Spread the love

Transform your dinner with this Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer recipe, a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crispy that’s ready in under 20 minutes. The air fryer gives the salmon a golden, slightly crisp exterior while keeping it tender and flaky inside, all coated in a sticky Honey Garlic glaze that’s simply irresistible. Ideal for busy weeknights or a special meal, this Garlic Salmon dish is easy to prepare and looks stunning on the plate. Pair it with rice or veggies for a complete, nutritious dinner that everyone will love.

In this post, we’ll guide you through making this Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer recipe, share tips for perfect results, and suggest ways to serve this delicious Honey Garlic Salmon. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer

Fast and Easy: Ready in minutes with minimal cleanup, thanks to the air fryer.
Bold Flavors: The Honey Garlic glaze balances sweet and savory perfectly.
Healthy and Light: Packed with omega-3s and cooked with little oil.
Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a delightful crunch without deep frying.
Versatile: Great for weeknight dinners or impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer

This Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer recipe uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful Garlic Salmon dish. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings.

For the Salmon

Salmon Fillets (4, 6 oz each, skin-on): Fresh or thawed, skin-on for extra flavor and crispiness.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps achieve a crispy exterior in the air fryer.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the salmon’s natural flavor.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a mild kick.

Honey Garlic Glaze

Honey (¼ cup): Pure honey for natural sweetness and caramelization.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Adds umami and depth to the Honey Garlic glaze.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic for bold, aromatic flavor.
Lemon Juice (1 tsp): Brightens the glaze and balances sweetness.

For Garnish

Green Onions (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds freshness and a pop of color.
Sesame Seeds (1 tsp, optional): For a nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Equipment Needed

Air fryer
Small saucepan
Mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Tongs
Pastry brush (optional)

Preparation Guide

Making this Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer recipe is quick and straightforward, delivering a restaurant-quality Honey Garlic Salmon dish with minimal effort. Follow these instructions for perfect results.

Prepare the Ingredients

Rinse salmon fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness in the air fryer.
Mince garlic cloves finely and chop green onions for garnish.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice to form the Honey Garlic glaze.

Cook the Glaze

Pour the glaze mixture into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat.
Simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. The glaze will thicken further as it cools.
Set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Salmon

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Brush salmon fillets with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Place fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. If needed, cook in batches.

Air Fry the Salmon

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7-8 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
Halfway through cooking, brush the fillets generously with half of the Honey Garlic glaze using a pastry brush or spoon.

Glaze and Serve

Remove salmon from the air fryer and brush with the remaining glaze for a glossy finish.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if using.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides, enjoying the crispy, flavorful Garlic Salmon.

Chef’s Tips for Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer

Choose Fresh Salmon: Look for bright, firm fillets with no fishy smell for the best Honey Salmon results.
Pat Dry for Crispiness: Drying the salmon thoroughly before seasoning ensures a crispy exterior in the air fryer.
Don’t Overcook: Check for doneness at 7 minutes to keep the salmon tender and flaky in this Garlic Salmon recipe.
Taste the Glaze: Adjust the Honey Garlic glaze by adding more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness before cooking.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and a crisp texture for this Honey Garlic Salmon.

Serving Suggestions

Make this Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer the star of your meal with these serving ideas:

With Grains: Serve over jasmine rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the delicious Honey Garlic glaze.
With Veggies: Pair with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a mixed green salad for a balanced meal.
For Entertaining: Present with roasted baby potatoes and a glass of white wine for an elegant Garlic Salmon dinner.
With Freshness: Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the salmon just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with iced green tea, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling water with a lemon wedge to complement this Honey Garlic Salmon dish.

Storing and Make-Ahead

This Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer is best fresh but can be stored or prepped ahead:

Store: Let salmon cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain flavor.
Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes or in a microwave for 1-2 minutes, but note that reheating may soften the crispy texture.
Freeze: Wrap individual fillets tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the Honey Garlic glaze up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Season salmon fillets in advance and refrigerate for up to 1 day before cooking.
Serving Tip: Reheat gently and add a fresh drizzle of glaze or lemon juice to revive the flavors of this Garlic Salmon.

Variations and Substitutions

Customize this Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer to suit your preferences:

Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha to the glaze for a spicy Honey Garlic Salmon.
Citrus Twist: Swap lemon juice for orange juice in the glaze for a sweeter, citrusy Honey Garlic flavor.
Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free, soy-free Garlic Salmon option.
Herb Boost: Mix chopped parsley or cilantro into the glaze or garnish for extra freshness.
Different Protein: Try the glaze with chicken breasts or tofu for a non-seafood Honey Garlic dish.

FAQs About Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer

What makes this Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer recipe special?
The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the salmon tender, and the Honey Garlic glaze adds a perfect sweet-savory balance that elevates this Garlic Salmon dish.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, thaw frozen salmon overnight in the fridge or in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat dry thoroughly before cooking to ensure crispiness in this Honey Garlic Salmon.

How long does it take to cook Honey Garlic Salmon in the air fryer?
It takes about 7-8 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on fillet thickness, for perfectly cooked Garlic Salmon.

Can I make the Honey Garlic glaze ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the glaze up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently before using for this Honey Garlic Salmon.

What side dishes pair well with Garlic Salmon Air Fryer?
Jasmine rice, quinoa, steamed asparagus, or a green salad complement the sweet-savory Honey Garlic glaze beautifully.

Can I bake this instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway through, for a delicious Garlic Salmon alternative.

How do I prevent overcooking the salmon?
Check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or flakiness at 7 minutes to keep this Honey Garlic Salmon tender and juicy.

More Summer Dessert Ideas You’ll Love

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer recipe is a game-changer for quick, flavorful dinners, combining the ease of air frying with a sticky, sweet-savory Honey Garlic glaze that makes every bite of Garlic Salmon unforgettable. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this Honey Garlic Salmon is simple to prepare, healthy, and sure to impress. Try it tonight and share your experience in the comments below!

Happy cooking!