Sticky Honey Lime Glazed Salmon (Quick & Easy!)
Salmon is one of those versatile fish that pair well with a variety of flavors, and one of the simplest and tastiest ways to prepare it is with a honey lime glaze. Not only does it bring out the natural sweetness of the fish, but it also adds a savory note. If you're new to cooking or just looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is perfect for you. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll have a restaurant-quality dish on the table for weeknight dinners in no time.
Why I Like This Recipe
I love this one because it gives all the cozy teriyaki bowl vibes—but without the gluten or soy! I personally avoid both, so I’ve found some great swaps that still deliver on flavor.
Coconut aminos are my go-to in place of soy sauce. They’re made from coconut sap and have a similar salty, umami taste. If you do eat soy, regular soy sauce works well here, or you can use tamari if you're gluten-free.
Instead of processed sugar, I use honey—it’s something most people already have in their pantry, and it adds a delicious depth of flavor. Fresh garlic gives it a nice kick, but garlic powder works in a pinch too. And to thicken the glaze, I skip cornstarch and use arrowroot starch instead. It’s gluten-free, easy to find, and works just the same!
If you prefer a thinner glaze, you can skip the arrowroot step and just pour the sauce right over the salmon. I also like saving a little extra glaze for drizzling after the salmon comes out of the air fryer.
You can bake it too—just pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 12 to 14 minutes. (Timing always depends on the thickness of your salmon.)
This recipe comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. While the salmon cooks, I’ll throw on some fluffy white rice and sauté a few veggies on the side. We’ve been loving it with mushrooms, sesame seeds, and green onions lately.
Even my two-year-old is into it—and that’s saying something!
Flavor in Just Minutes
This recipe is all about creating a sweet and savory balance. The honey glaze pairs perfectly with the richness of the salmon, while coconut aminos add a subtle umami depth. A splash of lime brightens everything up. It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, making it ideal for those nights when you're short on time.
My Tips for Success
Before we dive into the recipe, let's chat about a few key things to ensure your salmon comes out restaurant-worthy:
Choosing the Right Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon whenever possible. Look for vibrant pink flesh and minimal odor. Your local grocery Sprouts or Whole Foods should have great options!
Patting is Key: This might seem like a minor detail, but it's crucial! Patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels removes excess moisture, allowing the marinade to adhere better and create a beautiful sear.
Embrace the Marinade: The longer your salmon marinades in the delicious honey lime sauce, the more flavorful it will be. Ideally, aim for 24 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor absorption. But I know we all get busy – 10 minutes will still do the trick!
Work in Batches: To ensure proper airflow and even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the salmon in batches rather than trying to fit too much in at once.
Temperature Talk: The best way to ensure perfectly cooked salmon is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the fillet and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Alternatively, you can gently press the salmon with a fork – it should flake easily and appear opaque when done.
Which Air Fryer Should You Use?
Finding the right air fryer can greatly enhance your cooking experience. Here's how to pick the perfect one for you:
Educate Yourself: Learn everything you need to know about air fryers to make an informed decision. Check out this comprehensive guide: Everything to Know About Air Fryers.
Budget-Friendly Options: If you're looking for affordable air fryers, here's a list of options under $50: Air Fryers Under $50.
Personal Recommendations: Discover some of my favorite air fryers that I love to use: My Favorite Air Fryers. These picks may align with your preferences and needs.
Sticky Honey Lime Glazed Salmon Recipe
Alright, enough chit-chat, let's get cooking! Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
2 salmon filets (5–6 oz each), skin on or off
1/3 cup coconut aminos, soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoons honey
1 garlic clove, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
Juice of 1/2 lime
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
1 teaspoon arrowroot starch + 1 tablespoon cold water (for thickening)
My Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are the tools I reach for when making this sticky salmon (and honestly, a lot of my weeknight meals):
Mini Our Place Pan – Great for quick sautés and easy clean-up. It’s the perfect size for smaller portions.
Wonder Oven – I love using this for air frying the salmon. It’s compact, fast, and super versatile.
Citrus Juicer – This makes squeezing fresh lime juice so much easier, and I use it way more than I thought I would.
Instructions:
Add soy sauce, honey, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often.
In a small bowl, stir together the arrowroot starch and water and mix. Let it bubble for another 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thick.
3. Pat filets dry. Brush glaze all over the salmon, reserving a little extra glaze for later.
4. Air fry at 350°F for 10–11 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily (145°F internal temp).
5. Right before serving, drizzle the remaining glaze over the top. Add lime wedges, sesame seeds, or chopped green onion!
What to Serve This With
This salmon is super versatile and pairs well with a bunch of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:
Fluffy white rice – Always a go-to. Light, simple, and the perfect base for soaking up that glaze.
Mango salsa – Bright, fresh, and a little sweet—adds a fun contrast to the savory salmon.
Carrot fries – A crispy, slightly sweet veggie side that’s easy to throw in the air fryer.
Zucchini fries – A lighter take on fries with a golden crunch. So good with a little dipping sauce on the side.
Mix and match based on what you’ve got on hand!
Storage and Reheating:
Leftover honey lime glazed salmon is always delicious! Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) to prevent it from drying out. You can also use leftover salmon in various dishes like salmon salad sandwiches or flaky salmon tacos.
Honey Lime Glazed Salmon
This honey lime glazed salmon recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for busy weeknights, easy enough for beginner cooks, and flavorful enough to impress your guests. Whether you serve it with classic rice and veggies or get creative with Asian-inspired sides, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner repertoire.
Bonus Tips:
Don't Toss the Marinade! The leftover marinade from the salmon can be used as a delicious sauce for other dishes like rice or roasted vegetables. Just be sure to simmer it for a few minutes to cook off any bacteria from the raw fish.
Love Salmon Skin? If you're using skin-on salmon fillets, be sure to cook them skin side down first over medium heat to achieve that beautiful crispy skin everyone loves.
Salmon for Everyone: While this recipe uses fresh salmon, you can also use frozen salmon filets in a pinch. Just thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking.
FAQ
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Cooking salmon can be done in various ways, but one of the easiest and most flavorful methods is pan-searing it in a hot pan. For this recipe, you'll want to heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down, and cook for a few minutes until the skin is crispy. Then, flip the salmon and cook for another few minutes on the second side until it's cooked through.
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Absolutely! Brown rice is a nutritious and flavorful option to accompany your honey-glazed salmon. Simply cook the brown rice according to package instructions in a medium bowl. It's a good idea to add some fresh ginger or chopped green onions to enhance the flavor. Serve the salmon on a bed of fluffy brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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The best way to ensure your salmon is cooked perfectly is by using an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet; it should register 145°F (63°C) when done. Alternatively, you can gently press the salmon with a fork; it should flake easily and appear opaque. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the cooking method used.
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There are endless possibilities when it comes to serving honey-glazed salmon! You can try baking it in the oven on a lined baking tray for a hands-off approach, or grill it on a cast iron skillet for a smoky flavor. For a refreshing twist, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving. Whether you're a fan of crispy skin or prefer a sweeter glaze, honey-soy glazed salmon is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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If you're cooking for picky eaters, you can easily customize this recipe to suit their preferences. For those who prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. Additionally, serving the salmon with familiar side dishes like white rice or roasted vegetables can make it more appealing to picky eaters.
Sticky Honey Lime Glazed Salmon
Craving delicious, easy salmon? This Honey Lime Glazed Salmon is ready in under 30 minutes & uses only a handful of ingredients! Sweet, savory, and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon filets (5-6 oz each), skin on or off
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos, soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot starch + 1 tablespoon cold water (for thickening)
Instructions
- Add soy sauce, honey, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often.
- In a small bowl, stir together the arrowroot starch and water and mix. Let it bubble for another 1-2 minutes until glossy and slightly thick.
- Pat filets dry. Brush glaze all over the salmon, reserving a little extra glaze for later.
- Air fry at 350°F for 10-11 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily (145°F internal temp).
- Right before serving, drizzle the remaining glaze over the top. Add lime wedges, sesame seeds, or chopped green onion!
