This air fryer salmon recipe is easy to make with a honey mustard garlic glaze, making it ideal for busy weeknights. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked, flaky salmon that’s sweet, savory, and full of garlicky goodness. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, adding a burst of flavor while keeping the salmon moist and tender.
Air Fryer Salmon – Simple, fast, and absolutely irresistible! This salmon recipe is hands down one of the most frequently cooked dishes in our home. It gives you the juiciest, most succulent salmon with a perfectly flaky texture inside and a crisp, golden exterior.
- Why Are You Going To Love This Air Fryer Salmon
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How To Make Air Fryer Salmon
- Tips For Making The Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
- Storing Ideas
- What to Serve with This Air Fryer Salmon?
- Equipment Needed To Make This Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Salmon
Now, don’t get me wrong—I love pan seared salmon, honey mustard salmon, or baked salmon, but this air fryer version is a total game-changer. It’s just as easy to make, and honestly, it might be my new favorite way to cook salmon.
The best part? It’s super versatile! You can pair it with a variety of healthy side dishes during the week, making it perfect for any meal. Whether you’re in the mood for veggies, a fresh salad, or some roasted potatoes, this salmon fits right in.
Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Why Are You Going To Love This Air Fryer Salmon
- Effortless and Quick: In just 15 minutes, you can have a mouthwatering salmon dish ready to enjoy. The air fryer makes the cooking process a breeze, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: If you’re a fan of meal prepping, this recipe is a game-changer. Prepare a batch of air fryer salmon ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s a convenient and healthy option for busy schedules.
- Versatile Pairings: This salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Whether you prefer roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad, you can create a complete and satisfying weeknight meal with this delicious salmon as the centerpiece.
- Irresistibly Delicious: Prepare to indulge in a delightful culinary experience. This air fryer salmon turns out perfectly cooked, with a succulent and flaky texture. The added bonus is the crispy exterior that adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Salmon is incredibly healthy, packed with protein, and quick to make with only a few basic ingredients to create a flavorful and nutritious meal. It’s a win-win for both your taste buds and your well-being!
- Salmon fillets – Fresh salmon fillets are used in this recipe, but frozen salmon fillets are also delicious! Choose salmon pieces that are brightly colored and firm to the touch. You can also use fish like cod, haddock, or halibut.
- Honey – My keto friends, use this keto honey replacement.
- Dijon Mustard – any type of mustard will also work if you don’t like Dijon mustard.
- Olive Oil – any vegetable oil is great and helps the seasonings stick to the fish while keeping it super moist.
- Soy Sauce – for a gluten-free version, use gluten-free Tamari or Coconut Aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Garlic Powder – you can replace the garlic powder with freshly minced garlic for a more intense flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Salmon
This air fryer salmon recipe has become a family favorite in our house—it’s so easy, delicious, and always turns out perfectly. With just 4 simple steps, you’ll have a tender, flaky salmon with a crispy, flavorful glaze in no time.
Preparing the Salmon Fillets
First, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This is a little trick I always use to help achieve that crispy texture on the outside while keeping the salmon juicy inside. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients. I love how the combination of honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic creates a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a glaze that never fails to impress, even with the simplest ingredients!
Coat the Salmon Fillets
Now, generously brush the sauce over both sides of the salmon fillets. I usually let the salmon sit for a few minutes to soak up all that goodness. It’s a quick step, but it really deepens the flavor and makes the dish extra special.
Air Fry the Salmon Fillets
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. I always keep an eye on it and check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The result? Crispy skin and perfectly cooked, flaky salmon every time!
Serve and Enjoy: I love serving this with a simple side like roasted veggies or a fresh salad—it’s a quick, healthy dinner that feels gourmet, but takes less than 15 minutes to make. You really can’t beat that for a busy weeknight!
Tips For Making The Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Leave a little room between the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece, giving you that delicious crispy texture all over.
- Don’t Flip the Fillets: There’s no need to flip the salmon while it cooks. Cooking it skin-side down ensures the top remains tender and moist, while the bottom gets nice and crispy.
- Cook with the Skin On for Extra Juiciness: For extra juiciness, cook your salmon with the skin on. The skin acts as a protective shield, locking in moisture. If you prefer not to eat the skin, you can easily remove it after cooking.
- Check for Doneness with a Fork: Check for flakiness to determine if your salmon is done. When the fish flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready. Be cautious not to overcook, as salmon continues to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer.
Storing Ideas
- Fridge: Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for a quick, healthy meal later in the week.
- Freezer: You can also freeze the leftovers! Place them in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply defrost it completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve with This Air Fryer Salmon?
This recipe is great on its own, but many side dishes go well with salmon. Here are some low-carb side dish ideas to get you started:
- Cauliflower Rice Recipe
- Crispy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Authentic Pico de Gallo
- Quick Oven Roasted Vegetables
Equipment Needed To Make This Recipe
- Air Fryer: This is the main tool for cooking the salmon. Ensure you have a functioning air fryer that can accommodate the size of the salmon fillets.
- Instant Read Meat Thermometer: This handy tool will help you check the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure it reaches the recommended 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. It’s important for both flavor and food safety.
- Paper Towels: Keep some paper towels handy to pat dry the salmon fillets before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps achieve better browning and crispiness.
- Measuring Cups: Use measuring cups to measure the ingredients for the recipe accurately. This ensures the right balance of flavors and consistent results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Choose The Perfect Salmon
To get the best results, choosing a high-quality, fresh salmon fillet is key. Here’s what to look for:
Color: The fillet should have an intense, vibrant color, usually a deep pink or orange. Avoid salmon with dull or faded hues.
Texture: The salmon should be firm to the touch, with a smooth, non-sticky texture. If it feels mushy or too soft, it’s likely not fresh.
Smell: Fresh salmon has a mild, pleasant smell—slightly salty and a little sweet. It shouldn’t have a strong or “fishy” odor, which is a sign that it may not be as fresh as it should be.
What is the Optimal Internal Temperature for Salmon?
To ensure the salmon is thoroughly cooked, it should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Using an instant-read thermometer will help you avoid overcooking, ensuring your salmon stays juicy and tender.
How To Know If Salmon Is Done
Whether you’re cooking salmon in the air fryer or oven, it’s important to avoid overcooking. To check if the salmon is done, gently flake it with a fork. It should flake easily and be semi-translucent inside. Cook the salmon until the interior is mostly opaque but still slightly translucent in the center to keep it moist. Overcooking can cause it to become dry.
Is it Necessary to Flip the Salmon in the Air Fryer?
No, it’s not necessary to flip the salmon while it’s cooking in the air fryer. I find flipping unnecessary and prefer not to risk breaking the fish apart. Leaving it skin-side down throughout the cooking process works perfectly!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just keep in mind that frozen salmon will take a bit longer to cook. When cooking from frozen, I usually set the timer for about 15 minutes, then check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Once it reaches the optimal temperature, serve and enjoy as usual!
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Pork Chops and Crispy Garlic Broccoli
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Easy Air Fryer Asparagus
Air Fryer Salmon
Description
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets about 6 oz each
- 2 tbsp honey or keto honey replacement
- 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey (or keto honey substitute), Dijon mustard, olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Brush both sides of each salmon fillet generously with the marinade mixture.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F (63°C).
- Serve the salmon with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Video
Notes
Nutrition information is shared to make meal planning easier. Values are estimates and can vary depending on the ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. Learn more in my nutrition policy.
