Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon is a quick, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized dish with a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. This easy recipe delivers crispy edges, tender flaky salmon, and a sticky honey garlic glaze—all in under 15 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal effort.
- Perfectly cooked salmon – Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
- Healthy & flavorful – Packed with omega-3s and protein.
- Minimal cleanup – The air fryer keeps things easy and mess-free.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Honey
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Sesame seeds & green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat air fryer – Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Make the glaze – In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper.
- Marinate salmon – Brush the glaze onto salmon fillets and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Air fry – Place salmon in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook for 7-10 minutes until flaky and caramelized.
- Serve – Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy with rice, veggies, or a salad!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
- Garlic butter salmon – Replace honey with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Crispy topping – Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top before air frying.
- Teriyaki twist – Use teriyaki sauce instead of honey garlic glaze.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or microwave in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw first for best results, or air fry frozen salmon for 12-15 minutes.
Do I need to flip the salmon?
No, cooking skin-side down ensures even cooking.
What’s the best salmon to use?
Fresh wild-caught salmon has the best flavor, but farmed works too.
Can I bake this instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
How do I prevent salmon from drying out?
Don’t overcook—check doneness at 7 minutes and adjust as needed.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes! Maple syrup gives a similar sweetness.
Do I need to marinate the salmon?
No, but even 5 minutes of marinating boosts flavor.
What should I serve with this?
Try steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temp of 145°F (63°C).
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the glaze and marinate the salmon up to 1 day in advance.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon is a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With a caramelized honey garlic glaze and crispy edges, this dish is sure to be a favorite. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-quality salmon at home!
PrintAir Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon is a quick, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized dish with a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. This easy recipe delivers crispy edges, tender flaky salmon, and a sticky honey garlic glaze—all in under 15 minutes!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ginger, grated (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Sesame seeds & chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat Air Fryer:
- Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 2 minutes.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Marinate the Salmon:
- Brush olive oil over the salmon fillets.
- Pour half of the honey garlic sauce over the salmon and let sit for 5 minutes.
4. Air Fry the Salmon:
- Place salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Brush with the remaining sauce halfway through cooking.
5. Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad!
Notes
✔ Crispier Glaze: Brush extra sauce on the salmon in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
✔ No Air Fryer? Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or pan-sear for 3-4 minutes per side.
✔ Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.