If you’re craving a quick, flavor-packed weeknight dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy, look no further than this Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon. With just a handful of pantry staples and less than 20 minutes, you’ll get melt-in-your-mouth salmon fillets coated in a golden, tangy-sweet glaze—all with hardly any cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Fast: From start to finish, your Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is ready in under 20 minutes—faster than takeout.
- Mess-Free & Healthy: Minimal prep, no splattering pans, and way less oil make this method a healthy breeze.
- Big, Bold Flavor: Just two ingredients transform plain salmon into a sweet, savory superstar with a restaurant-style crust.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a weeknight meal or dress it up for guests—it fits anywhere on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get excited—this recipe keeps it beautifully simple! Each ingredient in Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon isn’t just here for show; they all play a special part in building that crave-worthy sweet-savory glaze and creating tender, flaky fish. Here’s the rundown:
- Salmon Fillets (2, fresh, 6-8oz each): Choose fillets with vibrant color and minimal “fishy” aroma for best flavor. Both skin-on and skinless work—skin keeps the fish extra moist!
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Honey gives the glaze its signature sweetness and caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
- Dijon or Stone Ground Mustard (1 tablespoon): Tangy, just a little spicy, and works magic balancing the honey. Your choice sets the tone—Dijon for smoothness, stone ground for a bit more texture.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to make Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon your own! With such a friendly, flexible recipe, you can mix and match based on what you love or what you already have on hand—there’s absolutely room to play.
- Add Herbs: Finely chop fresh dill, parsley, or chives and sprinkle them on top before cooking for an herby finish.
- Spice It Up: Stir a pinch of crushed red pepper or smoked paprika into the honey-mustard glaze for a little kick.
- Switch the Mustard: Try whole grain or spicy brown mustard for an extra-tangy edge.
- Citrus Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest to the glaze for brightness and zing.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
Step 1: Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together your honey and mustard until smooth and glossy. This glaze is where all the signature flavor comes from, so don’t be afraid to taste and adjust it to your liking—add a touch more honey for sweetness or an extra dollop of mustard for tang.
Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F and let it preheat for five minutes. Preheating ensures your salmon cooks evenly and gets a gorgeous, caramelized crust on top. It’s the secret to that perfect texture!
Step 3: Brush the Salmon
Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then generously brush the top of each with the honey mustard glaze. Make sure you cover every nook—this ensures every bite is packed with sweet-savory goodness.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the glazed salmon fillets in your air fryer’s basket or on the middle tray, depending on your model. Cook on the air fryer setting at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F in the center. The glaze will bubble and coat the fish in a stunning, sticky layer. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
- Preheat for Even Cooking: Always let your air fryer heat up first—the salmon cooks more evenly, and the glaze bubbles perfectly.
- Use Parchment for Easy Cleanup: Lining your basket with perforated parchment paper saves you from scrubbing off sticky glaze later (just ensure there’s airflow).
- Check Doneness At 10 Minutes: Every air fryer runs a little differently, so peek at the fillets towards the end to prevent overcooking.
- Season the Underside: If you like, add a sprinkle of salt and pepper beneath the glaze for even deeper flavor.
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
Garnishes
Finish your Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon with a scattering of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or sliced green onion. For an extra pop, a squeeze of lemon and a dusting of sesame seeds or cracked black pepper look gorgeous and add a little freshness and crunch.
Side Dishes
This salmon loves bright, colorful sides. Think steamed asparagus, lemony green beans, simple roasted potatoes, or a quick arugula salad. For something heartier, spoon salmon flakes over fluffy rice or couscous—absolute bliss!
Creative Ways to Present
Try flaking the salmon and tucking it into lettuce wraps with crunchy veggies, or pile it atop toasted sourdough for open-faced sandwiches. For a party, cut the cooked salmon into bite-size pieces and skewer them for an irresistible appetizer platter drizzled with extra glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon will keep beautifully chilled in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Let it cool to room temperature before storing, and spoon any leftover glaze on top to lock in moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon for up to a month—just wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge so the texture stays tender, not mushy.
Reheating
To reheat, set your air fryer or oven to 325°F and warm the salmon for 3-5 minutes until just heated through. Keep an eye out so it doesn’t dry out—you want it juicy, glossy, and as irresistible as when it was freshly made!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon fillets for Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon?
Absolutely! Just thaw your fillets thoroughly and pat them very dry before brushing with glaze—this helps the salmon cook evenly and prevents extra moisture from diluting the flavors.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your mustard label, as some brands may use additives; most Dijon or stone ground mustards are safe.
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What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake the glazed salmon in an oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily—the signature honey mustard flavor still shines through.
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How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The best indicator is an instant-read thermometer: aim for an internal temp of 145°F in the thickest part. The salmon should be opaque and flake apart gently, with the glaze bubbling on top.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon—it’s one of those recipes that turns a handful of ingredients into pure magic on the plate. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or looking for new salmon ideas, I just know this dish will win hearts in your kitchen. Give it a whirl and enjoy every golden bite!
PrintAir Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 17 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare salmon in the air fryer. The sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze perfectly complements the tender and flaky fish.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 2 salmon filets (fresh, skin-on or off), 6-8oz each
Honey Mustard Glaze:
- 1 tbs mustard, dijon or stone ground
- 1 tbs honey
Instructions
- Mix Honey Mustard: In a small bowl or dish, thoroughly combine the honey and mustard.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes.
- Coat Salmon: Brush the top of the salmon filets with the honey mustard mixture.
- Air Fry: Place the salmon filets in the air fryer basket or middle tray, depending on your air fryer type. Air fry at 380°F for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F when checked with a food thermometer in the center.
- Serve: Serve the salmon immediately.
Notes
- For a caramelized finish, you can broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes after air frying.
- Adjust honey and mustard proportions to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: approx. 280 kcal
- Sugar: approx. 8g
- Sodium: approx. 180mg
- Fat: approx. 15g
- Saturated Fat: approx. 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: approx. 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: approx. 9g
- Fiber: approx. 0.5g
- Protein: approx. 25g
- Cholesterol: approx. 70mg