Amazing honey garlic salmon air fryer 15 min joy

You know, there are those nights when dinner just feels like… a lot. Maybe you’ve had one of those days that makes you want to skip the kitchen altogether. I’ve *definitely* been there, staring down a daunting to-do list and wondering if takeout is the only answer. But then I remember that feeling I first got when I pulled that perfect loaf of bread from the oven – that pure, simple joy. That’s what Pure Cooking Joy is all about for me, finding happiness in making something delicious, even when life is crazy. And trust me, this amazing honey garlic salmon air fryer recipe is one of those little victories that makes all the difference. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and honestly, ridiculously easy. It’s the kind of success I love sharing with you because I know how much it can change a hectic weeknight! You can learn more about my journey and why I started Pure Cooking Joy right here, and you can even catch me sharing more kitchen joy over on Facebook!

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Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer Recipe

Seriously, this dish is a weeknight winner for so many reasons! You’re going to adore how fast it comes together – we’re talking about a delicious, healthy salmon dinner in under 20 minutes total. Plus, that sticky soy honey glaze? It’s out of this world! It’s also a fantastic high protein meal that’ll keep you feeling satisfied. If you’re looking for easy seafood recipes or a quick 15 minute dinner, you’ve found your new go-to. These salmon fillets air fryer are perfect for busy schedules!

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Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dish:

• 1 lb salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I love a little kick!)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 green onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

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Essential Equipment for Making Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this one! Just grab your trusty:

• Air Fryer: Of course!
• Small Bowls: For mixing up that glorious glaze.
• Saucepan: To get our glaze perfectly sticky.
• Whisk and Spoon: For all your mixing needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness cooking! Making this air fryer honey garlic salmon is thankfully super straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can go from prep to plate. It’s perfect on its own or served with a side of garlicky air fryer broccoli for a complete meal!

Prepare the Salmon and Glaze

First things first, let’s get that salmon ready. Pat your fillets completely dry with some paper towels – this is a little trick that really helps get a nice sear, even in the air fryer. Then, give them a little brush with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. While the salmon is chilling, grab a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, honey, that lovely minced garlic, grated ginger, and those optional red pepper flakes if you like a little zing. In another tiny bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until it’s smooth – this is our thickening magic for the glaze. Pour this slurry into your soy sauce mix and whisk it all together until it’s nice and unified. Easy peasy!

Air Frying the Salmon

Now for the star of the show! Carefully place your salmon fillets into your air fryer basket. If they have skin, try to place them skin-side down. Pop that basket in and set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it flakes apart easily with a fork. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook – we want juicy and tender!

Caramelizing the Honey Garlic Glaze

While that salmon is doing its thing in the air fryer, let’s finish up our glaze. Pour the glaze mixture into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Let it bubble and simmer for just a minute or two, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up just a bit. Once your salmon is perfectly cooked, carefully spoon or brush that gorgeous, sticky glaze all over the top of each fillet. Pop them back into the air fryer for just another 1-2 minutes. This final little blast of heat is what makes that glaze wonderfully caramelized. Seriously, the smell alone is incredible!

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Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer

Want to make this already amazing honey garlic salmon air fryer dish absolutely PERFECT? Trust me, a few little tricks go a long way! Always start with good quality salmon fillets; they really make a difference. If your glaze seems a bit too thin, just let it simmer a touch longer in the saucepan. And remember, every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on your salmon during those last couple of minutes to avoid overcooking. For more salmon goodness, check out my super-easy oven-baked salmon recipe too!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Got a question about an ingredient? This sauce is super forgiving! If you don’t have honey, maple syrup is a fantastic swap. Need to cut down on sodium? Feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce. For those who like it extra garlicky, use fresh minced garlic instead of the pre-minced stuff – it’s worth the extra minute!

Serving Suggestions for Your Salmon Dinner

This gorgeous honey garlic salmon is fantastic on its own, but it really shines when paired with some yummy sides! It’s perfect over a bed of fluffy Spanish rice to make a complete rice and salmon bowl. You can’t go wrong with a side of crisp-tender parmesan roasted broccoli or some simple steamed asparagus. Honestly, whatever veggies you have on hand will be a delicious addition!

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

This honey garlic salmon air fryer recipe is a lifesaver for meal prepping! You can totally make the glaze a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a little warm-up and whisk before you use it. Cook the salmon fresh when you can, but if you’re prepping ahead, cook it through, let it cool, and then store it separately from the glaze. Reheat the salmon gently in the air fryer or oven, then toss with the warmed glaze. For more on prepping ahead, check out my full meal prep salmon guide!

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer

Got a few lingering questions? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common ones about making this delicious honey garlic salmon air fryer dish.

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! This glaze is super versatile. It’d be fantastic on cod, halibut, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time in the air fryer as needed, since fish thickness varies!

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

Keep an eye on it! Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the inside is opaque. It should look slightly pink and moist, not dry and chalky. A meat thermometer should read around 145°F (63°C).

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

You bet! Whisk up your glaze ingredients (before adding the cornstarch slurry if you want it super thick later). Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat gently and add the cornstarch slurry to thicken before brushing on the salmon.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Now, I always like to give you a little heads-up about the nutrition, because this high protein meal is pretty fantastic! Keep in mind these are estimates, as things can change a bit depending on your exact ingredients. We’re looking at roughly 350 calories, 28g of protein, and about 18g of fat per serving. It’s a wonderfully balanced dish that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle!

Share Your Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Creation!

I would absolutely LOVE to hear about your experience making this air fryer honey garlic salmon! Did you try it with rice? Did you add extra chili flakes? Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or give it a star rating – it really helps other home cooks find their next favorite meal. You can also reach out to me directly through my contact page. Sharing our kitchen wins is what Pure Cooking Joy is all about!

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon

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Make this easy, high-protein air fryer salmon with a sticky soy-honey-garlic glaze. It’s a quick and healthy dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Total Time: 20 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 green onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
4. Add the cornstarch slurry to the soy sauce mixture and whisk until smooth.
5. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if applicable.
6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. While the salmon is cooking, heat the honey garlic sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until slightly thickened.
8. Once the salmon is cooked, brush the glaze generously over the top of each fillet.
9. Return the salmon to the air fryer for 1-2 more minutes to let the glaze caramelize.
10. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

• Serve with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
• For meal prep, cook the salmon and store the glaze separately. Reheat gently before serving.
• Adjust the sweetness and spice level of the glaze to your preference.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg