AIR FRYER TERIYAKI SALMON

I remember the first time I tried making salmon at home. I was so intimidated! Visions of dry, flavorless fish danced in my head. But then, I stumbled upon the magic of teriyaki sauce and the incredible efficiency of the air fryer. Now, I’m thrilled to share with you how to make unbelievably delicious Teriyaki Salmon Air Fryer- Super Easy!, a recipe that’s become a weeknight staple in my house. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Teriyaki Salmon Air Fryer you’ll ever make!

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon: Your New Go-To Recipe

Okay, friends, let’s talk about salmon. It’s healthy, it’s delicious, and with the air fryer, it’s ridiculously easy to cook perfectly every single time. This recipe for Teriyaki Salmon Air Fryer is truly a game-changer. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with flaky, tender salmon is simply irresistible. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

Why Air Fryer Salmon?

You might be wondering, “Why use an air fryer for salmon?” Well, let me tell you! The air fryer cooks the salmon evenly and quickly, creating a beautiful crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. It’s a far cry from the dry, overcooked salmon we all fear! The air fryer also requires very little oil, making it a healthier option compared to pan-frying. It’s a win-win situation!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge!

• Salmon Fillets: Skin on or off, it’s up to you! I personally prefer skin-on for that extra crispy texture, but skinless works perfectly fine too. Aim for about 6-8 ounces per fillet.
• Teriyaki Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade. I’ll share my easy homemade recipe below!
• Sesame Oil: Just a touch to add a nutty flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced is always best!
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a lovely warmth and depth of flavor.
• Honey: For a touch of sweetness and to help the teriyaki sauce caramelize.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is my go-to.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a bit of tanginess to balance the sweetness.
• Sesame Seeds: For garnish. Black sesame seeds add a nice visual contrast!
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced, for garnish and a fresh bite.

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)

While store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, making your own is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the sweetness and sodium levels. Plus, it tastes SO much better! Here’s a quick recipe:

• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium)
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water to create a slurry)

Combine all ingredients except the cornstarch slurry in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business! Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked Teriyaki Salmon Air Fryer every time.

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
2. Marinate the Salmon: In a bowl, combine the salmon fillets with about half of the teriyaki sauce. Make sure each fillet is nicely coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This is crucial for even cooking.
4. Grease the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a little bit of sesame oil. This will prevent the salmon from sticking.
5. Place the Salmon in the Air Fryer: Carefully place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; you might need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
6. Air Fry the Salmon: Air fry for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Check the salmon after 8 minutes and add more time if needed. The top should be a beautiful, glazed color.
7. Brush with Remaining Sauce: During the last minute or two of cooking, brush the salmon with the remaining teriyaki sauce. This will create a beautiful, glossy finish.
8. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Success Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

Want to guarantee perfectly cooked, mouthwatering teriyaki salmon every single time? Follow these golden tips!

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Overcrowding the air fryer basket will steam the salmon instead of crisping it up. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Pat the Salmon Dry: Excess moisture will prevent the salmon from browning properly. Patting it dry ensures a crispy exterior.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked salmon is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
• Use a Good Quality Teriyaki Sauce: Whether you use store-bought or homemade, make sure it’s flavorful and not too thin. A thicker sauce will cling to the salmon better.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer. Keep an eye on the salmon and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Pairings

This Teriyaki Salmon Air Fryer is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Rice: Steamed white rice, brown rice, or even Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl (without the chicken, of course!) are perfect accompaniments.
• Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are healthy and delicious sides. The ONE-PAN BEEF BROCCOLI TAKEOUT is another simple side, omit the beef and enjoy just the broccoli!
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich salmon.
• Quinoa: Quinoa is a protein-packed grain that makes a great healthy side dish.
• Noodles: Soba noodles or udon noodles tossed in a light sauce are also a fantastic option.

Variations and Adaptations

Want to switch things up a bit? Here are some fun variations and adaptations of this recipe:

• Spicy Teriyaki Salmon: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
• Honey Garlic Teriyaki Salmon: Add an extra clove of minced garlic and a tablespoon of honey to the teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, more garlicky flavor. Try also my Honey Garlic Salmon Bites, for more inspiration!
• Lemon Teriyaki Salmon: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the teriyaki sauce for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Ginger Scallion Salmon: Skip the teriyaki sauce and instead marinate the salmon in a mixture of grated ginger, sliced scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
• Make it Bites! Follow the same recipe, but cut the salmon into cubes prior to marinating. Skewer and air fry until cooked through.

Other Air Fryer Inspiration

While you have your air fryer out, consider some other quick and delicious recipes like AIR FRYER CHURRO BITES for dessert, or even AIR FRYER FRIED PICKLES as a fun appetizer! You can even prepare BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWLS using your air fryer!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem! Store leftover Teriyaki Salmon Air Fryer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer (at 350°F/175°C for a few minutes), the microwave, or a skillet on the stovetop. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out easily.

Conclusion

There you have it! Perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful Teriyaki Salmon Air Fryer that’s ready in minutes. This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, grab your salmon, whip up some teriyaki sauce, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and healthy meal. I promise, you’ll be making this recipe again and again!

Lady Maria

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flaky salmon with a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze in under 15 minutes. It’s a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight meal that’s sure to impress.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 Salmon fillets 6-8 ounces each
• 1/4 cup Teriyaki sauce store-bought or homemade
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce low sodium
• 1 teaspoon Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
• Cooking spray

Equipment

• air fryer
• small bowl
• paper towels
• measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan (if making homemade teriyaki sauce)
• Whisk (if making homemade teriyaki sauce)
• spatula or tongs
• Serving plate

Method

 

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, combine the salmon fillets with half of the teriyaki sauce. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
4. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a little bit of sesame oil.
5. Carefully place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed.
6. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Check the salmon after 8 minutes and add more time if needed.
7. During the last minute or two of cooking, brush the salmon with the remaining teriyaki sauce.
8. Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer.
9. Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality salmon fillets. If using store-bought teriyaki sauce, choose a brand with a good flavor profile. To make homemade teriyaki sauce, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes, or until heated through. Serve with rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.