Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Simple and Tasty Meal

December 30, 2025June 6, 2025 by Chef Elliot

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

– 3 tablespoons honey

– 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon sesame oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

– Fresh cilantro

– Green onions

To make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon, you need fresh salmon fillets. Choose fillets that look bright and shiny. The honey and soy sauce give it great flavor. Use low sodium soy sauce if you want less salt. Garlic adds a punch, while fresh ginger gives a nice zing. Olive oil and sesame oil help mix the flavors well.

For garnishes, fresh cilantro and green onions can make your dish pop. They add color and a fresh taste. You can skip these if you want, but I highly recommend them for extra flavor. This simple blend of ingredients makes the salmon tasty and fun to eat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marination Process

1. Start by making the marinade. In a small bowl, mix together:

– 3 tablespoons honey

– 3 tablespoons soy sauce

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Whisk well until it blends nicely.

2. Next, take your salmon fillets. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. This step adds flavor to the fish.

3. Now, place the salmon in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure each fillet gets coated well. Cover the dish and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This makes the salmon juicy and full of flavor.

Air Frying Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating helps the salmon cook evenly.

2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This keeps the salmon from sticking.

3. After marinating, take the salmon out of the dish. Let any extra marinade drip off. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket with the skin side down.

4. Cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes. The time depends on how thick the fillets are. They should flake easily with a fork when done. For a nice glaze, brush the salmon with leftover marinade in the last two minutes.

Garnishing and Serving

1. Once cooked, carefully take the salmon out of the air fryer. Let it rest for a minute. This helps the juices settle.

2. For a fresh touch, garnish with either:

– Fresh cilantro

– Sliced green onions

3. Serve your honey garlic salmon with rice, veggies, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your tasty meal!

Tips & Tricks

Selecting the Best Salmon

When choosing salmon, fresh is best. Look for fillets with vibrant color and firm texture. Wild-caught salmon offers great flavor. Sockeye and Coho are excellent choices. Farmed salmon can be good too. Just check for quality. Avoid fillets with a strong fishy smell. This tells you it’s not fresh.

Achieving Perfect Glaze

Marinating your salmon is key. The honey and soy sauce mix gives it a sweet, savory taste. Use a shallow dish so the marinade covers all sides. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, try marinating longer. But don’t go over two hours. The fish can become too salty.

Ensuring Even Cooking

Fillet thickness is important for even cooking. Thinner fillets cook faster, while thicker ones take longer. Aim for fillets that are about 1 inch thick. If your fillets vary in size, check the thinner ones first. They should flake easily when done. Use a fork to test for doneness.

Variations

Different Flavor Profiles

To make your Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon even more exciting, try adding some citrus zest. A bit of lemon or lime zest can brighten up the dish. Just sprinkle a teaspoon of zest into the marinade. It adds a fresh twist that pairs well with the honey and garlic.

If you like a kick, consider a spicy honey garlic option. You can add red pepper flakes to the marinade. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This spicy touch will give your salmon a nice heat that many will love.

Serving with Sides

When it comes to sides, you have plenty of tasty options. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans work well. They add color and nutrition to your plate. Rice or quinoa can also be great choices. They soak up the honey garlic sauce nicely.

For a complete meal idea, serve the salmon with a fresh salad. A simple mix of greens, cucumbers, and a light dressing will balance the richness of the salmon. You could also add roasted sweet potatoes for a comforting touch. These sides make your dinner not just a meal but an experience.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your honey garlic salmon fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps prevent the salmon from drying out. It will stay good for up to three days. Always let the salmon cool before sealing it.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon in the basket and heat for about 3-5 minutes. This keeps the salmon moist and tasty. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the salmon with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-second intervals until warm.

Freezing Options

If you want to freeze your honey garlic salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Frozen salmon can last up to three months. When you are ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How long to cook salmon in air fryer?

Cooking time depends on the thickness of your salmon fillets. For fillets that are about 1 inch thick, air fry for 8-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Thicker fillets may need an extra minute or two. Always check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork to ensure it’s done.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon! However, it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. You can place the frozen fillets in the fridge overnight or use a quick thaw method. To do this, seal the salmon in a bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes.

What to serve with honey garlic salmon?

Honey garlic salmon pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

– Steamed asparagus or broccoli for a healthy crunch.

– Fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.

– A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.

– Roasted vegetables for a colorful and tasty side.

These sides will complement the salmon’s sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

In this blog post, we covered how to make honey garlic salmon. From selecting the right ingredients, like fresh salmon and ginger, to marinating and air frying, every step matters. I also shared tips for perfecting the glaze and achieving even cooking. You can add your own flair with different flavor variations and side dishes. Remember, proper storage can keep your leftovers tasty. Enjoy experimenting with this easy recipe, and don’t hesitate to make it your ow