Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and savory with our Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon recipe. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – this is truly the best way to cook salmon and it's also an easy weeknight dinner!
If you love air fryer easy recipes make sure to try this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks.
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Ingredients
You will need these simple ingredients you can easily find at grocery stores to make this recipe.
Ingredients Notes:
- Salmon Filets: Look for fresh salmon fillets at your local seafood market or grocery store. You can also consider frozen fillets if fresh ones are not readily available. Opt for sustainably sourced salmon if possible.
- Soy Sauce: Regular or low-sodium soy sauce can be used. Tamari is a good alternative for a gluten-free option. You can also use coconut aminos
- Honey: Use good-quality honey for a rich and distinct sweetness. Locally sourced or raw honey can add unique flavor nuances. You can also use pure maple syrup
- Garlic Powder: While fresh garlic is always an excellent choice, garlic powder provides convenience and evenly distributes the garlic flavor. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
- Lime Juice and Zest: Fresh lime juice and zest add brightness to the dish. Choose plump, juicy limes for the best flavor. Organic limes are a great option.
- Salt and Pepper: Use sea salt or kosher salt for seasoning, and freshly ground black pepper for optimal flavor.
- Cooking Spray: A neutral cooking spray, such as canola or vegetable oil spray, helps prevent sticking in the air fryer.
Optional garnish: green onions, sesame seeds
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make the Air Fryer Salmon, step-by-step with photos
In a small bowl, thoroughly combine soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, lime juice, and optional zesty lime zest. Ensure a well-blended mixture.
Place the salmon in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fillets, then refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to allow the salmon to absorb the flavors.
Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 375°F, ensuring a perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness.
After marinating, remove the salmon fillets from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Gently place the seasoned salmon fillets in the preheated air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, adjusting the time based on the fillets' thickness.
Serve the air-fried honey garlic salmon with a side of fresh salad, steamed veggies, or a bed of fluffy rice. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Tips for Making this Air Fryer Salmon
- Choose Quality Salmon: Select fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Look for fillets with firm flesh and a vibrant color.
- Marinating Time: Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate the fish. For an even more intense flavor, marinate it for an hour or longer in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F before placing the salmon in. This ensures that the salmon starts cooking immediately, resulting in a crispy exterior while retaining its moisture.
- Pat Dry Before Cooking: After marinating, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve a better sear and crispiness in the air fryer.
- Cook time: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thicker fillets may require a bit more time.
- Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Ensure there is enough space between the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Use Cooking Spray a little oil: Give the air fryer basket a light coating of cooking spray to prevent the salmon from sticking. This also helps achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Check for Doneness: To check if the salmon is cooked through, use a fork to gently flake a small section. The flesh should be opaque and easily flake apart. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
What to serve with the Air Fryer salmon fillets?
Quinoa or Rice:
Serve the salmon on a bed of fluffy quinoa or white rice.
Roasted Vegetables:
Roast vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers for a caramelized and savory side that pairs well with the honey garlic salmon.
Storage
- Refrigeration:
- If you have leftover salmon, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator promptly after it has cooled. Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.
- Reheating:
- Reheat the salmon in the air fryer for a few minutes to help maintain its crispiness. Alternatively, you can gently reheat it in the microwave or oven. Reheat any side dishes separately as needed
- Freeze the salmon in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.
FAQ
Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this honey garlic air fryer salmon. Make sure to thaw it completely before marinating to ensure even flavor distribution.
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to other types of fish like cod, tilapia, or trout. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fillets.
Certainly! If you prefer, you can grill the salmon for a smoky flavor. Adjust cooking times based on your grilling method
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 Salmon Fillets 6-8 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 3 tablespoons Honey
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Lime Juice
- Zest of a Lime optional
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
- In a small bowl, thoroughly combine soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, lime juice, and optional zesty lime zest. Ensure a well-blended mixture.
- Place the salmon skin in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fillets, then refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to allow the salmon to absorb the flavors.
- Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 375°F, ensuring a perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness.
- After marinating, remove the salmon fillets from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Gently place the seasoned salmon fillets in the preheated air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, adjusting the time based on the fillets' thickness.
- Serve the air-fried honey garlic salmon with a side of fresh salad, steamed veggies, or a bed of fluffy rice. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Notes
Pairing your Air fryer Salmon fillet
-
Quinoa or Rice:
- Serve the salmon on a bed of fluffy quinoa or white rice. The grains will absorb the flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying base.
-
Roasted Vegetables:
- Roast vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers for a caramelized and savory side that pairs well with the honey garlic salmon.
Bernice
Ever since I discovered this recipe, I haven't cooked salmon any other way. It's just such a quick and convenient dinner for the two of us.
Sophie Viau
It's wonderful to hear that you've found your go-to salmon recipe! Quick and convenient meals that also taste delicious are always a win, especially for busy evenings. It sounds like this dish has become a staple in your household for good reason.
Marta
My kids just got me a new air fryer for Christmas, so I made this as my first recipe. The honey garlic marinade is everything!
Sophie Viau
What a thoughtful gift from your kids! It's fantastic that you chose this salmon recipe for your first air fryer experiment, and I'm delighted to hear that the honey garlic marinade was a hit
Gloria
My new oven has an air fry feature. We love salmon. I will give this a try for dinner one night this week. Sounds delicious.
Sophie Viau
The honey garlic flavor adds a nice touch, and it's wonderful that you're already excited to try it out. If you need any tips or guidance when making it, feel free to ask
Lauren
I love how easy this salmon was to make in the air fryer. The honey garlic flavor was delicious and it paired perfect with rice and broccoli.
Sophie Viau
Pairing it with rice and broccoli sounds like a complete and nutritious meal.
Elaine
Wow! This is my new favorite salmon recipe! It had such a delicious flavor and hubby already asked me when I'm going to make it again. It's a keeper.
Sophie Viau
That's wonderful to hear! It sounds like you've found a winner with this salmon recipe. It's always a great feeling when a dish earns rave reviews from the family, especially when they're already looking forward to having it again
Krysten
I got a new air fryer for Christmas and have been making all different types of recipes. I really liked this salmon because of the honey and soy mixture. The fish was cooked perfectly, I can't wait to make it again.
Sophie Viau
Getting a new air fryer sounds like an exciting Christmas gift! It's great to hear that you've been experimenting with various recipes, and I'm thrilled that you enjoyed this salmon dish with the honey and soy mixture.
Monica
So dang delicious! That honey garlic combination is just irresistible on salmon, and the crispy bits are heaven on a plate!
Sophie Viau
Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm for this mouthwatering dish.
Carrie Robinson
I just love how easy this is to make! 🙂 And bonus points for being made in the air fryer. Healthy and tasty!
Sophie Viau
Absolutely! The convenience of using the air fryer for this recipe is definitely a bonus. It's wonderful when a dish not only tastes delicious but also requires minimal effort to prepare.
Erin
I used coconut aminos, and this came out wonderfully! We all loved the flavor and it was super easy, too. Thanks so much! Have bookmarked to make again. 🙂
Sophie Viau
Using coconut aminos sounds like a delicious twist! It's fantastic to hear that the flavor turned out wonderfully and that everyone enjoyed it
Katie Crenshaw
This is my new favorite way to make salmon. The flavor combination is incredible and the air fryer cooks the salmon perfect.
Sophie Viau
It sounds like you've discovered a fantastic way to prepare salmon! The air fryer is such a convenient tool, and it's great to hear that it delivers incredible flavor while cooking the salmon perfectly.
Sophie Viau
It's fantastic to hear that you've found a new favorite way to prepare salmon!