Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe features tender, flaky salmon coated with a tangy-sweet honey mustard glaze, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. With minimal prep and a short cook time, it’s a go-to recipe for a delicious meal in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal effort.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with omega-3s and protein.
- Bold Flavors: The honey mustard glaze adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
- Air Fryer Perfection: Produces moist, flaky salmon with a lightly caramelized glaze.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Optional: Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish.
Directions
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard and honey until smooth. Adjust the ratio to your taste if you prefer it sweeter or tangier.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Glaze the Salmon:
- Brush the honey mustard mixture generously over the top of each salmon fillet.
- Cook the Salmon:
- Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if applicable. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.
- Serve:
- Remove the salmon from the air fryer and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 2-4 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Honey Mustard: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a kick of heat.
- Herb Crusted: Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or thyme over the salmon before air frying.
- Maple Glaze: Replace honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
- Garlic Lovers: Mix minced fresh garlic into the glaze for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw the salmon completely before cooking for even results.
2. How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer?
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray before adding the fillets.
3. Can I use other types of mustard?
Yes, whole-grain mustard or spicy brown mustard work well for a different flavor profile.
4. What side dishes go well with this recipe?
Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
5. How do I know when the salmon is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The flesh should flake easily with a fork.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook the salmon in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the mustard you use is gluten-free.
8. Can I cook skin-on salmon?
Yes, place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer. The skin will crisp up nicely.
9. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
The recipe is naturally dairy-free! No adjustments are needed.
10. Can I use this glaze for other proteins?
Absolutely! Try it on chicken breasts, pork chops, or tofu for a versatile dish.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner. With its tender, flaky texture and tangy-sweet glaze, this salmon recipe is sure to become a favorite. Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a healthy, delicious meal in minutes! Try it today and savor the ease and taste of air fryer cooking.
Print
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
This air fryer honey mustard salmon is a quick and flavorful dish. The salmon is perfectly cooked with a sweet and tangy glaze, making it a healthy and delicious option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Make the Honey Mustard Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
- Coat the Salmon:
- Brush the honey mustard glaze generously over the top of each salmon fillet.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Cook the Salmon:
- Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down. Make sure they are not overcrowded.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the glaze is caramelized. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Serve:
- Transfer the salmon to a plate and serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- For an extra crispy glaze, brush additional honey mustard glaze on the salmon halfway through cooking.
- Pair this salmon with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave.