
- Knife and cutting board – For prepping vegetables
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon and Brussels Sprouts Recipe?
This recipe is all about simplicity and balance. You’ll prepare the vegetables and salmon separately, then cook them together for a perfectly timed meal. The air fryer ensures crisp texture and juicy fish without much effort.
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Start by trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts so they cook evenly. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated for maximum crispiness.
Season the Salmon
In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. This glaze adds both flavor and a beautiful caramelized finish.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. Preheating helps the Brussels sprouts start crisping immediately and ensures even cooking for the salmon.
Cook the Brussels Sprouts First
Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for about 5 minutes to give them a head start. Shake the basket halfway through for even browning.
Add the Salmon
Move the sprouts to the sides and place the salmon fillets in the center. Cook everything together for another 5–7 minutes. The salmon should be flaky, and the sprouts should be crispy.
Check and Serve
Make sure the salmon reaches your desired doneness. Remove everything carefully and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my experience, these small tips make a big difference:
- I always pat the salmon dry before seasoning—it helps the glaze stick better.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; I learned this the hard way when my sprouts turned soggy.
- I like to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Adding lemon at the end (not before cooking) keeps the flavor fresh and vibrant.
- If I want extra crispiness, I cook the sprouts 2–3 minutes longer before adding salmon.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon and Brussels Sprouts Recipe?
Serve this dish straight from the air fryer while it’s hot and crispy. I like to plate the salmon in the center with Brussels sprouts around it for a balanced look. Add a lemon wedge on the side and sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley for color. You can also pair it with rice, quinoa, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: ~400
- Protein: ~34g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fat: ~22g
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead
You can prep the Brussels sprouts and salmon glaze ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes cooking even faster when you’re ready.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep salmon and sprouts together or separate based on preference.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon dry and the sprouts soggy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is a total game-changer for quick meals. Here’s why:
- Quick and easy
I love how it takes under 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy days when I still want something homemade. - Healthy and balanced
It’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it both nutritious and satisfying. - Minimal cleanup
Since everything cooks in one air fryer basket, there are fewer dishes to wash afterward. - Customizable flavors
You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, from sweet to spicy. - Perfect texture
The salmon stays juicy while the Brussels sprouts turn crispy—such a satisfying combination.
If you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s become one of my favorite go-to meals. It’s simple, delicious, and feels like something you’d order at a restaurant—only better because you made it yourself!
Air Fryer Salmon & Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts so they cook evenly. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated for maximum crispiness.
- In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. This glaze adds both flavor and a beautiful caramelized finish.
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. Preheating helps the Brussels sprouts start crisping immediately and ensures even cooking for the salmon.
- Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for about 5 minutes to give them a head start. Shake the basket halfway through for even browning.
- Move the sprouts to the sides and place the salmon fillets in the center. Cook everything together for another 5–7 minutes. The salmon should be flaky, and the sprouts should be crispy.
- Make sure the salmon reaches your desired doneness. Remove everything carefully and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- I always pat the salmon dry before seasoning—it helps the glaze stick better.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; I learned this the hard way when my sprouts turned soggy.
- I like to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Adding lemon at the end (not before cooking) keeps the flavor fresh and vibrant.
- If I want extra crispiness, I cook the sprouts 2–3 minutes longer before adding salmon.
