Perfect Easy Air Fryer Salmon With Honey Lemon Glaze
This Easy Air Fryer Salmon cooks fast at 400°F and finishes with a sticky honey lemon glaze that turns glossy with caramelized edges. It’s a quick seafood dinner you can pull off on a weeknight, and it reheats well for meal prep.
Equipment
- 5 to 6-qt basket air fryer
- small bowl and spoon (for glaze)
- tongs or fish spatula
- pastry brush (optional, for glazing)
Ingredients
- 8 oz salmon fillet skin-on preferred
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper freshly ground if possible
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder use for a stronger garlic flavor (same ingredient, second measured addition)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil like avocado oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice fresh squeezed preferred
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Season the salmon: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey until smooth and pourable.
- Air fry: Place salmon in the basket skin-side down (if using skin-on). Air fry at 400°F for 2 minutes, then flip and cook 2 minutes more.
- Glaze and finish: Brush the honey lemon glaze over the salmon and air fry 1 more minute at 400°F, until the top looks glossy and the edges are lightly caramelized.
- Rest and serve: Rest 1 minute, then serve. The salmon should flake easily and look opaque at the thickest point.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. For best texture, store extra glaze separately and brush on after reheating.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled portions on a plate until firm, then bag. Best within 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want the edges to stay firm.
- Air fryer size notes: In a 5 to 6-qt basket, 8 oz fits comfortably. In a smaller air fryer, cook in batches so air can circulate.
- Fargo winter note: When it’s below zero outside, this is a great no-oven dinner. The air fryer keeps the kitchen from heating up and still browns the glaze fast.
- Nutrition disclaimer: Nutrition estimates are calculated using standard ingredient databases and should be considered an approximation.