If you're after a weeknight meal that can be ready in 20 minutes, this honey garlic salmon cooked in an air fryer is for you. Prepared with simple ingredients, this is the best way to put that air fryer to use!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- It's quick. It's as simple as mixing the marinade ingredients, basting the salmon with the honey garlic marinade and cooking it in the air fryer. Perfect for those quick weeknight dinners!
- It's versatile. This air fryer salmon recipe can be prepared and served to your liking. Swap out the ingredients for whatever you have in your pantry.
- The marinade is "out of this world"! The soy sauce provides a delightful umami kick, the honey makes it sweet, and the garlic gives it flavour. In a nutshell - a delicious recipe with incredible flavour!
Related: See my cajun honey butter salmon for more salmon recipe ideas.
Ingredients & substitutions
- Fresh salmon fillets - I'm using fresh salmon, but you can use frozen fillets (allow them to thaw first. If you don't like salmon, try using another piece of fish, such as Arctic Char (similar to salmon) or Rainbow Trout.
- Honey - the honey adds a lovely sweetness that compliments the air fryer salmon perfectly. Sub with maple syrup or molasses if you like
- Garlic - I prefer to use garlic powder for this recipe as I find that fresh garlic burns slightly in the air fryer. Consider adding a teaspoon of ginger powder, too - to amp up the Asian flavours.
- Soy sauce - adds an umami kick. Sub with tamari which also happens to be gluten-free. Or use coconut aminos which is similar to soy.
- Olive oil - a little olive oil helps the honey garlic glaze come together. If you prefer, add a teaspoon of sesame oil for a little extra flavour.
- Seasoning - salt and black pepper (optional).
How to choose salmon
- Look for salmon fillets that have a bright, vibrant colour.
- It should feel firm and have a glossy appearance.
- It should smell fresh and "like the ocean". Avoid salmon fillets that smell "fishy".
- Avoid any fillets that look dried out. They should appear moist and free from any brown spots or bruising.
How to make this recipe
See the recipe card below for the complete air fryer, honey garlic salmon recipe.
Cut your salmon fillets in half. Use a paper towel to pat the salmon dry. Season with salt and black pepper if using.
In a small bowl, whisk the honey, garlic powder, soy sauce and olive oil until well combined.
Place the salmon fillets in the honey garlic sauce skin-side down for five minutes, then turn them over and marinade the other side for another five minutes.
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Place the salmon fillets on your parchment-lined air fryer basket (skin side down) and cook for 8-10 minutes.
Serve immediately with soba noodles and steamed broccoli on the side.
Serving suggestions
One of my favourite things about this delicious meal is pairing it with various sides. Here are some suggestions:
- Rainbow Chard with olive oil and lemon juice
- Steamed green beans
- Briam - Roasted Greek Vegetables
Expert Tips
- Use a low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching your salt intake.
- Fresh salmon is always the best option for this recipe. However, if using frozen, place it in a bowl and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Double the recipe and marinade to feed a crowd.
- If you're not a fan of salmon skin - remove it.
- 🌶️ Add a little chilli powder for extra heat!
- A good tip is to line the air fryer basket or oven insert with parchment paper - this allows for easy cleanup later and avoids any pieces of salmon sticking.
- Watch the cooking time. Check on the honey garlic salmon as it cooks. Each air fryer behaves differently, so check on it halfway and adjust the cooking time as you see fit.
Storing & reheating
If you're cooking fresh salmon (not frozen!), store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two days. Then, reheat in the air fryer for 5 mins and spoon over some leftover marinade.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (200°F) for 10-12 minutes.
Wild-caught Alaskan sockeye salmon is fantastic as it has a beautiful flavour and texture. You could also use Atlantic Salmon or Sockeye Salmon.
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Honey Garlic Salmon in the Air Fryer
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Conversions
Ingredients
- 500 grams (1 pound) salmon fillets, fresh (see note 1)
For the marinade:
- 1 tablespoon honey, (see note 2)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoon soy sauce, (see note 3)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, (see note 4)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut your salmon fillets in half. Use a paper towel to pat the salmon dry. Season with salt and black pepper if using.
- In a small bowl, whisk the honey, garlic powder, soy sauce and olive oil until well combined.
- Place the salmon fillets in the honey garlic sauce skin-side down for five minutes, then turn them over and marinade the other side for another five minutes.
- Place the salmon fillets on your parchment-lined air fryer basket (skin side down) and cook for 8-10 minutes. (see note 5 & 6)
- Serve immediately with soba noodles and steamed broccoli on the side.
Peter's Tips →
- I'm using fresh salmon, but you can use frozen fillets (allow them to thaw first. If you don't like salmon, try using another piece of fish, such as Arctic Char (similar to salmon) or Rainbow Trout.
- Sub with maple syrup or molasses.
- Use a low-sodium soy or sub with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Consider adding half a teaspoon of ground ginger and chilli powder for extra flavour.
- Line the air fryer basket or oven insert with parchment paper - this allows for easy cleanup later and avoids any pieces of salmon sticking.
- Watch the cooking time. Check on the honey garlic salmon as it cooks. Each air fryer behaves differently, so check on it halfway and adjust the cooking time as you see fit.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Souvlaki For the Soul
This post was first published in January 2012 and was updated with new information and pictures in November 2022.
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