Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon Recipe

This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. The combination of honey and mustard creates a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the rich taste of salmon, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the salmon will cook evenly and get a nice crispy exterior.

2. Prepare the Honey Mustard Glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Season the Salmon:

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Lightly season them with salt and pepper on both sides.

4. Coat the Salmon:

Brush each salmon fillet generously with the honey mustard glaze, ensuring that all sides are well-coated.

5. Air Fry the Salmon:

Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd them, as this will prevent even cooking. Air fry for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork, and the glaze should form a slightly caramelized crust.

6. Serve:

Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick.

Tips for Success

• Salmon Thickness: The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Thicker pieces will require more time, while thinner ones will cook faster.
• Skin-On Option: If using skin-on salmon, place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer to help the skin crisp up.
• Watch the Timing: Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet.

Variations

1. Maple Mustard Glaze: Swap honey for maple syrup to create a different flavor profile.
2. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.
3. Herbed Salmon: Mix fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary into the honey mustard glaze for an earthy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon with simple side dishes such as:

• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
• Rice or Quinoa: A bed of rice or quinoa complements the rich flavors of the salmon.
• Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad for a light, refreshing meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the salmon fillets completely before air frying. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer for a few minutes or the microwave.

3. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the salmon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is an ideal weeknight meal that’s both healthy and flavorful. The air fryer ensures the salmon is cooked perfectly with a crispy exterior while remaining tender and moist inside. The honey mustard glaze adds a sweet, tangy richness that makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal to impress guests, this recipe is a winner!

Yield: 4

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon Recipe

Print

This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. The combination of honey and mustard creates a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the rich taste of salmon, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off based on preference
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard (optional for added texture)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
   
2. Prepare the Salmon:
   Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
   Season both sides of the salmon with salt and black pepper.
   Lightly brush each fillet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
   
3. Make the Honey Mustard Glaze:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard (if using), minced garlic, lemon juice, and dried thyme until well combined.
   
4. Apply the Glaze:
   Generously brush the honey mustard mixture over the top of each salmon fillet, reserving a small amount for later.
   
5. Air Fry the Salmon:
   Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches.
   Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
   About 2 minutes before the cooking time is up, brush the remaining honey mustard glaze over the salmon for an extra layer of flavor.
   
6. Serve:
   Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and transfer to plates.
   Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of citrus freshness.

Notes

• Salmon Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Wild-caught salmon is preferable if available.
• Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the specific model of your air fryer. Start checking at the 8-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
• Marinating Option: For even more flavor, you can marinate the salmon in the honey mustard mixture for 15-30 minutes before air frying.
• Side Suggestions: Pair your honey mustard salmon with steamed vegetables, quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Storage: Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold in salads.
• Variations:
• Spicy Honey Mustard: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
• Herbed Glaze: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the honey mustard mixture for added freshness.
• Maple Mustard: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweet note.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon:

• Do Not Overcrowd: Ensure there is space between the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket for even cooking and crispiness.
• Skin-On vs. Skin-Off: If cooking skin-on salmon, place the fillets skin-side down to help protect the flesh from overcooking and to achieve a crispy skin.
• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked fillets.