Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with this unbelievably fast and flavorful Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon. If you’re searching for a meal that’s incredibly delicious, genuinely healthy, and on the table in about 10 minutes, you’ve found it. This recipe creates a perfectly flaky salmon fillet with a sweet and savory glaze that’s simply irresistible.
We’ll walk you through every simple step, from whisking the 4-ingredient glaze to the exact temperature that makes the salmon tender and juicy every single time. Say goodbye to boring meals and hello to your new go-to dinner.
Why This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another salmon recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy home cooks. It combines gourmet flavor with the sheer convenience of an air fryer, making it a standout choice for any meal.
- Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in about 10 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you need a satisfying meal without the wait.
- Packed with Flavor: The honey garlic glaze is the star. It’s a simple combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and zesty garlic that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
- Healthy & Light: Salmon is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Air frying requires minimal oil, keeping the dish light, healthy, and clean.
- Effortless Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer basket means no splattered pans or messy cleanup. Often, a quick rinse is all you need.
The Perfect Ingredients for Honey Garlic Salmon
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a truly memorable dish.
For the Salmon
The foundation of this dish is, of course, the salmon. For the best results, look for 6-ounce salmon fillets that are about 1-inch thick. This thickness ensures the fish cooks evenly, remaining moist on the inside while the outside gets that perfect glaze. Both skin-on or skinless fillets work well; the skin gets wonderfully crispy in the air fryer!
For the Honey Garlic Glaze
This glaze is where the magic happens. It’s a simple, four-ingredient sauce that balances sweet, salty, and savory notes perfectly.
- Honey: Provides the sweetness and helps create that beautiful caramelization.
- Soy Sauce: Use a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option. This adds the perfect savory, umami depth.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for the best flavor. It infuses the glaze with its signature aromatic punch.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness and brightens up all the other flavors.
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon in the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)
Making this Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon is as easy as 1-2-3. Just follow these simple steps for a flawless result.
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
First, pat your salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step! A dry surface allows the glaze to adhere properly and helps the exterior cook perfectly. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk everything together until the honey has dissolved and the sauce is well combined.
Step 3: Glaze and Air Fry
Brush a generous layer of the honey garlic glaze over the top and sides of each salmon fillet. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh parsley or sesame seeds and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon
Follow these pro tips to guarantee your salmon comes out perfectly tender and flavorful every single time.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes. A hot basket ensures the salmon starts cooking immediately, giving it a better texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the salmon in a single layer. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, cooking the fish evenly and creating that delicious caramelized crust. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to check for doneness is with an instant-read thermometer. Salmon is perfectly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Let the salmon rest for a minute or two after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender fillet.
What to Serve with Your Salmon
This versatile salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a complete and healthy meal, try serving it with a side of steamed rice and some air-fried asparagus or broccoli. It’s also delicious alongside some perfectly roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Swap the honey for maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick. Don’t have soy sauce? Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes, or until just warmed through. This method helps keep it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can! First, cook the unseasoned frozen salmon fillet for about 5-7 minutes at 380°F (190°C) to thaw it. Then, pat it dry, brush on the honey garlic glaze, and cook for an additional 7-9 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through.
Yes, you can place a small piece of aluminum foil under the salmon to help with cleanup. However, ensure the foil does not cover all the holes in the air fryer basket, as this can block airflow and prevent the salmon from cooking evenly.
The most reliable method is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. The salmon is perfectly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) at its thickest point. Alternatively, the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
For a standard 6-ounce salmon fillet that is about 1-inch thick, it typically takes 7-9 minutes to cook in an air fryer preheated to 400°F (200°C). The exact time can vary based on the thickness of the fish.
The best temperature for cooking salmon in the air fryer is 400°F (200°C). This high heat cooks the salmon quickly, keeping it moist and tender on the inside while helping to caramelize the glaze on the outside.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes
If you loved this quick and easy dinner, be sure to check out our recipe for delicious easy shrimp and rice bowls or this comforting one-pot chicken orzo. Both are perfect for busy weeknights!
Share Your Creation!
We hope you love this quick and easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon recipe as much as we do! If you make it, we’d love to see. Leave a comment below or share a photo of your masterpiece on Pinterest!
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon (Ready in 10 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Brush the glaze over the top and sides of each salmon fillet. Place the salmon in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh parsley or sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Tip 2: For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. This prevents the salmon from drying out.
Tip 3: Let the salmon rest for a minute before serving to lock in the juices.
