If you love quick and healthy meals, Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is perfect. It’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. The sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze makes it extra delicious. With an air fryer, you get a flavorful meal in just 10 minutes. No mess, no fuss—just an easy dinner everyone will enjoy!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Make – You only need 15 minutes from start to finish. The air fryer does all the work.
- Healthy and Nutritious – Salmon is packed with protein and omega-3s. It’s great for heart and brain health.
- Less Oil, Fewer Calories – Air frying means no deep frying. You get crispy salmon with less fat.
- Perfect for Busy Days – This recipe is simple and needs just a few ingredients. It’s ideal for busy nights.
- Delicious Flavor Combination – The honey mustard glaze adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. It makes the salmon irresistible.
- Easy Cleanup – The air fryer keeps things clean. No oily pans or messy stoves.
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Cautions to Keep in Mind
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon – Cook just until flaky. Overcooking makes it dry.
- Check for Fish Bones – Some fillets may still have tiny bones. Remove them before cooking.
- Avoid Applying the Glaze Too Early – It can burn. Add it halfway through cooking.
- Use the Right Temperature – Set the air fryer to 190°C (390°F) for the best texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer – Give each fillet space to cook evenly.
- Let the Salmon Rest Before Serving – This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
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Tidbits About Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
- Great for Meal Prep – Cook extra salmon and store it for quick meals during the week.
- Kid-Friendly – The sweet honey mustard glaze makes this salmon a hit with kids.
- Pairs Well with Many Sides – Serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
- No Need to Flip – The air fryer cooks both sides evenly, so no flipping required.
- Customizable Glaze – Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes for extra spice.
- Works with Other Fish – Try this recipe with cod, tilapia, or even trout.
- No Strong Fishy Smell – Cooking salmon in the air fryer reduces lingering odors in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Any Season – A light summer meal or a cozy winter dinner—it works all year round!
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon – Easy & Healthy Recipe
Description
This air fryer honey mustard salmon is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The Dijon mustard and honey glaze caramelize beautifully in the air fryer, creating a delicious crust while keeping the salmon moist and flaky inside. It’s a healthy, protein-rich meal that can be prepared in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheating the Air Fryer
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Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 190°C (390°F).
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Allow it to preheat for 2-3 minutes while you prepare the salmon.
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the salmon from sticking.
2. Preparing the Honey Mustard Glaze
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In a small mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
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Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons)
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Honey (1 tablespoon)
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Balsamic vinegar (½ teaspoon)
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Minced garlic (1 clove)
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Kosher salt (½ teaspoon)
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Black pepper (¼ teaspoon)
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Whisk all ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
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Set aside for use later.
3. Prepping the Salmon
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Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
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If the salmon has skin, leave it on to help hold moisture while cooking.
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Lightly season both sides of the fillets with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Arranging the Salmon in the Air Fryer
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Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
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Ensure they are not touching each other to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
5. First Cooking Phase (Without Sauce)
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Air fry the salmon at 190°C for 5 minutes.
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This allows the fillets to begin cooking while maintaining moisture.
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During this time, the exterior will begin to firm up.
6. Applying the Honey Mustard Glaze
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Open the air fryer and carefully brush the prepared honey mustard glaze over the salmon fillets.
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Ensure the glaze is evenly distributed and forms a thick coating on top.
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For extra caramelization, you can reserve some glaze to brush again later.
7. Final Cooking Phase (With Sauce)
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Continue cooking the salmon for another 5 minutes at 190°C.
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The honey in the glaze will start caramelizing, giving the salmon a glossy, golden-brown finish.
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Check for doneness—the salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F).
8. Resting the Salmon (Optional but Recommended)
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Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for 1-2 minutes.
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This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the salmon moist.
9. Serving the Salmon
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Plate the salmon immediately while hot.
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Drizzle any remaining honey mustard glaze over the top for extra flavor.
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Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
10. Additional Garnishes & Serving Suggestions
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Sprinkle with fresh parsley or sesame seeds for added flavor.
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Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.
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Pair with a light garlic butter sauce for extra richness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 55mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Introduction to Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
Air frying is a game-changer when it comes to cooking salmon. It allows you to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flaky. This honey mustard glaze enhances the natural flavor of the salmon with the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and richness.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Salmon?
Healthier Cooking Method
- Air frying requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to pan-frying.
- The excess fat from the salmon naturally drips away, reducing unnecessary calories.
Faster Cooking Time
- The hot circulating air cooks the salmon evenly in just 10 minutes.
- No need to preheat an oven or deal with splattering oil.
Perfect Texture Every Time
- The air fryer creates a slightly crispy top layer, especially when using a glaze.
- The salmon remains juicy and tender on the inside, preventing overcooking.
The Flavor Profile of Honey Mustard Glaze
Sweetness from Honey
- Honey adds natural sweetness, creating a subtle caramelization on the surface.
- It also helps balance out the boldness of Dijon mustard.
Tanginess from Dijon Mustard
- Dijon mustard brings depth and sharpness, cutting through the richness of salmon.
- It enhances the dish with a slight heat and umami notes.
Depth from Balsamic Vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar introduces a mild acidity that balances the sweet and savory elements.
- It gives the glaze a glossy, beautiful finish when cooked.
Garlic and Seasonings
- Minced garlic infuses the glaze with aromatic richness.
- Salt and black pepper ensure a well-rounded taste, preventing the glaze from being too sweet.
How to Choose the Best Salmon for This Recipe?
Fresh vs. Frozen Salmon
- Fresh salmon is best, but frozen salmon can also work if properly thawed.
- If using frozen salmon, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for even cooking.
Skin-On vs. Skinless Salmon
- Skin-on salmon helps retain moisture and keeps the fillets from falling apart.
- If using skinless fillets, be extra careful when handling them after cooking.
Thickness Matters
- Thicker fillets (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick) work best for even cooking.
- If your fillets are thinner, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Salmon
- The ideal internal temperature for salmon is 63°C (145°F).
- Cooking too long can make it dry and rubbery.
Not Preheating the Air Fryer
- Always preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- A cold air fryer might result in uneven textures.
Applying the Glaze Too Early
- If the glaze is added at the start, it may burn due to the honey content.
- The best method is to cook the salmon first, then brush on the glaze halfway through.
Skipping the Resting Time
- Letting the salmon rest for 1-2 minutes helps the juices redistribute.
- Skipping this step may cause the salmon to lose moisture when cut immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Best Side Dishes
- Steamed Vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or green beans)
- Garlic Butter Rice or Quinoa
- Mashed or Roasted Potatoes
- Cucumber Avocado Salad
Garnishing Ideas
- Fresh parsley or dill for a herbaceous touch
- A drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce
- Lemon wedges for added freshness
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftovers
- Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the fillets for up to 2 months.
Reheating Methods
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 160°C (320°F) for 3-4 minutes.
- Oven: Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 5-6 minutes.
- Microwave: Use low power to prevent drying out.
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