This Air Fryer Salmon recipe is the perfect solution when you need a quick, easy, and flavorful meal any night of the week. In under 10 minutes, you can enjoy tender, perfectly cooked salmon fillets drizzled with a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
If you’ve tried my original Honey Garlic Salmon recipe, you already know how much I love that sweet and savory glaze. This Air Fryer version is a game-changer and has become one of my favorites for when I’m short on time but still want something full of flavor. In under 10 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked, juicy salmon fillets coated in that same mouthwatering honey garlic glaze, with the air fryer doing all the work.
I’ve made this so many times—it’s the perfect solution for busy nights when you want something healthy and tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. The air fryer makes it super simple, and the results are always spot-on: juicy salmon with that sticky, sweet-and-savory glaze that just hits the spot.
Be sure to check out my video guide and tips and tricks below to make perfectly cooked salmon in an air fryer every time. If you love my honey garlic salmon, you’ll definitely want to give this air fryer honey garlic salmon recipe a try!
The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Recipe
- Effortless and quick: Get a tasty, healthy meal on the table in under 10 minutes. The air fryer makes everything so simple, taking the guesswork out of cooking and turning weeknight dinners into a snap.
- Mouthwatering sauce: The honey garlic sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sticky, coating the tender salmon and making every bite bursting with flavor.
- Healthy and delicious: Full of omega-3s from the salmon, this dish is not only nutritious but also super satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of feel-good and flavorful!
- No more dry salmon: One of the best things about cooking in the air fryer is how it locks in all that moisture. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked salmon—this recipe gives you perfectly tender, flaky fillets every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon fillet – Skin-on salmon fillets are preferred as the skin helps lock in moisture and keeps the fish from falling apart in the air fryer. If using skinless fillets, handle them gently when flipping or removing them from the basket.
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon wedges
Honey Garlic Sauce
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Honey
- Apple cider vinegar – Can be swapped for lemon juice if needed.
- Water
Refer to the recipe card below for all ingredient details.
How To Make Air Fryer Salmon
Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the salmon, then set it aside for a bit.
In a bowl, combine all the Honey Garlic Sauce ingredients and mix until smooth.
Spoon the sauce over the salmon, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Alternatively, place the salmon in a ziplock bag, pour in the sauce, and gently massage to distribute it.
Place the salmon in the air fryer basket and spoon the leftover marinade over the top. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 6 minutes.
After 6 minutes, remove the salmon from the air fryer. Carefully pour any drippings from the basket into a small bowl—it’s packed with flavor and perfect for drizzling over the salmon or rice.
Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or scallions, and squeeze a little lemon juice over the top just before serving. It really brings everything together!
Secrets To Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
- If you have a little extra time, marinate the salmon for 10–15 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- For the best results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! This allows hot air to circulate evenly, ensuring perfectly cooked, juicy fillets. If cooking multiple fillets, it’s better to do them in batches.
- If your fillets are thicker, you may need to cook them for an additional 1–2 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.
- Don’t waste those delicious drippings! Drizzle them over the salmon or rice for an extra burst of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge before seasoning and air frying. Once thawed, pat it dry to remove any excess moisture.
Can I marinate the salmon for longer than 15 minutes?
It’s best to stick to marinating for about 10-15 minutes. Any longer, and the apple cider vinegar in the marinade can start to break down the fish, resulting in a mushy texture.
How long can I store the leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but for the best flavor and texture, try to consume within 24 hours.
What’s the best way to reheat salmon without drying it out?
Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes to revive it without drying it out. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to overcook salmon.
How many calories per serving?
This recipe contains 348 calories per salmon fillet.
What To Serve With This Recipe
For an easy and wholesome weeknight dinner, I recommend pairing this dish with various sides.
