Sweet Sumac Salmon (Oven or Air Fryer)
Who’s up for a rich, savory meal with a hint of sweet, tangy flavor? Sweet Sumac Salmon is a wonderful blend of crispy skin and buttery texture, tossed in a mixture of sumac and brown sugar. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a special weekend meal. Trust me, you’re going to love this it’s a game-changer when you want something that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes.
Why You’ll Love Sweet Sumac Salmon
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weekday or a dinner party with friends, Sweet Sumac Salmon fits the mood effortlessly. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Season it however you like add chili flakes or herbs to match your taste.
Budget-Friendly: Few ingredients, huge flavor.
Quick and Easy: Takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
Customizable: Air fry it or bake it whatever’s convenient.
Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet, tangy, crispy a guaranteed win with everyone.
Ingredients in Sweet Sumac Salmon
Here’s the magic of this meal it’s made with just a few simple ingredients. Let’s break it down:
Salmon Fillets: Rich in flavor and healthy fats.
Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness and nice caramelization.
Sumac: Gives a tangy, lemon-like flavor to balance the rich fish.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste.
Olive Oil: Helps everything come together and crispy-up nicely.

Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment: If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 400°F. If you’re air-frying, set it to 380°F.
Combine Ingredients: Mix brown sugar, sumac, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly oil your oven sheet or air fryer basket.
Assemble the Dish: Season the salmon evenly with the mixture.
Cook to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes or air fry for 10 minutes.
Finishing Touches: Let it rest briefly, then serve warm with your favorite side.
Serve and Enjoy: Pair it with a simple salad or rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 280
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Sweet Sumac Salmon
Pair it with a fresh green salad or a side of crispy veggies. Try serving it alongside lemon rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
For a crispy skin, pat the fish thoroughly before applying the mixture. Try adding chili flakes if you like a bit of a kick. Air-frying results in crispy texture without much oil. Use parchment paper for easy clean-up.
FAQ’s
1 Can I use skinless fillets?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time.
2 What kind of sumac should I buy?
Ground sumac from a grocery or Middle Eastern market.
3 Are there substitutions for brown sugar?
Honey or maple syrup can be a great alternative.
4 Should I flip the fish during cooking?
Usually not necessary if you’re air-frying; in the oven, you can flip halfway if you wish.
5 Will this work with other fish?
Of course trout or tilapia would be nice.
6 Is it spicy or sweet?
It’s a nice balance sweet from the brown sugar and tangy from the sumac.
7 Can I make it in advance?
Best to cook it fresh, but you can season it up to a day in advance.
8 Does skin-on affect cooking time?
It may take a few minutes more.
9 Are there health benefits to sumac?
It’s rich in antioxidants and adds a unique flavor without adding sodium.
10 Where can I find sumac if I don’t have it at home?
Most grocery stores carry it in the spice section, or you can find it online.
Conclusion
Sweet Sumac Salmon is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crispy a simple meal with sophisticated flavor. Whether you air fry or bake it, you’ll find it hard to resist this easy, health-conscious dinner
Print
Sweet Sumac Salmon (Oven or Air Fryer)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet Sumac Salmon is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Coated in a mixture of sumac, brown sugar, and aromatic spices, this crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fish can be made in the oven or air fryer in minutes!
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) skin-on salmon fillets
- 2 teaspoons ground sumac
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Mix together sumac, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub the mixture evenly over the tops of the fillets.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the seasoned fillets.
- For oven, bake for 12–15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. For air fryer, cook for 8–10 minutes until crispy outside and tender inside.
- Remove from oven or air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Pair with a light salad or roasted veggies.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar or chili flakes to taste.
- Remove skin after cooking if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: salmon, sumac, sweet, savory, oven, air fryer, Mediterranean