Honey Garlic Salmon

Tender, flaky salmon ready in 20 minutes? You bet! This easy air fryer salmon recipe makes perfectly cooked salmon smothered with an irresistible honey garlic sauce. Just add a squeeze of lemon!

Want more air fryer salmon recipes? Check out this maple dijon air fryer salmon, or this 20 minute air fryer pesto salmon.

Flaky Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon

I love using my air fryer, and salmon is quickly becoming one of my favorite things to make in it. It is ridiculously easy to cook tender, flavorful fish with just the right amount of crispiness on top. Salmon is an ideal fish for air frying too, because the flesh is firm and holds its shape well while cooking.

This honey garlic salmon recipe is made with tangy dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, and more. Needless to say, every bite is absolutely packed with flavor. Add some fresh veggies in on the side, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will love!

If your family is a fan of seafood dinners, then you have to try this recipe. It comes together in 20 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or weekends when you just don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

Honey garlic air fryer salmon is a huge hit in my house for a few reasons. Here are the highlights:

• Sweet and tangy flavor. The honey garlic sauce contains fresh minced garlic, sweet honey, tangy dijon mustard, and more. Add some zesty lemon juice to that, and you’ve got the best kind of flavor explosion waiting for you in each bite of salmon!
• Flaky texture. Cooking salmon in the air fryer makes it moist and tender on the inside, but slightly crispy on the outside! It’s an irresistible combination.
• Quick and easy. You can prep this fish dinner in 4 minutes, and have it on the table in 20!

Is Salmon Healthy?

Yes, salmon is a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It also has a high amount of vitamin B, potassium, and selenium – all good for you ingredients that have been shown to support good health. Wild caught salmon is the best choice but you can also used farmed salmon. Wild salmon has fewer calories per fillet and less contaminants than farmed salmon.

What You’ll Need

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make this salmon recipe. Here’s a quick rundown. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for specific amounts.

For the Salmon

• Salmon filets – I prefer to use wild caught salmon. You can just ask your butcher where the salmon came from and they should be able to tell you. Leave the skin on because it will help the salmon hold its shape in the air fryer.
• Salt & pepper – Use this simple mix of seasoning to start because you’ll add the sauce later.
• Avocado oil – You’ll use this to gently brush the salmon before frying. It gives the salmon a deliciously crisp exterior.

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

• Garlic cloves – Freshly minced garlic adds the boldest flavor! Store-bought minced garlic will also work, though.
• Dijon mustard – This kind of mustard is more tangy and a bit spicier than regular yellow mustard.
• Honey – Any kind of honey works.
• Rosemary – Use fresh rosemary, finely chopped.
• Thyme – It’s best to use fresh thyme here also. Remove the leaves from the stem by pinching them between your fingernails and running them down the length of the branch.
• Salt and pepper – Freshly ground black pepper provides the best flavor.
• Lemon – Add a slice of lemon on top for garnish and extra flavor.

Can I Use Frozen Salmon?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. The easiest way to do this is to thaw the salmon overnight, but you can also use the frozen salmon without thawing.

To use frozen salmon that has not been thawed, preheat your air fryer to 360F, then lay the salmon on a piece of aluminum foil and place it in the air fryer for about 6-7 minutes until it has thawed. Then proceed with the rest of the recipe, raising the temperature to 400F and cooking for an additional 7-8 minutes.

How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon in the Air Fryer

Are you ready to make an incredible salmon dinner? Here’s how to do it:

• Make the honey garlic sauce. In a small bowl combine the garlic, mustard, honey, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it is combined, and then set aside.
• Heat air fryer to 400°F. Preheat for 2-3 minutes.
• Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Then, brush avocado oil on the flesh side of the salmon, and season it with salt and pepper.
• Cook the salmon. Using tongs, gently place the salmon skin side down in the air fryer basket and air fry for 7-8 minutes (depending on the thickness of your salmon).
• Add the sauce. Open the air fryer, brush the salmon with the honey garlic sauce, and place a slice of lemon on top of each filet. Close the air fryer and air fry for an additional 2 minutes depending on the thickness of your salmon. Check for the desired doneness with a fork, it should flake easily.
• Remove the salmon from the air fryer. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Easy right? Here are a few more tips, though, on how to get the best results with your air fryer salmon:

• Can I use a different kind of oil? Yes, but you need to make sure it has a high smoke point. I would recommend sunflower or peanut oil as alternatives to avocado oil. Canola oil also works in a pinch.
• How do I know when it’s done? The easiest way to tell if your salmon has finished cooking is to use an instant read thermometer. Salmon is cooked at 145 degrees F.
• No thermometer? If you don’t have an instant read thermometer the best way to check for salmon doneness is by color. When salmon is cooked it has a pink color as shown in the photos here. Raw salmon is reddish vs. cooked salmon, which is light pink.

Serving Suggestions

Wondering what goes with honey garlic air fryer salmon? Here are a few suggestions:

• Asparagus – This roasted asparagus recipe goes wonderfully with air fryer salmon.
• Broccoli – How about a side of broccoli? I recommend this roasted broccoli recipe with parmesan lemon butter sauce.
• Salad – Add your salmon to a salad or serve a salad on the side. How about this broccolini salad? It’s a superfood so why not pair it with salmon, which is another superfood? Talk about a powered up meal. Other great ideas include this orzo pasta salad or this farro salad.

How to Store & Reheat Extras

Storing air fryer salmon is really easy. Here’s what you need to know:

• To store. Let your salmon cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• To reheat. When you’re ready to eat it I recommend reheating leftovers in a non-stick skillet on the stovetop until the salmon has warmed through.

Can I Freeze This Salmon?

Yes. You can freeze air fryer salmon for 2-3 months in an airtight container once cooled. For the best results, thaw the salmon overnight in the fridge before reheating it!

More Salmon Recipes

Love having salmon for dinner? Me too! These are some of my favorite easy salmon recipes:

• Cedar Plank Salmon
• Blackened Air Fryer Salmon Bites With Garlic Honey Butter
• Easy Salmon Tacos With Creamy Slaw
• Honey Blackened Salmon
• Grilled Lemon Pepper Salmon

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