Cooking salmon in an air fryer is one of the easiest ways to achieve a perfectly cooked, flaky, and flavorful meal in under 10 minutes. This honey garlic salmon recipe combines sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic to create a glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
For a tangy variation, try this Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon, which swaps traditional honey garlic sauce for a zesty mustard glaze.
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Why Use an Air Fryer for Salmon?
Cooking salmon in an air fryer has become increasingly popular due to its speed, convenience, and health benefits. Unlike traditional methods like baking or pan-searing, an air fryer offers perfectly cooked salmon with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s the best way to cook salmon:
1. Faster Cooking Time
- Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food 40% faster than conventional ovens.
- Instead of waiting 20-25 minutes for oven-baked salmon, this honey garlic salmon is ready in just 7-9 minutes.
2. Healthier Than Pan-Frying
- Less oil required – Air frying eliminates the need for excessive butter or oil, making it a lower-calorie option.
- Retains healthy omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart and brain health.
3. Even Cooking & Perfect Texture
- The hot air circulation ensures the salmon is crispy on the outside yet moist and flaky inside.
- No need to flip the salmon mid-cook – it cooks evenly without effort.
4. Easy Cleanup
- No messy oil splatters like stovetop cooking.
- Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup quick and simple.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Salmon
Main Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (5–8 oz. each)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1½ tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
- Red pepper flakes
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Meat thermometer
- Silicone brush
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a bowl.
- Divide into two parts – one for marinating, one for basting.
2. Marinate the Salmon
- Coat the salmon fillets with half the marinade.
- Let sit for 30 minutes in the fridge.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 2-3 minutes.
4. Cook the Salmon
- Place salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7-8 minutes.
- Baste with remaining marinade halfway through.
5. Check for Doneness
- Salmon is done when:
- Internal temperature is 145°F (63°C).
- It flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve Immediately
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Pair with a fresh salad, like this Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad, for a light and refreshing meal.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Salmon
The right side dish can elevate your salmon meal by adding texture, flavor, and balance. Whether you want something light and fresh or hearty and filling, here are the best pairings for air fryer honey garlic salmon:
1. Air Fryer Vegetables
- Garlic Parmesan Broccoli – Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- Roasted Asparagus – Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil for a bright, fresh side.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts – Caramelized with balsamic glaze for added depth of flavor.
2. Rice & Grain Options
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious honey garlic sauce.
- Quinoa – A protein-packed alternative with a nutty flavor.
- Brown Rice – Adds a heartier texture with extra fiber.
3. Fresh Salads
- Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad – A tangy, refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with salmon. Try this Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad for a unique twist.
- Cucumber Avocado Salad – Light, crunchy, and packed with freshness.
- Asian Slaw – A mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing complements the honey garlic glaze.
4. Bread & Starch Options
- Garlic Butter Toast – Crunchy and flavorful, perfect for scooping up the sauce.
- Sweet Potato Mash – Adds a creamy, slightly sweet contrast to the savory salmon.
Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations of honey garlic salmon:
1. Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon
- Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the marinade for extra heat.
2. Lemon Butter Honey Garlic Salmon
- Add 1 tablespoon of melted butter and the juice of half a lemon for a richer flavor.
3. Maple Garlic Salmon
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for a deeper, caramelized sweetness.
4. Teriyaki Honey Garlic Salmon
- Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a slightly sweeter, Asian-inspired glaze.
5. Miso Honey Garlic Salmon
- Add 1 teaspoon of white miso paste to the marinade for a savory umami kick.
If you enjoy bold, flavor-packed air fryer meals, try this Jalapeno Popper Chicken for another spicy, cheesy air fryer favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does salmon take to cook in the air fryer?
The cooking time depends on the thickness of the salmon fillet:
- Thin fillets (½ inch) → 6-7 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
- Medium fillets (¾ inch) → 7-8 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
- Thick fillets (1 inch or more) → 9-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
2. Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes! Follow these steps for air fryer frozen salmon:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the frozen salmon for 12-14 minutes.
- Brush with the honey garlic sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
3. Do I need to flip the salmon in the air fryer?
No. Since air fryers circulate hot air evenly, flipping is not necessary.
4. How do I keep salmon from drying out in the air fryer?
- Don’t overcook it – Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Marinate before cooking to lock in moisture.
- Baste with extra sauce halfway through for added flavor and tenderness.
5. Can I use aluminum foil or parchment paper in the air fryer?
Yes, but with a few tips:
- Perforate the foil to allow air circulation for even cooking.
- Use parchment paper if you want easier cleanup.
- Do not cover the entire basket – airflow is crucial for crispy salmon.
6. What is the best way to reheat air fryer salmon?
To retain the moisture and texture, follow these steps:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Reheat the salmon for 3-4 minutes.
- Brush with a little olive oil or leftover sauce before reheating.
7. How long does cooked salmon last in the fridge?
- Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Do not leave cooked salmon at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
8. Can I meal prep honey garlic salmon?
Yes! You can:
- Marinate the salmon up to 24 hours in advance.
- Cook multiple fillets and store them for easy meal prep.
- Pair with pre-cooked rice or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl (for sauce)
- 1 Basting Brush (for coating salmon)
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets 6 oz each
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp ginger grated
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and coat them with the marinade. Let them marinate for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket and place the salmon fillets inside, skin-side down.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, brushing with extra marinade halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and flaky.
- Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Video
Notes
Serve with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer honey garlic salmon is a simple, healthy, and delicious recipe perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients and under 10 minutes of cook time, it’s an easy go-to meal.
For more air fryer salmon variations, don’t forget to check out Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out and if you tried any of the recipe variations!