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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Honey Garlic Glaze

crispy air fryer salmon - featured image

A quick and easy air fryer salmon recipe featuring crispy skin and a sweet-savory honey garlic glaze, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each (fresh or thawed; wild-caught if possible)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the salmon)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons raw honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Brush the skin side lightly with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Stir gently and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. If a thicker glaze is desired, whisk the cornstarch slurry again and slowly add it to the pan, simmering until thickened (about 1-2 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 7-9 minutes depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily but remains moist. Avoid flipping to keep skin crispy.
  6. Brush the honey garlic glaze generously over the top of each fillet. Optionally, return to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to caramelize the glaze, watching closely to prevent burning.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Pat salmon dry thoroughly to achieve crispy skin. Brush skin lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Add glaze at the end to avoid burning. Use a meat thermometer to check for 145°F internal temperature. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, honey garlic glaze, crispy salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy dinner, weeknight dinner, easy salmon