Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors while delivering tender, flaky salmon with a crisp edge, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe. It’s a quick, fuss-free way to create a restaurant-quality meal right at home with minimal effort. The luscious honey mustard glaze caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, giving each salmon fillet a gorgeous golden finish and a depth of flavor that will keep you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both special and effortlessly healthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of taste, ensuring the salmon stays juicy and the glaze is beautifully balanced.
- Salmon fillets (6 oz each): Choose fresh, skin-on fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes nicely in the air fryer.
- Dijon mustard (2 tbsp): Brings a gentle tang and slight spice to complement the salmon.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps bind the glaze and keeps the salmon moist while cooking.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Enhances savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle smoky warmth and contributes to the beautiful color.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the salmon’s natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Offers a slight kick to balance the sweetness.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the glaze with refreshing acidity.
- Soy sauce (1 tsp, optional): Gives an optional umami boost for depth of flavor.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh garnish to add color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures the salmon cooks quickly and evenly, forming a lovely glaze without drying out the fish. It takes just a few minutes but makes a noticeable difference in texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, fresh lemon juice, and soy sauce if you’re using it. This harmonious blend of ingredients creates the signature flavor for this Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe. Make sure everything is well combined into a smooth, sticky glaze.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon Fillets
Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to help the glaze stick better. Then, brush the glaze generously over the top and sides of each piece. Don’t shy away from applying it liberally; this glaze is the star that brings the dish to life.
Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon
Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking, then place each salmon fillet skin-side down, making sure they don’t touch for even cooking. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the glaze is caramelized to perfection. The air fryer cooks the salmon quickly while creating that wonderful texture contrast between crispy edges and tender flesh inside.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once cooked, garnish your fillets with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. Serve right away to enjoy the full impact of this vibrant, sweet-savory dish.
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh herbal note and brightens the presentation of this Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for extra zing and a lovely color contrast.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the glaze. Steamed rice or quinoa also make excellent companions if you want a wholesome, filling meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dinner plate, serve your glazed salmon on a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside creamy avocado slices. Drizzle any leftover glaze over your sides, or transform it into a light sauce by whisking in a splash of water or broth. Presentation with colorful veggies enhances both the look and nutrition of the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe holds its flavor well, but for best taste, consume leftovers within this window to enjoy the salmon at its freshest.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze cooked glazed salmon wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain the texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your salmon gently in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps retain the glaze’s beautiful coating and prevents the fish from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture less pleasant.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and even cooking. Cooking from frozen may result in unevenly cooked salmon and a less effective glaze.
Is the soy sauce necessary in the glaze?
The soy sauce is optional but highly recommended if you like a bit more depth and umami in your glaze. If you are avoiding soy or prefer a lighter flavor, you can omit it without sacrificing the overall deliciousness.
What side dishes complement this Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe?
Great sides include roasted or steamed vegetables, quinoa, rice, or even a fresh salad. The glaze’s sweet and tangy flavors work well with mild, earthy, and crisp vegetables that balance the dish perfectly.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork but still feels moist and tender inside. Cooking times can vary depending on thickness, but 8-10 minutes at 400°F in the air fryer is a reliable guideline.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be mixed a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a stir before brushing it onto the salmon to recombine any separated ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is so simple to whip up on any weeknight. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes paired with perfectly cooked salmon makes it a fast favorite in my kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily this recipe becomes your go-to dinner option for healthy, flavorful seafood. Enjoy every bite!
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Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy perfectly cooked salmon with a sweet and tangy glaze, combining honey, Dijon mustard, and a blend of spices. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an ideal healthy meal for busy weeknights, delivering tender, flaky salmon with minimal effort using an air fryer.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
Honey Mustard Glaze
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal cooking temperature before placing the salmon inside.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and optional soy sauce until smooth and well combined to create the flavorful honey mustard glaze.
- Coat the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with a paper towel to help the glaze adhere better. Generously brush the honey mustard glaze over the top and sides of each fillet, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
- Air Fry: Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the basket, making sure they are spaced apart and not touching to allow for even cooking. Cook the salmon at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, adjusting time based on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon easily flakes with a fork.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness and color. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry before glazing helps the glaze stick better and creates a nicely caramelized finish.
- Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the salmon fillets; thinner fillets might cook faster.
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the salmon with cooking spray before air frying.
- The soy sauce is optional but adds a savory umami depth to the glaze if desired.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
