Easy Air Fryer Glazed Salmon: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

Air fryer salmon is a game-changer! If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy weeknight meal, look no further. This recipe for air fryer glazed salmon delivers perfectly cooked, flaky salmon with a delicious sweet and savory glaze in under 15 minutes. Gone are the days of dry or overcooked salmon. The air fryer ensures even cooking and a beautifully caramelized glaze. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why Air Fryer Salmon?

The air fryer has revolutionized cooking, and for good reason. Here’s why it’s the perfect tool for cooking salmon:

* **Speed:** Air frying cooks salmon much faster than traditional methods like baking or pan-frying.
* **Even Cooking:** The circulating hot air ensures even cooking throughout the salmon fillet, preventing dry edges and undercooked centers.
* **Crispy Skin:** The air fryer can achieve beautifully crispy salmon skin (if you choose to cook it skin-on).
* **Easy Cleanup:** Air fryer baskets are typically non-stick and easy to clean.
* **Healthier:** Air frying requires little to no oil, making it a healthier cooking option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Salmon Fillets:** Choose skin-on or skinless salmon fillets, about 6-8 ounces each. For best results, use salmon fillets that are of similar thickness so they cook evenly. Sockeye, Coho, or Atlantic salmon all work well. Look for bright, vibrant flesh and a fresh, clean scent.
* **Soy Sauce:** Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the saltiness of the glaze. Regular soy sauce can be used, but you may want to reduce the amount slightly.
* **Honey:** Honey adds sweetness and helps create a sticky, glossy glaze.
* **Rice Vinegar:** Rice vinegar provides a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and savory flavors. Apple cider vinegar can be substituted in a pinch.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the glaze.
* **Ginger:** Freshly grated ginger adds a warm and spicy note to the glaze. Ginger powder can be used as a substitute, but fresh ginger is preferred for its superior flavor.
* **Sesame Oil:** A small amount of sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the glaze.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Sesame Seeds (Optional):** Sesame seeds add a visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor. Use white or black sesame seeds, or a combination of both.
* **Green Onions (Optional):** Sliced green onions add a fresh and vibrant garnish.
* **Oil Spray:** A light coating of cooking oil spray helps prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is incredibly easy to follow. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps:

**1. Prepare the Glaze:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are combined and the honey is dissolved.

**2. Prepare the Salmon:**

* Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture and allows the glaze to adhere better.
* Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray.
* Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Make sure the fillets are not overlapping to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook the salmon in batches.

**3. Glaze the Salmon:**

* Brush the salmon fillets generously with the prepared glaze. Make sure to coat all sides of the salmon.

**4. Air Fry the Salmon:**

* Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Check for doneness after 8 minutes and add more time if needed.

**5. Add a Second Glaze (Optional):**

* For a more intense glaze, remove the basket about halfway through cooking (around 4-6 minutes). Brush with the remaining glaze and continue cooking.

**6. Garnish and Serve:**

* Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the air fryer basket.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
* Serve immediately. This salmon is delicious served with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Salmon

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Basket:** Overcrowding the air fryer basket will prevent the salmon from cooking evenly. Cook the salmon in batches if necessary.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Salmon is best when it’s slightly undercooked rather than overcooked. Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Use a fork to check for doneness. The salmon should flake easily and be opaque throughout.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and your air fryer. Start checking for doneness after 8 minutes and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** For precise cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. The salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
* **Let it Rest:** After cooking, let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of salmon.
* **Experiment with Glazes:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different glazes. You can try teriyaki glaze, maple glaze, or even a spicy sriracha glaze.
* **Skin-On or Skinless?:** Cooking with the skin on helps to keep the salmon moist and prevents it from drying out. If you prefer skinless salmon, you can remove the skin before cooking or after it’s cooked.
* **Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional):** Some air fryers recommend preheating before cooking. Check your air fryer’s manual for instructions. Preheating can help to ensure even cooking.

Variations and Additions

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations and additions you can try:

* **Lemon Pepper Salmon:** Add lemon zest and black pepper to the glaze for a bright and zesty flavor.
* **Garlic Herb Salmon:** Add minced garlic, fresh herbs (like dill, parsley, or thyme), and a squeeze of lemon juice to the glaze.
* **Spicy Salmon:** Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
* **Maple Glazed Salmon:** Replace the honey with maple syrup for a rich and sweet flavor.
* **Teriyaki Salmon:** Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce and honey for a classic teriyaki flavor.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers to the air fryer basket along with the salmon for a complete meal. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer glazed salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Rice:** Serve with steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are all great choices.
* **Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with mixed greens, vegetables, and a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Noodles:** Serve with soba noodles, udon noodles, or rice noodles.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and delicious accompaniment to salmon.
* **Lemon Wedges:** Serve with lemon wedges for a burst of fresh citrus flavor.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The glaze can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salmon is best cooked fresh, but you can marinate it in the glaze for up to 30 minutes before cooking.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover cooked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the salmon in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. It’s best to reheat using the air fryer to maintain the original texture.

Recipe Card

Here is the recipe card for the Easy Air Fryer Glazed Salmon:

**Easy Air Fryer Glazed Salmon**

**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 8-12 minutes
**Servings:** 2

**Ingredients:**

* 2 (6-8 ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
* 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
* Green onions, sliced, for garnish (optional)
* Cooking oil spray

**Instructions:**

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray.
4. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets.
5. Brush the salmon fillets generously with the prepared glaze.
6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
8. Serve immediately.

**Notes:**

* Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and your air fryer.
* For a more intense glaze, brush with the remaining glaze halfway through cooking.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

*(Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients used.)*

Conclusion

This air fryer glazed salmon recipe is a winner for its simplicity, speed, and delicious flavor. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Give it a try and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to cook perfectly cooked salmon in your air fryer. Enjoy!