This post may contain affiliate links, read my disclosure policy for details.
Enjoy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon, where sweet honey, tangy lemon, rich butter, and a blend of spices come together to create a marinade that elevates fresh salmon to restaurant-level perfection. This dish is ready in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a flavorful weeknight meal.
What sets this Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon recipe apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the salmon with a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. This dish is not only delightful but also a breeze to prepare, making it
a standout choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s restaurant flavor for less. There’s no need for expensive eating out with a recipe like this in your pocket, I’ll tell you that for free!
- It’s simple to prepare. Restaurant flavor doesn’t mean a lot of work. This salmon is easy to make!
- It’s a time saver. In 25 minutes(ish), you can have a lovely dinner on the table in less time than it would take to eat at a restaurant!
Honey Garlic Salmon Ingredients
- Sauce base: For the base of our marinade, we start with melted butter to give our marinade depth of flavor. Next we add honey for sweetness and lemon juice to brighten the flavor of the salmon.
- Sauce seasonings: To flavor our marinade, we add minced garlic for a rich, aromatic taste, along with spicy paprika, earthy parsley, and savory salt and pepper.
- Salmon: Full of Omega-9s, salmon is a heart healthy fish as well as flavorful. Use fresh salmon for the best flavor or thawed, frozen salmon for convenience.
How To Make Honey Garlic Salmon in The Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the equipment. Preheat the Air Fryer to 390 degrees F. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside.
Step 2: Dry the fish. Pat dry the salmon fillets with a kitchen towel and set aside.
Step 3: Mix honey butter marinade. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, add honey, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Marinate the salmon. Pour half of the prepared marinade over the salmon fillets, coating them evenly. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 5: Reduce the marinade. While the salmon is marinating, transfer the remaining honey mixture to a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, bringing it to a boil for a minute, then set it aside for later use.
Step 5: Air fry the fish. Grease the air fryer basket and place the marinated salmon fillets in it. Air fry the salmon for 6-8 minutes. Then, generously brush the salmon with the prepared honey butter sauce and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes.
Step 6: Top with honey butter sauce. Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter and drizzle with an additional layer of honey butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy! Serve the honey garlic salmon alongside vegetables and lemon wedges.
Recipe Tips
- Uniform Size: Try to use salmon fillets of similar size and thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between the fish inside the basket so that air can circulate.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon for perfect doneness.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on the air fryer model and the thickness of the salmon. Keep an eye on the salmon to avoid overcooking.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
Salmon is a flexible dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Grains like rice or couscous pair well with fish, as do different vegetables. You can serve Roasted Glazed Carrots and Air Fryer Red Potatoes, or Easy Mixed Vegetables for a quick side. You really can’t go wrong!
Storing and Reheating
Storing: Allow the fish to cool completely then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Place in the air fryer and reheat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
Freezing: Once the salmon has come to room temperature, seal in an airtight container in a single layer and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Baking: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, and place the marinated salmon on it. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is fully cooked. It will flake easily with a fork. To get extra flavor, brush the salmon with marinade halfway through baking.
Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Place the marinated salmon with the pink flesh facing up onto the grill, and cook for 4-6 per side. The salmon will flak easily with a fork when it’s done. Throughout grilling, you can brush the fish with marinade for more flavor, but don’t overdo it or the fish will get soggy.
Stove Top: Melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the honey garlic salmon to the skillet with the pink flesh facing up, and let it sear without moving for 3-4 minutes. Flip and repeat. Brush leftover marinade onto the fish as it cooks. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit and flakes easily with a fork.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you purchase frozen salmon filets, it’s recommended to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and better flavor.
You can use either skin-on or skinless salmon filets, depending on your preference. Skin-on filets may result in crispier skin, while skinless filets are easier to eat and cook.
You can use any variety of salmon for air fryer honey garlic salmon, such as Atlantic, coho, chinook, or sockeye. Opt for fresh, high-quality wild-caught filets for the best flavor and texture.
More Fish Recipes
- Salmon Sushi Bake
- Baked Thai Salmon
- Baked Herb Crusted Cod
- Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
- Teriyaki Salmon Bites
Making Honey Garlic Salmon in the Air Fryer is a delicious and quick way to enjoy a healthy meal. Serve alongside rice and stir-fry vegetables for an Asian-inspired cuisine.
If you try this recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a star rating in the comment section below because I love hearing from my readers. Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST for all of my latest social posts and recipes.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon filets, 5 oz each
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- Lemon slices, to serve
- Chopped fresh parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 390 degrees F. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside.
- Pat dry the salmon fillets with a kitchen towel and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, add honey, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Pour half of the prepared marinade over the salmon fillets, coating them evenly. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the salmon is marinating, transfer the remaining honey mixture to a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, bringing it to a boil for a minute, then set it aside for later use.
- Grease the air fryer basket and place the marinated salmon fillets in it. Air fry the salmon for 6-8 minutes. Then, generously brush the salmon with the prepared honey butter sauce and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes.
- Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter and drizzle with an additional layer of honey butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve the honey garlic salmon alongside vegetables and lemon wedges.
