If you’re craving a dish that combines simplicity, bold flavors, and a perfectly flaky texture, this Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It delivers a luscious balance of sweet honey and tangy mustard that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, giving you a glaze that’s bursting with flavor and a salmon fillet that’s tender and moist. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this recipe is as fantastic as it is fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe plays a key role, combining to create an irresistibly flavorful glaze and perfectly cooked salmon. From the sweetness of honey to the zing of Dijon mustard and a touch of spice for depth, these simple pantry staples are all you need.
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each): Fresh or thawed for the best juicy, flaky texture.
- 2 tbsp honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that beautiful caramelized glaze.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Provides tang and slight spice to balance the honey.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Keeps the salmon moist and enhances the glaze’s richness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Offers savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Gives subtle warmth and a lovely color to the glaze.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances and balances the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brightens the glaze with a touch of freshness.
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional): Introduces an umami boost for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Brings a pop of green color and fresh herbal notes to finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is perfect for cooking the salmon quickly and creating that irresistible glaze without drying it out.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Mustard Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, fresh lemon juice, and soy sauce if you’re using it. This combination creates a glaze that’s both luscious and full of layers, ready to coat your salmon with flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon Fillets
Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to help the glaze stick better and prevent steaming. Then, brush the glaze generously over the top and sides of each fillet—you want every bite to be infused with that sweet and tangy goodness.
Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon
Lightly grease your air fryer basket to avoid sticking, then arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down without letting them touch. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes depending on thickness. You’ll know they’re done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and your glaze looks beautifully caramelized.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once cooked, remove the salmon carefully and move on to garnishing and pairing it with your chosen sides so the dish stays fresh and zesty.
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a vibrant splash of green but also a subtle herbaceous note that balances the richness of the glaze. For an extra citrusy pop, a thin wedge of lemon on the side works wonders too.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe pairs beautifully with light and fresh options like steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a simple garden salad. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy quinoa complement the flavor and provide comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your glazed salmon atop a bed of fluffy couscous dotted with chopped herbs or alongside a colorful vegetable stir-fry to make the plate visually stunning. For gatherings, plate individual salmon portions with lemon slices and parsley sprigs on attractive dishes to impress your guests effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep the glaze intact to maintain moisture and flavor when reheating.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze cooked glazed salmon for up to 1 month. Wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place the salmon in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This gentle heat helps retain the glaze’s shine and keeps the salmon from drying out, preserving that perfect balance central to the Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the fillets in the refrigerator before applying the glaze and air frying to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Is Dijon mustard essential, or can I substitute it?
Dijon mustard offers a unique tang and smooth texture that’s key to the glaze. If you don’t have it, yellow mustard can work, but the flavor won’t be quite as sharp or complex.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the salmon in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes. While you may miss out on the crisp caramelization the air fryer achieves, the glaze will still be delicious.
What if I don’t eat fish—can this glaze be used on other proteins?
This tangy honey mustard glaze is fantastic on chicken breasts or pork chops as well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein you choose.
Should I remove the skin before air frying?
Leaving the skin on helps the salmon stay moist and makes it easier to handle during cooking. Plus, it crisps up nicely in the air fryer, adding texture if you enjoy eating it.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels both fancy and utterly approachable. It proves you don’t need complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients to create something bursting with flavor and impressive enough to serve anytime. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a staple in your cooking rotation. So, grab your air fryer and dive in—you’re in for a delicious treat!
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Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare perfectly cooked salmon with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a healthy and delicious meal ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
Honey Mustard Glaze:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for cooking the salmon evenly.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and soy sauce if using. This mixture will provide the sweet and tangy flavor coating your salmon fillets.
- Coat the Salmon: Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to help the glaze adhere better. Brush the honey mustard glaze generously over the top and sides of each fillet to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Air Fry: Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the basket, making sure they do not touch to allow even cooking. Cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on fillet thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish the cooked salmon with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your choice of sides for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of your salmon fillets; thicker fillets may require a few extra minutes.
- If you don’t have soy sauce, you can omit it; the glaze will still be flavorful.
- Patting the salmon dry before applying the glaze helps it cook better and prevents excess moisture.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisping of the salmon skin.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
