This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner choice that comes together in minutes! Juicy salmon fillets are coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze. Then they are air-fried to perfection with beautifully crisp edges. The inside is tender and flaky. The air fryer locks in moisture while caramelizing the glaze, giving each bite a delicious balance of sweetness and umami.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner, this salmon pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad. The honey garlic sauce adds a restaurant-quality finish while keeping the recipe simple and wholesome. With minimal ingredients and cleanup, this air fryer salmon is a foolproof way to enjoy a nutritious, protein-packed meal. It tastes indulgent but is ready in under 15 minutes!
INGREDIENTS for Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
- ▢ 1 pound salmon fillets
- ▢ ⅓ cup honey * see note
- ▢ ¼ cup Soy sauce or coconut aminos
- ▢ 2 teaspoons crushed garlic
- ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Optional: mustard seeds
INSTRUCTIONS for Making Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
- Add your marinade ingredients to a bowl. Whisk to blend.
- Lay your salmon out in a dish. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Pour the marinade over the salmon. Let your salmon marinate at least 30 minutes.
- If you are planning to marinate the salmon with the honey garlic marinade overnight, use a Ziploc-style bag. This prevents the salmon from drying out. Add your salmon pieces and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator.
- Spray oil on the bottom of the air fryer. Place your marinated salmon in the air fryer. Spray oil over the salmon and close the air fryer.
- Air fry your salmon for 10 minutes at 365º F.
- Carefully remove the salmon with a plastic spatula. (Don’t use metal because you can scratch the non-stick surface.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. You can also use brown rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful glaze.
- Pair it with roasted or air-fried vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a full and balanced meal.
- Add a light side like a cucumber salad, Asian slaw, or garlic butter green beans for a refreshing contrast.
- For a low-carb choice, serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Garnish with fresh green onions or toasted sesame seeds. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to brighten up the flavors before serving.
Notes and Tips: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
Notes:
- You can use any cut of salmon for this recipe, but try to choose de-boned pieces for easier eating. I highly recommend using wild-caught salmon — it has a richer flavor and firmer texture compared to farmed salmon.
- For the sauce, you can use tamari, gluten-free soy sauce, or coconut aminos. They all offer a similar savory depth; opt for coconut aminos if you’re avoiding soy.
- Leftover salmon will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave to keep its moisture and flavor.
Tips:
- Choose fresh or thawed salmon: For the best texture, use fresh salmon fillets. Make sure frozen fillets are fully thawed before cooking.
- Pat dry before seasoning: Removing excess moisture helps the glaze stick better and promotes crisp edges.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook the fillets in a single layer for even air circulation and perfect browning.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker fillets need an extra minute or two; thinner pieces will cook faster.
- Brush on extra glaze: For more flavor, brush extra honey garlic sauce over the salmon halfway through cooking. You can also do this right after it’s done.
- Line the basket (optional): Use parchment paper or an air fryer liner for easier cleanup.
- Check doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Video
Frequently Asking Questions
1. Can I use frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes! You can cook frozen salmon directly in the air fryer—just increase the cooking time by a few minutes. For best results, thaw the salmon first so the glaze sticks evenly.
2. How do I know when the salmon is done?
Salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The center should be opaque and moist.
3. Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Warm it slightly before brushing onto the salmon.
4. What can I serve with honey garlic salmon?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. The sweet and savory glaze complements a variety of sides.
5. Can I bake the salmon instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes or until cooked through. Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you’d like caramelized edges.
6. How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and keep an eye on the time—air fryers cook quickly! Brushing a bit of extra sauce before serving also helps lock in moisture.
7. How long does it take to cook salmon in the air fryer?
Usually around 8–10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on how thick your fillet is. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
8. Can I make this without an air fryer?
You bet. Bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes. You can also pan-sear it on medium-high heat for that same caramelized goodness.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner choice that comes together in minutes! Juicy salmon fillets are coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze. Then they are air-fried to perfection with beautifully crisp edges. The inside is tender and flaky. The air fryer locks in moisture while caramelizing the glaze, giving each bite a delicious balance of sweetness and umami.
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillets
- ⅓ cup honey * see note
- ¼ cup Soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons crushed garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Optional: mustard seeds
Instructions
- Add your marinade ingredients to a bowl. Whisk to blend.
- Lay your salmon out in a dish. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Pour the marinade over the salmon. Let your salmon marinate at least 30 minutes.
- If you are planning to marinate the salmon with the honey garlic marinade overnight, use a Ziploc-style bag. This prevents the salmon from drying out. Add your salmon pieces and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator.
- Spray oil on the bottom of the air fryer. Place your marinated salmon in the air fryer. Spray oil over the salmon and close the air fryer.
- Air fry your salmon for 10 minutes at 365º F.
- Carefully remove the salmon with a plastic spatula. (Don't use metal because you can scratch the non-stick surface.)
Notes
- You can use any cut of salmon for this recipe but try to choose de-boned pieces for easier eating. I highly recommend using wild-caught salmon — it has a richer flavor and firmer texture compared to farmed salmon.
- For the sauce, you can use tamari, gluten-free soy sauce, or coconut aminos. They all offer a similar savory depth; opt for coconut aminos if you’re avoiding soy.
- Leftover salmon will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave to keep its moisture and flavor.
Tips:
- Choose fresh or thawed salmon: For the best texture, use fresh salmon fillets. Make sure frozen fillets are fully thawed before cooking.
- Pat dry before seasoning: Removing excess moisture helps the glaze stick better and promotes crisp edges.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook the fillets in a single layer for even air circulation and perfect browning.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker fillets need an extra minute or two; thinner pieces will cook faster.
- Brush on extra glaze: For more flavor, brush extra honey garlic sauce over the salmon halfway through cooking. You can also do this right after it’s done.
- Line the basket (optional): Use parchment paper or an air fryer liner for easier cleanup.
- Check doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 254Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 231mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 24g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.
