Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon is a quick and tasty way to get perfectly cooked fish every time. The salmon fillets come out tender and flaky with a sweet and sticky honey garlic glaze that adds just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the fish.
I love making this dish when I want something healthy but still full of flavor. The air fryer makes cooking so easy and fast, and the glaze caramelizes nicely on the salmon, giving it a lovely shiny finish that looks as good as it tastes. I usually mix up the honey garlic sauce while the salmon batches cook, so everything comes together smoothly.
My favorite way to serve it is on a bed of steamed rice with some roasted or sautéed veggies on the side. It’s a meal that feels special but comes together without much fuss, making it perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat. Plus, the leftovers make a great lunch the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets work best for flavor and texture. If unavailable, frozen salmon thawed well is fine. Skin-on adds crispiness, but skinless cooks faster and is easier to eat.
Honey: This adds sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze. Substitute maple syrup or agave if you want a different sweetener or need a vegan option.
Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and umami. Low sodium soy sauce keeps it lighter, or try tamari for gluten-free.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives punchy flavor. Garlic powder can work, but fresh always tastes brighter.
Oil: Olive oil is mild and healthy, but sesame oil adds a warm, nutty touch that pairs beautifully with garlic and soy.
How Can I Get a Sticky, Glossy Glaze on My Salmon?
The glaze is key for flavor and appearance. Make sure to whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, oil, and any extras well before marinating.
- Pat salmon dry so the glaze sticks well.
- Marinate at least 10 minutes for the flavors to soak in.
- Air fry salmon skin-side down to protect the fish from drying out and to keep skin crispy.
- Halfway through cooking, brush on more glaze for layers of sticky sweetness.
- Let salmon rest after cooking—the glaze thickens and becomes shiny as it cools.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I like it because it cooks the salmon evenly and keeps it juicy without added fuss.
- Small bowl – perfect for whisking together the honey garlic glaze.
- Brush or silicone spatula – helps spread the glaze smoothly over the salmon.
- Tongs or a spatula – easy for handling the delicate salmon fillets when placing and removing from the air fryer.
- Meat thermometer (optional) – ensures perfect doneness, especially if you want to avoid overcooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use lime juice instead of lemon vinegar for a citrus twist that brightens the flavor.
- Throw in a pinch of five-spice powder or smoked paprika for an extra layer of spice or smokiness.
- Add sliced green onions or chopped cilantro on top before serving for fresh herbal notes.
- Switch the honey for brown sugar or maple syrup for a different sweet profile that caramelizes beautifully.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on or off as preferred
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a touch of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 7-9 minutes to cook, plus an optional 10-15 minute marinating time for extra flavor. Overall, it’s a quick meal perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Honey Garlic Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive or sesame oil, grated ginger if you’re using it, rice vinegar or lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good whisk so everything blends nicely.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
Use paper towels to pat your salmon fillets dry. Lightly sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper to taste. This helps the glaze stick better and enhances flavor.
3. Marinate the Salmon:
Put the salmon in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour about half of the honey garlic glaze over it, saving the rest for later. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes if you have time; this helps the salmon soak up the delicious flavors.
4. Preheat and Cook:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the salmon in the basket, skin-side down if the skin is on. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, depending on thickness.
About halfway through, brush the salmon with the remaining glaze to build a shiny, sticky coating.
5. Rest and Serve:
Carefully remove the salmon and let it rest for a minute or two. The glaze will thicken and get even tastier as it cools slightly.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top if you like. Serve your tasty honey garlic salmon with your favorite sides—steamed rice or some green veggies make a perfect match.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight before marinating and cooking. Pat it dry well to avoid extra moisture, which can affect the glaze.
How Do I Store Leftover Honey Garlic Salmon?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave to keep the salmon moist and the glaze delicious.
Can I Substitute the Honey with Another Sweetener?
Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives that still provide sweetness and help create that sticky glaze.
What’s the Best Way to Know When the Salmon Is Done?
The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness and air fryer model.
