Salmon has to be one of my favorite proteins to make in the air fryer, because it always comes out perfectly juicy, and it makes cooking it easy enough for a beginner! This air fryer honey garlic salmon is one of my go-to’s since it’s packed with flavor, but simple enough for a weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick And Simple. This easy salmon recipe comes together quickly with minimal prep, making it a winner for busy weeknight dinners
- Sweet And Savory Flavor. Honey adds just the right amount of sweetness while garlic brings a bold, savory kick
- Tender And Flaky. The air fryer cooks salmon beautifully, giving you moist, flaky fish with deliciously caramelized edges
- Minimal Ingredients. You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create a flavorful salmon dinner!
- Easy To Customize. Add a little spice with red pepper flakes, adjust the sweetness, or finish with fresh herbs for your own twist
- Pairs With Almost Anything. Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, potatoes, salad, or your favorite easy side dishes
- A Family-Friendly Seafood Dinner. The sweet honey-garlic flavor is approachable enough for the seafood fan, and those who are still warming up to fish
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Ingredients List
- 2 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder, divided
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- I prefer skinless salmon but you can use skin-on as well. Feel free to substitute trout; it works equally well instead. Fresh salmon is great, but you can also use frozen (defrosted) for this recipe, depending what your grocery store has
- For a little bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne or sriracha, or use hot honey instead of regular honey
- I do not recommend using fresh garlic in place of the garlic powder, as it tends to burn in the air fryer. However, if you want to use some, add ½ tsp minced fresh garlic to the sauce, so that it’s only on for the last few minutes of cooking to minimize burning
Step By Step Instructions
- Pat your salmon filets dry, cut them in half lengthwise (optional, but they cook faster this way), and tuck any thin ends under so that the whole piece of fish is about the same thickness. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and ½ tsp of garlic powder
- Place salmon into your air fryer’s basket (skin side down if yours is skin on) in a single layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for 7 minutes. While the fish is cooking, combine the remaining sauce ingredients (including the remaining ½ tsp garlic powder) in a small bowl and mix well
- Once the fish has cooked for 7 minutes, baste it with the honey garlic soy sauce. Return to the air fryer and cook an additional 3-5 minutes, until the fish is cooked through (it should be opaque; the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F), flakes easily with a fork, and the sauce is caramelized to your liking. You can baste it a second time with the sauce after 1-2 minutes if you like, or just heat the extra sauce in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a saucepan until slightly thickened, and pour it over the fish when its done
- Garnish with sliced green onions or some sesame seeds if desired, then serve hot with your favorite sides and some lemon wedges for a spritz of fresh lemon juice (optional)!
Pairing Suggestions
Air fryer honey garlic salmon has a sweet, savory glaze and tender, flaky texture that pairs beautifully with simple sides. Here are some of my favorites!
Rice & Grains
- Steamed White Rice: A simple classic that soaks up the extra honey garlic sauce beautifully
- Coconut Rice: The subtle coconut flavor adds a tropical twist that works especially well with the sweetness of the glaze!
- Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and slightly floral, jasmine rice makes an easy and flavorful base for the salmon
- Quinoa: A protein-rich option with a light, nutty flavor that balances the rich salmon
- Couscous: Light and fluffy, couscous is a quick side that keeps the meal feeling fresh and easy
Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted Broccoli: The slightly charred edges and earthy flavor are a great contrast to the sweet glaze
- Asparagus: Tender roasted or air-fried asparagus adds freshness without overpowering the salmon
- Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans provide a simple savory contrast
- Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized edges and slightly bitter flavor balance the sweetness of the honey. My Red Lobster Brussel Sprouts Recipe complements the soy notes perfectly!
- Roasted Carrots: Their natural sweetness complements the honey while adding beautiful color to the plate. Try my Air Fryer Brown Sugar Carrots!
- Zucchini: Mild and tender, zucchini lets the honey-garlic salmon remain the star!
Fresh Sides
- Cucumber Salad: Cool, crisp cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, glazed salmon
- Asian-Inspired Slaw: A crunchy slaw with a tangy dressing adds texture and cuts through the richness
- Mixed Green Salad: Keep it simple with fresh greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and a bright vinaigrette
- Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado pairs nicely with salmon while adding a fresh, buttery element
- Mango Salsa: Sweet, juicy mango with lime and a little spice makes a particularly good match for the honey glaze!
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, or green onions add a fresh finishing touch and a pop of color
Potato Sides
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes make a hearty side that works with virtually any salmon dinner!
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes provide a comforting base for the sweet-savory sauce
- Sweet Potato: The natural sweetness complements the honey while adding a hearty, nutrient-rich side
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes: Their crunchy edges and fluffy centers provide a fun textural contrast to tender salmon. Try my Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes!
Drinks
- Sauvignon Blanc: Its bright acidity and citrusy character pair well with the sweet garlic glaze
- Pinot Grigio: Light and crisp enough to complement the salmon without overwhelming it
- Sparkling Water With Lime: A refreshing nonalcoholic option that keeps the meal light
- Iced Green Tea: Its subtle bitterness makes a nice counterpoint to the honey’s sweetness
Recipe FAQs
What Are Common Mistakes When Air Frying Salmon?
Common mistakes include overcrowding the basket, using too much oil, and overcooking the salmon. Pat the salmon dry, leave space between pieces, and start checking for doneness early to keep it tender and flaky.
Should I Flip Salmon In The Air Fryer?
You generally don’t need to flip salmon in the air fryer. Leaving it undisturbed helps the top cook and caramelize while the air circulates around it. If your particular air fryer cooks unevenly, you can carefully flip it partway through.
Is Honey Garlic Sauce Good With Salmon?
Yes! Honey garlic sauce is an excellent match for salmon because the sweet honey balances the rich, savory flavor of the fish while garlic adds a punch of flavor. A little lemon or other acidity can also help brighten the combination.
Can I Make This On The Stovetop Instead?
Yes, you can make honey garlic salmon in a skillet on the stove. Sear the salmon in a hot pan until nearly cooked through, then add the honey garlic sauce and let it simmer briefly until the salmon is cooked and the sauce is slightly thickened. Pour sauce over top of the salmon when serving.
Tips For the Best Honey Garlic Salmon
- You can add nonstick foil to the air fryer basket and then place the salmon on top. This way, you can add all the sauce in and cook it (instead of just basting) and pour the whole thing out when done. The downside to this is it reduces air flow, so the fish make take longer to cook, and doesn’t caramelize quite as well
- I do not preheat my Ninja air fryer for this recipe. If you do, you can usually reduce cooking time by about 2 minutes. If your air fryer takes a very long time to get to temperature, you can definitely preheat it to ensure a consistent cooking temp
- Want to make salmon bites instead? Cut into 1” cubes and air fry for 6-8 minutes, tossing the bites in the sauce after cooking for best results
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Let the salmon cool slightly, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days
- Store The Sauce With The Salmon: Keep any extra honey garlic sauce with the salmon so it helps maintain moisture when reheating!
- Freeze For Longer Storage: Wrap individual portions tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes, checking early so the salmon doesn’t dry out. A little extra sauce can help keep it moist. Check out my full guide to Reheat Salmon in the Air Fryer for more tips and tricks!
- Oven: Place the salmon in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and heat at 325°F until warmed through
- Use The Microwave Carefully: Microwave in short 20-30 second intervals at reduced power to help prevent the salmon from becoming dry or rubbery
- Don’t Overheat: Salmon can dry out quickly when reheated, so warm it just until heated through rather than cooking it again
- Refresh Before Serving: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon, a drizzle of honey garlic sauce, or some fresh herbs after reheating to brighten the flavors!
More Air Fryer Salmon Recipes
- Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
- Parmesan Crusted Salmon
Final Thoughts
This air fryer honey garlic salmon recipe is one of my favorite easy weeknight meals! It’s easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, yet packed with flavor for love at first bite. Pair it with some simple sides (I like rice and veggies like broccoli) for a great meal anytime!
It’s also super customizable, with different seasonings, sauces, and sides allowing you to tailor the meal to fit your family’s tastes, while still staying easy and convenient to make. The air fryer heats up faster than the oven, and doesn’t require tending or dealing with splatter like the stove!
Katie’s tip
For more great seafood bites, check out all of my delicious Air Fryer Salmon Recipes for more dinnertime inspiration!
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
Servings: 2
Air fryer honey garlic salmon comes out juicy and delicious, and it’s easy enough for a weeknight! Just a handful of ingredients is all you need for this beginner-friendly recipe.
Equipment
- Basting brush (or spoon)
Ingredients
- 2 salmon filets (6-8 ounces each)
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (divided)
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Pat your salmon filets dry, cut them in half lengthwise (optional, but it cooks faster this way), and tuck any thin ends under so that the whole piece of fish is about the same thickness. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and ½ tsp of garlic powder2 salmon filets, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika
- Place salmon into your air fryer’s basket (skin side down if yours is skin on) in a single layer with space between each piece
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for 7 minutes (I do not preheat, reduce to 5 minutes if you do). While the fish is cooking, combine the sauce ingredients (including the remaining ½ tsp garlic powder) in a small bowl and mix well2 Tbsp honey, 2 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder
- Once the fish has cooked for 7 minutes, baste it with the honey garlic soy sauce. Return to the air fryer and cook an additional 3-5 minutes, until the fish is cooked through (it should be opaque; the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F), flakes easily with a fork, and the sauce is caramelized to your liking
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired (optional), then serve hot with your favorite sides!
You can baste it a second time with the sauce after 1-2 minutes, or just heat any extra sauce in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a saucepan until slightly thickened, and pour it over the fish when its done
Notes
- Skinless salmon is my preference, but you can use skin-on as well. Feel free to substitute trout; it works equally well. Fresh or frozen (defrosted) salmon both work great for this recipe
- For added heat, use red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne or sriracha, or hot honey instead of regular honey
- I do not recommend using fresh garlic in place of garlic powder, as it tends to burn in the air fryer. However, if you prefer it, add ½ tsp minced fresh garlic to the sauce, so that it’s only on for the last few minutes of cooking to minimize burning
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 210g | Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 7.6g | Saturated Fat: 1.4g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 996mg | Potassium: 725mg | Fiber: 0.6g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 245.6IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1.2mg
