Name: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 fillets salmon (about 6 oz each); 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional); 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; Chopped green onions

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly combines sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors all while keeping the salmon tender and flaky, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but comes together in a flash, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without the fuss. This method uses your air fryer to lock in all those glorious tastes and textures, bringing you a luscious glaze and beautifully cooked fish every single time.

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet absolutely essential to create the vibrant flavors and appealing texture of the Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon. Each one plays a crucial role—from the sweet honey balancing the salty soy sauce, to the garlic adding that irresistible punch.

Salmon fillets (about 6 oz each): Fresh or thawed wild-caught salmon works best for a rich and flaky base.
Honey (1/4 cup): Provides natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during air frying.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds depth and a savory umami kick to the glaze.
Minced garlic (2 tablespoons): Essential for that bold garlicky flavor that wakes up your taste buds.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps keep the salmon moist and assists in creating a glossy finish.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon, optional): Offers a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor balance.
Ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and complexity.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and ensures the salmon is perfectly seasoned.
Chopped green onions: For a fresh, colorful garnish that adds a bit of crunch at the end.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Marinade

Start by whisking together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, rice vinegar if using, black pepper, and salt in a bowl. This mixture is pure magic—each ingredient blending into a sticky, flavorful glaze that will envelope the salmon fillets perfectly.

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Place your salmon fillets into the marinade, coating each one thoroughly. Let them soak up all those delicious flavors for about 10 minutes. This little wait allows the garlic and honey to seep into the salmon, making every bite bursting with taste.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for around 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the salmon starts cooking immediately, locking in juices and giving you that beautiful caramelized glaze on the outside.

Step 4: Arrange and Cook the Salmon

Carefully place the marinated salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side down. This position crisps up the skin nicely without drying out the tender flesh. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Remove the salmon gently from the air fryer, transfer to your serving plate, and drizzle any leftover honey garlic glaze over the top to maximize flavor. Finally, sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon

Garnishes

Besides the chopped green onions, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish even further. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a few thin slices of red chili can add visual contrast and a touch of extra zing.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a crisp cucumber salad offer refreshing textures that complement the richness of the honey garlic glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve your Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon over a bed of garlic butter noodles or crispy fried rice, garnished with microgreens. Serving in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra sauce not only looks elegant but makes digging in that much more satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your cooked salmon leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the glaze with the fish ensures every bite remains flavorful and moist, so don’t forget to drizzle some extra sauce before storing.

Freezing

While salmon is best enjoyed fresh, if needed, you can freeze the cooked fillets wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. Thaw slowly overnight in the refrigerator to retain texture and taste when reheated.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven or in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes to avoid drying the salmon. Avoid the microwave as it can make the fish rubbery. Adding a small drizzle of honey or extra marinade before reheating helps maintain that luscious glaze.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking so that the flavors penetrate evenly and cook properly in the air fryer.

Is rice vinegar necessary in the marinade?

Rice vinegar is optional but highly recommended because it adds a subtle, pleasant tanginess that balances the sweetness of the honey and saltiness of the soy sauce perfectly.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

You want to look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). A meat thermometer is the best tool to ensure it’s perfectly done.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded—cook in batches if necessary. Overlapping fillets will prevent proper cooking and glaze caramelization.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake this recipe in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, but the air fryer gives it that quick, crispy finish that’s hard to beat!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a way to elevate your salmon game with minimal effort, this Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful blend of flavors that makes a healthy weeknight meal feel indulgent and special. Once you taste that perfect harmony of sweet honey and savory garlic infused in tender salmon, you’ll see why this recipe has quickly become a favorite in so many kitchens — including mine!

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon recipe offers a deliciously sweet and savory glaze that perfectly complements tender, flaky salmon fillets. Quick to prepare and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this dish makes for an easy, healthy weeknight dinner that impresses without the hassle.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

4 fillets salmon (about 6 oz each)

Honey Garlic Marinade

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

Garnish

Chopped green onions

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, rice vinegar (if using), black pepper, and salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
Marinate the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the honey garlic marinade. Let the salmon marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Arrange the salmon: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the marinated salmon fillets in the basket, skin side down. Be sure to arrange them in a single layer to allow for proper air circulation.
Cook the salmon: Air fry the salmon for 8-10 minutes until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle any leftover marinade or glaze from the bowl over the fillets for extra flavor.
Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top of the salmon before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reserve a small portion of the marinade before adding the salmon and reduce it in a small pan over low heat till slightly thickened.
Salmon cooks quickly in the air fryer; check doneness early to avoid overcooking and dryness.
Rice vinegar is optional but adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of honey.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American