Maple-Gochujang Salmon (Air-Fryer and Oven)! (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo)

This is the recipe that got my kids to like salmon. I had lovingly prepared them fish sticks as historically they would turn up their noses at fish unless it was breaded, and needless to say that when they asked for bites of my salmon I nearly fell out of my chair. The best bit? They loved it.

This marinade is a flavor bomb of sweet and spicy umami, cutting through the richness of the salmon but melding with its flavor beautifully. Ideally, I marinade my salmon fillets for 4-6 hours but even 2 hours will do if you’re short on time, the flavors just won’t be as pronounced. Either way, with a 10 minute cook time, this recipe will become a favorite to reach for when you’re short on hands-on-cooking time.

I prefer this salmon in the air fryer because of the deep caramelization it gets, but it’s also delicious under the broiler so I’ve included both sets of instructions here for you. And be sure to pat the salmon dry before placing in the marinade, we don’t want to water down all those great flavors! 

Watch Me Make My Maple-Gochujang Salmon

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How To Make My Maple-Gochujang Salmon

Step 1. Pat salmon dry with paper towels and sprinkle salmon with salt.

Step 2. In a medium sized bowl or container with lid, whisk together maple syrup, gochujang, vinegar, soy sauce, and olive oil.

Step 3. Add the salmon filets and gently toss to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours.

Step 4. When it’s time to cook, remove the salmon from the refrigerator.  

Step 5. Cook!

If using the air-fryer: Spray the basket with nonstick spray, lift the salmon from the marinade and shake off excess.  Place the salmon skin side down in the basket.  Air-fry at 400 Degrees for 6-8 minutes until just cooked through, depending on how thick the filets are.  

If using the oven:   Place your oven rack 6 inches from the broiler heat source and set your oven broiler to HI.

Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray. Lift the salmon out of the marinade with tongs and shake off excess.  Place salmon on the foil, skin side down, and broil for 5-8 minutes depending on the thickness of the salmon and until done to your liking.

Step 6. Serve right away with rice and broccoli, on a pile of noodles, or over a salad.  

Step 7. Enjoy!

What Else Can I Use?

• If you can’t find gochujang, use another chili paste like Sambal Olek or even Sriracha.  
• If you want, swap honey for the maple syrup.
• If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, you can use white or apple cider vinegar.
• The spice is mild here, feel free to double the gochujang if you want it more pronounced.
• This marinade works great with cod or arctic char, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

This Maple-Gochujang Salmon is special because:

The marinade creates a sweet, spicy, umami flavor bomb!

The marinade does all the work – it only takes 10 minutes to cook!

Even the kids will love this.

More Simple Seafood Recipes

The Best 10-Minute Air Fryer Salmon
Crispy Cod & Summer Corn Salad
Easy Teryaki-Glazed Salmon Bowls
Spicy Sambal Shrimp Lettuce Cups (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo)
Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

If you make my Maple-Gochujang Salmon, and I hope you do, please leave me a comment here and rate the recipe. Your feedback means a lot to me! You can also post to Instagram and tag me so I can share your creations!

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