Honey Teriyaki Air Fryer Salmon

Honey Teriyaki Air Fryer Salmon 🍣🐟

This Honey Teriyaki Air Fryer Salmon is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something light yet satisfying. The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze pairs beautifully with tender, flaky salmon, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. With minimal prep and cleanup, this recipe is a game-changer for easy dinners. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Let’s dive into how to make this simple and mouthwatering dish step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy : Ready in under 50 minutes with minimal hands-on time.
2. Healthy & Nutritious : Packed with omega-3s from salmon and natural sweetness from honey.
3. Air Fryer Magic : Crispy edges and perfectly cooked salmon without the need for oil-heavy frying.
4. Versatile : Serve over rice, with veggies, or as a standalone dish.
5. Customizable : Adjust sweetness or spice levels to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless )
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger )
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• Sesame seeds , for garnish
• Chopped green onions , for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

1. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
2. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated.
3. Cover the dish or seal the bag and let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes .
   • Tip : Avoid marinating for longer than 30 minutes, as the acidity of the soy sauce can start to “cook” the fish and affect its texture.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon

1. Remove the salmon from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Reserve the marinade for later if desired (see notes below).
2. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
3. Cook for 10–12 minutes , depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) .

Step 5: Optional Sauce Reduction

1. If desired, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly. Drizzle over the cooked salmon before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle the cooked salmon with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Serve hot with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

1. Pat the Salmon Dry : Before marinating, pat the salmon dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere better.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket : Leave space between the fillets in the air fryer to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
3. Adjust Sweetness : Add an extra drizzle of honey after cooking if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients : Fresh ginger and garlic provide brighter, more vibrant flavors compared to dried versions.
5. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or air fryer to retain moisture.

Perfect Pairings

This Honey Teriyaki Air Fryer Salmon pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed Rice : White, brown, or jasmine rice makes a great base for soaking up the teriyaki glaze.
• Quinoa or Couscous : For a lighter, protein-packed alternative to rice.
• Roasted Vegetables : Serve with roasted broccoli, green beans, or carrots for added nutrition.
• Stir-Fried Veggies : Pair with sautéed snap peas, bell peppers, or zucchini for a colorful side dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 4 servings)

• Calories : ~280 kcal
• Protein : ~30g
• Carbohydrates : ~12g
• Fat : ~12g
• Fiber : ~0g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Teriyaki Air Fryer Salmon is a simple yet impressive dish that combines bold flavors with minimal effort. The air fryer ensures crispy edges and perfectly cooked, flaky salmon, while the honey teriyaki glaze adds a sweet and savory touch that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. So grab your salmon, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious.