Honey mustard salmon cooked in an air fryer is all about the less-is-more philosophy. The marinade is fuss-free and super quick and the salmon doesn’t need much marinating time. The combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates a flavorful glaze that perfectly complements the rich and buttery flavor of salmon. So easy and quick – this is perfect for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a special weekend meal.
This recipe has been a perfect addition to my quick weeknight Air Fryer meals.
I have been reading about the importance of eating fish for its Omega 3, and been looking for easy fish recipes to incorporate into our weeknight meals. This is one of those easy recipes that I can tweak into a low-carb meal for me and just add some whole carbs like these Roasted Root Vegetables or Frozen Roasted Potatoes for my family. No need for separate meals for different diets!
Why this recipe works
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep!
- Deliciously Flavorful – The sweet, tangy, and smoky glaze makes every bite amazing.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, omega-3s, and healthy fats for a balanced meal.
- Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside – The air fryer gives the salmon a perfectly caramelized crust while keeping it tender.
- Minimal Clean-Up – No messy pans or splattering—just a quick air fryer basket rinse!
- Versatile – Pairs well with roasted veggies, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Keto-Friendly – Low in carbs (see substitutes) while still satisfying with bold flavors.
INGREDIENT LIST
- Salmon Fillets : 3-4 oz (100-120g) each. For air fryer honey mustard salmon bites just slice the salmon fillets in bite sized chunks.
- Whole Grain Mustard: Has a slightly spicy kick due to inground mustard seeds
- Honey (or Erytritol for a keto / low-carb version ) You can also substitute honey with equal quantity of brown sugar.
- Garlic – Fresh, minced or use garlic powder.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic Vinegar is slightly sweet and tangy and cuts through the Salmon’s rich and fatty texture. You can also use lemon juice in equal quantities.
- Paprika smoked: For a slight kick and smokey flavor
- Seasoning: Salt and Pepper
- Olive Oil: Olive oil helps prevent the salmon from sticking to the basket. It also helps seal the salmon’s natural juices and prevent it from drying out in the air fryer. And it gets extra points for adding beneficial fats to the dish.
Step By Step Process To Make Honey Glazed Salmon In Air Fryer
1. (Optional Step) Wet brine the salmon: In a large bowl, add 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of salt. Stir to dissolve. Place salmon fillets in this brine solution for 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Proceed to marinade.
Brining salmon for a short while makes it juicier and more tender when air-fried.
2. Mix all the marinade ingredients including olive oil.
3. Your salmon is now ready for marinating.
4. Keep half of the marinade for later. Pour the remaining marinade over your salmon and coat well.
Prepare a sling for the salmon by folding a long piece of aluminium foil twice . This will prevent the good fats and marinade from slipping through the air fryer basket. The aluminum foil will also prevent the salmon from sticking to the basket.
Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 375 F / 190C.
Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (skin-side down if they have skin) over the foil sling.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is flaky and cooked through (internal temp should be 130-140°F for medium or 145°F for well done).
Drizzle the remaining marinade over your cooked salmon, and serve.
How to make Air Fryer Honey Mustrad Salmon Glaze
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
Make the Honey Mustard Glaze: In a bowl, mix together mustard, honey, garlic, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil until well combined.
Brine The Salmon (Optional step): Add 2 tablespoons of salt to 2 cups of water. Stir to dissolve. Soak the salmon fillets in this solution for about 10 minutes.
Coat the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush or spoon the honey mustard glaze generously over the salmon.
Air Fry the Salmon: Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (skin-side down if they have skin). Air fry for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is flaky and cooked through (internal temp should be 130-140°F for medium or 145°F for well done).
Serve & Enjoy: Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving. Pair with a side of potatoes, roasted veggies, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad!
Variation of Air Fryer Salmon
You might like this easy and quick Teriyaki Salmon In Air Fryer
Some Useful Tips
Air fryer smoking up your kitchen?
Here are some useful tips to prevent your air fryer from smoking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Glazed Salmon in Air Fryer
For keto/low-carb options
Cauliflower Rice
Gourmet Salad
Leek Soup Without Potatoes
Butternut Squash Soup
This honey mustard glaze is super versatile, and can be used on chicken wings, breasts or thighs. Use it as a glaze for steaks or as a dip for meatballs.
Use it to glaze vegetables, roasted carrots, as a salad dressing or as a dipping sauce.
A meat thermometer comes in handy for to check the internal temperature. Also do not exceed the cooking time as this tends to dry out the fish.
This recipe is gluten-free. However do check on the ingredients list of the mustard if it has any traces of gluten.
Substitute the honey with Erythritol, or your favorite sweetener to make this a keto-friendly meal.
More Quick Air Fryer Fish Recipes
What To Serve With Air Fryer Honey Glazed Salmon
Some more Air Fryer Recipes for you.
Hungry for More
Honey Glazed Salmon In Air fryer (And Oven)
Equipment
- `1 Air Fryer
- 1 Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 Salmon Fillets 3-4 oz / 100 g- 120 g each
- 2 Tablespoon Whole Grain Mustard Note #1
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Minced
- 1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (Smoked)
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
- 2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Make the Honey Mustard Glaze: In a bowl, mix together mustard, honey, garlic, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil until well combined.
- Coat the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush or spoon the honey mustard glaze generously over the salmon.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (skin-side down if they have skin). Air fry for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is flaky and cooked through (internal temp should be 130-140°F for medium or 145°F for well done).
- Serve & Enjoy: Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving. Pair with a side of roasted veggies, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad!
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutrition facts are estimates. Always check with your healthcare provider before making dietary changes.
Disclaimer:
Nutritional Panel: Our nutritional values are calculated by Spooncular API. While we try our best to ensure these values are correct, please confirm these independently.
All information on our website is for general information only. Please seek advice from medical professionals to check if a diet, particular food, allergens, or a way of eating is suitable for you.