20 Minute Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
Are you looking for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner option that the whole family will love? This delicious dish is not only packed with flavor but it's also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, an air fryer, and 20 minutes of your time, you'll have a mouthwatering meal on the table.
The sweet and sticky honey garlic glaze pairs perfectly with the caramelized salmon, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. Plus, it's a healthy choice loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and cooks up in a flash!
Why I Love This Recipe
This air fryer honey garlic salmon recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it's incredibly easy to make. The marinade comes together in a small bowl with just a few pantry staples, and the air fryer ensures perfectly cooked salmon every time. Second, the honey garlic glaze is bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and a touch of garlic powder creates a sticky glaze that coats the salmon beautifully. Finally, it's healthy! Salmon is a great source of lean protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Salmon
Marinate the Salmon: While this recipe calls for a 10-minute marinade, for the absolute best flavor, try marinating the salmon fillets for up to 30 minutes or even overnight. The longer the salmon marinates, the deeper the flavors will penetrate.
Don't Crowd the Air Fryer Basket: When placing the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, make sure they are in a single layer and not touching each other. This ensures even cooking and airflow.
Cooking to the Right Temperature: The best way to ensure perfectly cooked salmon is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C) for a flaky and juicy piece of fish.
Skin-Side Down or Up? This recipe doesn't call for skin-on salmon fillets, but if you are using them, you have two options. You can cook the salmon skin-side down first for crispy skin, then flip it for the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can remove the skin before marinating.
Ingredient Swaps
This recipe is easily customizable to fit your dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few ideas:
Soy-Free: Substitute the soy sauce with coconut aminos, a naturally gluten-free and soy-free option with a similar flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Tamari is a deeper-flavored alternative to traditional soy sauce and is typically gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure.
Sweeteners: Don't have honey? You can use agave nectar, brown sugar, or even pure maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients: While garlic powder works in a pinch, using fresh garlic adds a brighter and more vibrant flavor to the dish.
Garnish & Texture: Once your salmon is cooked, consider sprinkling it with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
Want even more salmon dinner recipes? My air fryer salmon cookbook is full of over 15 ways to make salmon in the air fryer.
Serving and Sides
This Honey Garlic Salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Classic Comfort Food: Serve the salmon over a bed of Fluffy Rice with creamy avocado slices and roasted vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. Check out my Air Fried Cauliflower for a simple and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with this meal.
Additional Side Inspiration:
Asian-Inspired: Pair the salmon with brown rice and roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a teriyaki sauce.
Healthy Bowl: Create a buddha bowl with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, mixed greens, and a drizzle of the leftover honey garlic glaze.
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
Serves: 2 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
2 salmon filets (about 6 ounces each)
1/3 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for soy-free option)
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 lime, juiced
Instructions:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps ensure the marinade adheres well and promotes crispy skin (if using skin-on fillets).
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and lime juice. Let the marinade sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for extra flavor.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). If you have a basket-style air fryer, lightly coat the basket with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Carefully transfer the salmon fillets from the marinade to the air fryer basket (or baking sheet) in a single layer. Discard any leftover marinade (do not reuse it on cooked salmon due to food safety concerns).
Air fry the salmon fillets for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare doneness. If using thicker fillets, cooking time may vary slightly.
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, resulting in a more flavorful and moist piece of salmon.
Tips:
Cooking Time Variation: The air fryer cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the specific model of your air fryer. It's always best to keep an eye on the fish and cook it to your desired doneness using a meat thermometer.
Don't Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can hinder airflow and prevent even cooking. Cook the salmon in batches if necessary.
Crispy Skin (Optional): If you're using skin-on salmon fillets and want crispy skin, preheat your air fryer to a higher temperature (around 400°F) for the first few minutes of cooking. Then, reduce the temperature to 390°F to finish cooking the salmon through.
Storing Leftovers: Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently in the air fryer or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information:
This recipe is a great source of lean protein and healthy fats. One serving of Honey Garlic Salmon (without rice or sides) contains approximately 350 calories, 30 grams of protein, and 20 grams of healthy fats.
More Inspiration:
Air Fryer Salmon Bites: Looking for a fun and kid-friendly way to enjoy salmon? Try making air fryer salmon bites! Simply cut the salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions as above, or follow my Air Fryer Salmon Bites recipe here!
Salmon with Different Sauces: While the honey garlic glaze is a classic, there are endless possibilities when it comes to salmon sauces. Explore other flavor profiles by using teriyaki sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a simple lemon and herb marinade. My Ahi Tuna Sauce recipe would also pair wonderfully with this recipe! You can find the recipe here if you're looking for a spicy mayo dipping sauce.
This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon recipe is a delicious and healthy option for busy weeknights. It's simple to prepare, uses minimal ingredients, and cooks up quickly in the air fryer. With its sweet and sticky glaze and perfectly cooked salmon, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household too!
Healthy Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 salmon filets
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Pat the salmon dry, drizzle with soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Let this sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors!
- Air fry at 390F for 10 minutes, until salmon internal temperature is 145F.
- Serve with lime juice on top!
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
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