This week’s Cook’s Corner highlights a healthy and simple dinner idea shared by Hina Mulkey, a Spartanburg mom of three whose love of cooking is rooted in childhood memories and family traditions.
Originally from Pakistan, Mulkey has lived in the Spartanburg area on and off since 2011 and moved here permanently in 2014 after getting married. Today, she and her husband are raising their three children- two daughters and a son- in the community they now call home.
Mulkey enjoys preparing meals that are both nutritious and simple to make, something that is especially important in a busy household. She also prioritizes an active lifestyle and exercises regularly at Burn Boot Camp in Spartanburg, making healthy meals a natural part of her routine.
Her go-to air fryer salmon recipe reflects that balance- quick enough for a weeknight dinner but packed with flavor and nutrients.
For Mulkey, salmon is more than just a healthy protein. It also carries meaningful memories from her childhood.
“Salmon is my favorite because it reminds me of my childhood,” she said. “My dad used to make us fish in the winter every week.”
Those early experiences around the dinner table helped shape her appreciation for simple, nourishing meals.
Today, she often turns to salmon when time is short but she still wants to serve something wholesome for her family.
“Even in a busy week, salmon is one of those dishes that’s easy to make and full of nutrients,” Mulkey said.
Her recipe uses a blend of pantry spices- including smoked paprika, thyme and brown sugar- to create a flavorful rub that pairs perfectly with the rich taste of salmon. After marinating, the fish cooks quickly in the air fryer, making dinner ready in just minutes.
Mulkey typically serves the salmon with jasmine rice, steamed broccoli and a creamy Sriracha-Kewpie mayo sauce for a well-rounded meal that feels both satisfying and healthy.
When it comes to cooking, Mulkey believes the best recipes are often the simplest.
“The best meals often come from a combination of simple ingredients cooked with love,” she said.
It’s a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful dishes aren’t complicated — they’re the ones that bring family together around the table.
Air Fryer Salmon
Serves: 2
Ingredients
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon golden brown sugar
• 2 pieces of salmon
• Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, thyme leaves, garlic powder, smoked paprika and brown sugar to create the spice rub.
2. Clean and pat the salmon pieces dry, removing any scales if necessary.
3. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the salmon and rub the spice mixture evenly over the top.
4. For best flavor, allow the salmon to marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
6. Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes.
7. Serve immediately.
