Description
A quick and flavorful air fryer salmon recipe with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup and restaurant-quality results.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each), skin-on or skinless
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help the glaze stick and the skin crisp up if using skin-on. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired until smooth and glossy.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Brush a generous layer of the honey mustard glaze on the flesh side. Cook for 7 minutes.
- Carefully flip the salmon using tongs or a spatula. Brush the other side with more glaze. Air fry for an additional 3 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily but remains juicy.
- Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes outside the air fryer to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with an extra drizzle of glaze or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Brush two layers of glaze—before cooking the first side and after flipping—to build flavor and caramelize. Start checking doneness a minute or two early as air fryer models vary. Use fresh salmon when possible; thaw frozen salmon completely and pat dry. Let salmon rest after cooking to keep it juicy. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze. The glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (abo
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 34
Keywords: air fryer salmon, honey mustard glaze, quick salmon recipe, healthy dinner, easy salmon, weeknight dinner, air fryer recipes