A few winters ago, when I had just retired from teaching, I remember standing in my cozy kitchen on a quiet Tuesday evening, flipping through an old wooden recipe box my mother left me. Inside were stained cards with her elegant handwriting, reminders of Sunday suppers and rainy-day dinners. One card, barely legible under a honey stain, simply read: “Teriyaki Glaze – for chicken or salmon.”
That night, I didn’t have much energy left for stovetop watching, but I did have a salmon fillet and a newly gifted air fryer from my eldest son. So I adapted the old glaze recipe, swapped in a few pantry-friendly updates, and gave it a whirl in the air fryer. Ten minutes later, I had salmon that tasted like something straight from a restaurant kitchen—flaky, caramelized on top, and kissed with just enough sweetness and soy.
Since then, I’ve made this honey teriyaki air fryer salmon more times than I can count. It’s fast, foolproof, and packed with flavor. I’ve even taught my grandkids to make it on their own during their weekend visits. They call it “Grandma’s Fancy Fish,” and it always disappears faster than I can plate it.
This recipe is my go-to when I want something wholesome, simple, and comforting—without standing over a hot pan. And now, I’m delighted to pass it along to you.
Short Description
This honey teriyaki air fryer salmon is sweet, savory, and perfectly cooked in under 15 minutes. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and ideal for busy weeknights or light, healthy dinners.
Key Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Key Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Tools Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Resealable bag or shallow dish (for marinating)
- Tongs or spatula
- Small saucepan (optional, for sauce reduction)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Cover or seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Tip: Don’t marinate longer than 30 minutes—the soy sauce can start to break down the fish.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps the salmon cook evenly and get a slightly crisped edge.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Take the salmon out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. (You can save the marinade for later—see the next step.)
Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if using skin-on. Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 10–12 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
Step 5: Optional Sauce Reduction
If you saved the marinade, pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Drizzle over the cooked salmon before serving for extra flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
– Healthier than pan-fried or baked versions
– Sweet, salty, and slightly tangy flavor balance
– No need to turn on the oven
– Great for weeknight meals, meal prep, or impressing dinner guests
– Pairs well with many sides
– Kid-friendly and elegant enough for adults
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Marinating Too Long
Problem: The acidity in soy sauce can “cook” the fish, making it mushy.
Fix: Set a timer for 30 minutes and no more.
Overcrowding the Air Fryer
Problem: Fish will steam instead of crisping, and cook unevenly.
Fix: Leave space between fillets. Cook in two rounds if needed.
Skipping the Preheat
Problem: The fish may cook unevenly or not get that slightly crispy finish.
Fix: Always preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes.
Not Checking the Temperature
Problem: Undercooked or dry salmon.
Fix: Use a thermometer. 145°F (63°C) is your sweet spot.
Reusing Marinade Without Boiling
Problem: Risk of foodborne illness.
Fix: If you want to use leftover marinade as a sauce, boil it for at least 2–3 minutes to kill bacteria.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve the salmon hot and fresh, right out of the air fryer.
Pair it with:
– Steamed jasmine rice or garlic butter rice
– Roasted broccoli, bok choy, or asparagus
– A light cucumber salad or pickled veggies
– Quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
– Green tea or chilled white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
It’s great for family dinners, casual weeknights, or plated for a dinner party with friends.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store: Let leftovers cool completely. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap fillets tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second bursts.
Stovetop: Place in a covered pan on low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, just thaw them completely before marinating. Pat dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick better.
2. Do I need to flip the salmon while cooking?
Nope! Air fryers circulate heat all around, so there’s no need to flip.
3. Can I make this without honey?
You can swap the honey for maple syrup or brown sugar for a similar flavor profile.
4. What if I don’t have sesame oil?
Leave it out or replace it with a mild oil like avocado or olive oil, though the sesame oil adds a lovely nutty touch.
5. Is skin-on or skinless salmon better for air frying?
Both work, but skin-on helps hold the fillet together and can crisp up nicely.
Tips & Tricks
Use fresh garlic and ginger for brighter flavor.
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
If your salmon pieces are thinner, check at the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Garnish with a squeeze of lime for extra zing.
For extra-crispy edges, brush a little extra honey on the fillets before air frying.
Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Honey Teriyaki Salmon
Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili paste to the marinade.
Keep the rest of the recipe the same. The final flavor is sweet with a mild heat kick.
2. Citrus Teriyaki Twist
Replace rice vinegar with orange juice.
Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest.
The result is a brighter, more citrus-forward flavor—great for spring and summer meals.
3. Garlic-Lovers Version
Double the garlic in the marinade.
Add a pinch of garlic powder on top before air frying.
This brings a bold, roasted garlic punch.
4. Ginger-Soy Salmon Bowls
Cube the salmon and marinate as directed.
Air fry the cubes on parchment paper at 390°F for 8–10 minutes.
Serve in bowls with rice, shredded carrots, edamame, and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce.
Final Thoughts
It’s one of those dishes that never lets me down, even when I’m short on time or groceries. The sweet glaze clings to the flaky fish just right, and the air fryer takes care of the heavy lifting.
What makes it even more special is how it’s become a part of my kitchen story—something I now cook with my grandchildren, something we laugh and chat over while waiting for the timer to ding. It’s not just quick and healthy—it’s full of love and little memories.
I hope this recipe finds a place in your weekly rotation, or maybe even becomes your “fancy fish” too. It’s proof that with a handful of ingredients and a bit of heart, you can make magic in your kitchen.
Honey Teriyaki Air Fryer Salmon
Print ThisIngredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a bowl until smooth.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place salmon in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour marinade over the fillets and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Tip: Don’t marinate longer than 30 minutes—soy sauce can alter the texture.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Remove salmon from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place fillets skin-side down in the basket without overcrowding.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, until flaky and 145°F (63°C) inside.
Step 5: Optional Sauce Reduction
Boil the leftover marinade in a small pan, then simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken. Drizzle over salmon before serving.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with sesame seeds and green onions. Pair with rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies for a balanced plate.
