5-Ingredient Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe

MainsAir FryerLunchDinnerFamily Friendly

Nov 20

This Maple Glazed Salmon is a favorite in our house because my 2-year-old actually asks for it. I am always looking for creative ways to add salmon into our weekly menu. I love a sweet and salty flavor combo, and anytime I order salmon at a restaurant, I am drawn to dishes with that perfect balance. I wanted to create a simple recipe that tastes like restaurant salmon but without artificial sugars. With just 5 ingredients, it is easy to make and uses basic ingredients that most people already have at home. You can make it in the air fryer or oven, and it turns out tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

I also love using high-quality wild salmon for the best results. You can grab my favorite Wild Alaskan Salmon here.

Why You’ll Love This Maple-Glazed Salmon

Made with just 5 simple ingredients
Fast and easy to prepare
Sweet and salty flavor combination everyone loves
Tender, juicy, and full of flavor
Toddler approved and family-friendly
Beginner-friendly, perfect for air fryer or oven
Pairs perfectly with rice, a big salad, or your favorite side
Healthy and made without artificial sugars

Ingredients for Maple Glazed Salmon

2 (6-oz) salmon fillets
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
Lime wedge (optional)

Step-by-Step Maple Glazed Salmon Instructions

1. Prepare the Glaze

In a shallow bowl, whisk together:
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Reserve 1–2 tablespoons of the glaze to pour over the salmon after cooking.

ingredients in bowl ready to whisk (1).jpg

2. Marinate the Salmon

Place 2 (6-oz) salmon fillets in the glaze.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours. Even 10 minutes works if you’re short on time.

Air Fryer Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
Place salmon skin-side down in the basket.
Air fry for 8 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F and edges are caramelized.
Pour reserved salmon glaze on top and finish with a squeeze of lime juice.

Oven Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Place salmon skin-side down and spoon extra marinade on top.
Bake salmon for 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness.
For a sticky, golden glaze, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Pour reserved glaze on top and add lime juice before serving.

Nutrition Information

Servings: 2
Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with glaze

Macros per serving (with soy sauce):

Calories: 397
Protein: 34 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g

Macros per serving (with coconut aminos):

Calories: 417
Protein: 34 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g

Love Easy, Healthy Recipes? Check Out my Cookbook!

Kitchen Tools I Used

Ingredients I Used & Where to Buy

Wild Salmon – high-quality Alaskan fillets, portioned 6–8 oz, perfect for family meals

Substitutions for Maple Glazed Salmon

Soy Sauce → Coconut aminos (sweeter, gluten-free) or Tamari (gluten-free)
Maple Syrup → Honey, Agave, or Brown sugar + 1 tsp water (please make sure to use real maple syrup!)
Dijon Mustard → Yellow mustard (mild), Spicy brown mustard (bold), or omit
Garlic → ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp pre-minced garlic
Salmon → Trout, Steelhead, Cod, or Halibut (adjust cooking time)

Helpful Tips for Perfect Maple Glazed Salmon

Always cook salmon skin-side down – this protects the delicate flesh and keeps the salmon juicy.
Check doneness with a fork – if the salmon flakes easily and looks opaque, it’s done, even without a thermometer.
Don’t worry about white stuff (albumin) – it’s completely normal and doesn’t affect flavor; it just happens when the protein cooks.
Reserve some glaze – pour it over the salmon after cooking for extra flavor and a glossy finish.
Adjust to your taste – if you prefer less sweetness, use regular soy sauce instead of coconut aminos. If you prefer less saltiness, use coconut aminos.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Salmon

More Easy Salmon Recipes

FAQs

Yes! Just thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating. It works just as well as fresh salmon. For step-by-step instructions on cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer, check out my Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Recipe.
Not at all. You can pour the sauce over the salmon right before cooking, and it will still taste amazing. Marinating simply deepens the flavor and helps the glaze stick a little better.
The key is not to overcook it. Pull it from the air fryer or oven as soon as the thickest part reaches 135–140°F. It will continue to cook slightly as it rests, giving you tender, juicy salmon every time.
Yes, but if you’re using an air fryer, cook in batches instead of stacking the fillets. Stacking can prevent even cooking and caramelization.
This maple glazed salmon pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, air-fried green beans, or a simple side salad. It’s versatile enough to work with most healthy sides.
I love using high-quality wild salmon for the best flavor. My favorite is Wild Alaskan Salmon, which comes portioned in 6–8 oz fillets, perfect for a family. The Wild Salmon Box includes Sockeye and Coho portions and ships right to your door.
If you’re prepping ahead, store the marinated salmon in an airtight container, skin-side down, in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then cook it fresh when you’re ready.
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder. For this recipe, ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 teaspoon pre-minced garlic works as a substitute. I also love using a garlic chopper to make mincing quick and easy.
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Place the salmon skin-side down, spoon extra marinade on top, and bake for 10–12 minutes depending on thickness. For a stickier, caramelized glaze, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
I’ve listed my top air fryer picks here! These are the models I personally recommend, and they make cooking salmon (and so many other meals) easy and reliable.

This 5-Ingredient Maple Glazed Salmon is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. With just a handful of ingredients you can find at your local grocery store, it’s easy to enjoy tender, juicy maple salmon that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Whether you make it in the air fryer or oven, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides and check out my Air Fried Salmon Cookbook for even more easy, healthy salmon recipes.

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