It seems like just yesterday I was struggling to get my kids to eat anything remotely healthy, especially fish. Then, one evening, experimenting with the air fryer, I stumbled upon a magical combination of sweet and savory that had them practically licking their plates clean. This recipe for Honey Salmon Air Fryer – So Delicious not only became a family favorite but also a quick and easy weeknight staple. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Honey Salmon Air Fryer – So Delicious you’ll ever make!
Why You’ll Absolutely Adore This Honey Salmon Air Fryer Recipe
Let’s be honest, cooking fish can be intimidating. Dry, flavorless salmon is nobody’s idea of a good time. But trust me, this Honey Salmon Air Fryer recipe is a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
It’s Incredibly Quick: Seriously, from fridge to table in under 20 minutes? Yes, please!
Effortless Cleanup: The air fryer basket makes cleanup a breeze. No more scrubbing baked-on messes.
Unbelievably Delicious: The honey glaze creates a beautiful caramelization and perfectly complements the rich flavor of the salmon. The slightly crispy edges combined with the flaky, tender interior are simply divine.
Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins.
Versatile: Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, a salad, or even in tacos!
If you enjoy quick and flavorful recipes, you might also love making Honey Garlic Salmon Bites, which are perfect as appetizers or a light meal. The honey glaze in this recipe is just as addictive!
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Honey Glazed Air Fryer Salmon
Okay, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, the list is short and sweet!
Salmon Fillets: Skin-on or skinless, about 6-8 ounces each. I personally prefer skin-on because it gets nice and crispy in the air fryer, but it’s totally up to you.
Honey: The star of the show! Use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is my go-to. It adds a savory depth that balances the sweetness of the honey.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential. Don’t skimp on it!
Ginger: A little freshly grated ginger adds a warm, aromatic touch.
Rice Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar brightens the glaze and adds a subtle tang.
Sesame Oil: A teaspoon of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little kick!
Sesame Seeds (optional): For garnish.
Green Onions (optional): For garnish.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Let’s Get Cooking: Honey Salmon Air Fryer – Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying your delicious honey glazed salmon in no time.
1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
2. Make the Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). The mixture should be smooth and fragrant.
3. Season the Salmon: Lightly season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Glaze the Salmon: Brush the honey glaze generously over the top of each salmon fillet. Make sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
6. Air Fry the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Make sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
7. Cook the Salmon: Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets and your air fryer.
8. Check for Doneness: The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the air fryer and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!
If you’re looking for another easy and flavorful appetizer to make in your air fryer, you should definitely try the AIR FRYER CHURRO BITES, which are always a crowd-pleaser.
Success Tips for Perfect Honey Glazed Air Fryer Salmon
Want to make sure your Honey Salmon Air Fryer recipe turns out perfect every time? Here are my top tips:
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Overcrowding the air fryer will steam the salmon instead of air frying it, resulting in a less crispy texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
Pat the Salmon Dry: Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a beautifully caramelized glaze and crispy edges.
Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your salmon fillets. Keep a close eye on the salmon and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Use Good Quality Honey: The flavor of the honey really shines through in this recipe, so use a good quality honey for the best results.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Overcooked salmon is dry and tough. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, flaky salmon.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Honey Salmon
Now that you’ve got this amazing Honey Salmon Air Fryer recipe down, let’s talk about how to serve it! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this delicious dish:
With Rice and Roasted Vegetables: A classic combination! Serve the salmon with steamed rice and your favorite roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
In Salmon Bowls: Create a healthy and flavorful salmon bowl with rice, quinoa, avocado, edamame, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
In Salmon Tacos: Flake the salmon and use it as a filling for tacos. Top with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema.
With a Salad: Serve the salmon on top of a bed of fresh greens for a light and refreshing meal.
As a Main Course: Simply serve the salmon with a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
If you’re in the mood for something else quick and satisfying, try Hot Honey Feta Chicken! The combination of sweet honey and salty feta is simply irresistible.
Variations on the Honey Salmon Air Fryer Recipe
Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations you can try:
Spicy Honey Salmon: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the honey glaze for a spicy kick.
Lemon Honey Salmon: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the honey glaze for a bright and citrusy flavor.
Maple Honey Salmon: Substitute maple syrup for the honey for a richer, more complex flavor.
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
Herbed Honey Salmon: Add chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, or thyme, to the honey glaze for a more aromatic dish.
Storing Leftover Honey Glazed Salmon
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a minute or two, or gently reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook it.
Why Air Fryer is The Best Choice For Salmon
The air fryer is my absolute favorite way to cook salmon. Why? Because it’s:
Fast: It cooks salmon much faster than the oven.
Easy: It’s incredibly easy to use and clean.
Healthy: It requires little to no oil, making it a healthier option.
Crispy: It creates a beautifully crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Consistent: It delivers consistent results every time.
If you’re hesitant about using an air fryer, give this recipe a try! You’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is. And while you’re at it, consider making some AIR FRYER FRIED PICKLES as a fun appetizer. They’re surprisingly addictive!
Final Thoughts on This Honey Salmon Air Fryer Recipe
This Honey Salmon Air Fryer recipe is more than just a quick and easy weeknight meal; it’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory, crispy edges, and flaky interior, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. So, go ahead and give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking!
What makes this honey glazed salmon recipe better than other ways of cooking salmon?
The air fryer cooks the salmon quickly and easily, requires little to no oil, and creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. It’s also very easy to clean up after.
Can I use salmon with the skin on or off for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using salmon with the skin on, as it gets nice and crispy in the air fryer. However, you can use skinless fillets if you prefer.
How do I store and reheat leftover honey glazed salmon?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a minute or two, or gently reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, being careful not to overcook it.
What are some variations I can make to the honey glaze?
You can try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, lemon juice for a citrusy flavor, maple syrup for a richer flavor, teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce, or chopped fresh herbs for a more aromatic dish.
Honey Glazed Air-Fried Salmon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Brush the honey glaze generously over the top of each salmon fillet.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil (optional).
- Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon and your air fryer.
- Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer. It should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the salmon from the air fryer and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if using).
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
