Table of Contents
Ingredients
Craving a flavorful, healthy meal that comes together in minutes? This Honey Mustard Salmon might just become your new weeknight favorite. With its perfect balance of sweet honey, tangy mustard, and savory salmon, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor—without the fuss. The air fryer ensures a crisp, caramelized glaze while keeping the salmon moist and tender inside. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and seriously delicious.
Key Benefits of Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Quick Cooking | Ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights. |
| Healthy & Light | High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and low in carbs. |
| Minimal Cleanup | The air fryer keeps the mess to a minimum—no need for multiple pans. |
| Flavor-Packed | The honey mustard glaze adds a delicious balance of sweet and tangy. |
| Kid-Friendly | Mild, sweet flavors make it appealing even to picky eaters. |
| Versatile | Pairs well with rice, roasted veggies, or salads. |
| No Need to Marinate | The sauce caramelizes quickly in the air fryer—no long prep time required. |
| Meal Prep Friendly | Great for storing in the fridge and reheating later. |
| Even Cooking | The air fryer provides a crispy exterior while keeping the salmon tender. |
| Gluten-Free Option | Easily made gluten-free by using gluten-free mustard and honey. |
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon fillets | 2 (6 oz each) | Skin-on or skinless, as preferred |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tablespoons | Can use whole grain for added texture |
| Honey | 1½ tablespoons | Adjust for preferred sweetness |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | Helps create a rich, glossy glaze |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | Adds depth of flavor |
| Paprika (optional) | ¼ teaspoon | For a touch of smoky flavor |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Freshly squeezed for brightness |
| Salt | To taste | Season according to preference |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground preferred |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | For garnish | Adds color and freshness |
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3–5 minutes. - Make the Honey Mustard Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth. - Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Place them skin-side down on a plate or parchment paper. - Brush the Glaze
Generously brush the honey mustard mixture over the top and sides of each fillet. Let them sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb flavor. - Cook in the Air Fryer
Carefully place the fillets in the air fryer basket (skin-side down) in a single layer.
➤ Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness.
➤ The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have a golden glaze on top. - Rest & Garnish
Remove the salmon and let it rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space between fillets for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked salmon, aim for an internal temp of 125°F–130°F for medium doneness.
- No sticking: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or use parchment liners to prevent sticking.
- Rest the salmon: Let it sit for a couple of minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute—this keeps it moist and flavorful.
- Brush again after cooking: Want more flavor? Brush on a second layer of honey mustard glaze right after cooking for an extra zing.
Simple Variations to Try:
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for some heat.
Maple Mustard Swap: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
Garlic Lovers’ Twist: Add fresh minced garlic to the glaze for a more robust flavor.
Lemon Zest Boost: Add grated lemon zest to the glaze for a bright, citrusy aroma.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Make sure your mustard is gluten-free and serve with roasted veggies or quinoa.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides—whether you’re going for light and healthy or cozy and comforting.
Healthy & Fresh Options:
- Garlic sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli add a nice contrast to the sweet-savory glaze.
- Quinoa or cauliflower rice makes a great low-carb base that soaks up extra sauce.
- Cucumber-dill salad or a citrus avocado salad offers cool, refreshing flavors to balance the warm salmon.
Comforting Sides:
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Pair with buttered corn on the cob or honey-glazed carrots to highlight the glaze’s sweetness.
- Add a slice of warm sourdough bread or wild rice pilaf for something rustic and filling.
Drink Pairing Ideas:
- For wine lovers, a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the mustard’s tang and salmon’s richness.
- For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling citrus water or cold green tea with lemon.
Honey Mustard Salmon brings together the best of both worlds—bold flavor and effortless cooking. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick air fry, you get a perfectly juicy, slightly crisp salmon fillet coated in a sweet, tangy glaze that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making dinner for one or impressing guests, this dish is a guaranteed win.
Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite go-to salmon recipe. Don’t forget to mix and match the sides for a meal that suits your vibe—healthy, hearty, or somewhere in between.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Simply thaw the frozen salmon fillets in the fridge overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave. After thawing, proceed with the recipe as usual.
2. Can I use a different mustard for the glaze?
Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier kick, you can swap regular mustard with Dijon or spicy brown mustard. For a milder flavor, honey mustard is a great choice.
3. How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer to ensure your fish is perfectly tender and flaky.
4. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork.
5. How can I store leftover salmon?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to avoid drying out the fish.
6. Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the salmon?
Yes, you can! Add your favorite vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers to the air fryer basket alongside the salmon. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you’re using.
7. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly! Salmon is naturally low in carbs, and the honey mustard glaze can be adjusted with a low-carb sweetener like stevia or erythritol to make it even more keto-friendly.
8. Can I make the honey mustard glaze ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the honey mustard glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This way, you can easily make the dish in no time when you’re ready to cook.