If you need a fast dinner that feels special but takes almost no effort, this Air Fryer Honey Soy Salmon is it. It’s sweet, savory, and perfectly flaky every single time. The air fryer gives it a lightly caramelized top while keeping the inside juicy. It tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, but you can make it in your own kitchen in under 20 minutes.
Servings: 4
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Why I Love This Recipe
I started making this recipe on a busy weeknight when I had salmon in the fridge and no real plan. I mixed honey and soy sauce together, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. The smell alone told me I had a winner. When I took that first bite, I knew this one was staying in my dinner rotation.
Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
- It’s ready in under 20 minutes.
- The glaze gets sticky and slightly caramelized.
- It uses simple pantry ingredients.
- It feels fancy but is super easy.
- Clean-up is quick thanks to the air fryer.
What You’ll Need
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sliced green onions (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Pastry brush or spoon for glazing
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Honey Soy Glaze
In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Coat the Salmon
Place the 4 raw 6-ounce salmon fillets skin-side down. Spoon or brush the honey soy glaze evenly over the top of each fillet, making sure the minced garlic and grated ginger are spread across the surface.
Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the glazed salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, until the salmon is flaky and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the cooked salmon to a round white plate. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sliced green onions and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds evenly over the top.
Macros Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Salmon is naturally rich in healthy fats, which helps keep it moist while cooking. The air fryer uses hot circulating air to cook it fast, sealing in juices.
The honey in the glaze caramelizes under high heat. That’s what gives you that slightly sticky, golden top. Soy sauce adds salt and umami, which boosts flavor and balances the sweetness. Garlic and ginger bring aroma and depth.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the salmon. Check it at 8 minutes. It should flake easily with a fork.
- Skipping preheating. A hot air fryer helps the glaze caramelize.
- Crowding the basket. Cook in one layer so the air can circulate.
- Using too much glaze at once. A thin, even layer works best.
What to Serve With
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Garlic green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- Cucumber salad
- Simple mixed greens
Substitutions and Variations
- Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.
- Try topping with thinly sliced red onion for extra bite.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar for more tang.
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the glaze up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. You can also marinate the salmon in the glaze for up to 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. You can also flake it cold over salads or mix into rice bowls.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding the glaze.
How do I know when it’s done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F inside.
Can I bake this instead?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just cook in batches so the fillets stay in one layer.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Honey Soy Salmon is simple, fast, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll memorize after making it once. The sweet and savory glaze, the flaky salmon, and the easy clean-up make it hard to beat.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you. I’d love to hear how you served it and any twists you added!