Quick Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon (Print Version)
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is quick, flaky, and bursting with flavor! My easy recipe makes healthy weeknight dinners delicious & simple.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-free, Dairy-free
# Ingredients:
→ Fish & Marinade Base
01 -
4 (6 oz / 170g each) salmon fillets, skin-on or off
02 -
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
03 -
2 tbsp honey
04 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ Flavor Boosters
05 -
1 tsp garlic powder
06 -
½ tsp smoked paprika
07 -
½ tsp salt
08 -
¼ tsp black pepper
→ Finishing Touch
09 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
10 -
Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Grab a small bowl, like the one I always leave on the counter from breakfast. Whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You want it smooth and creamy, like a golden dream. Give it a little taste – seriously, taste your food! Adjust the honey or mustard if it's not quite hitting your sweet-tangy spot. This is where the magic starts, don't rush it.
02 -
Pat those beautiful salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step for crispy skin, don't skip it! I once forgot and the skin was a bit rubbery, which was a sad day. Place them on a plate or a cutting board. Now, generously brush that gorgeous honey mustard mixture all over the top and sides of the salmon. Don't be shy! Make sure every bit is coated. This is where the flavor really gets locked in.
03 -
Go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Most air fryers need about 3-5 minutes to get to temperature. This step is key for even cooking and that lovely crispy exterior. While it's preheating, I usually tidy up my little marinade bowl; makes cleanup easier, you know?
04 -
Carefully place the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if they have skin), in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Make sure they're not touching each other, because crowding means steaming, and we want crispy, not soggy! If you have a smaller air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches. I've definitely tried to cram too much in before, and it was a mistake.
05 -
Cook the Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon for 10-14 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and how you like your salmon cooked. For a 1-inch thick fillet, I usually aim for 12 minutes. You'll know it's done when it flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C). The smell, oh the smell, will be incredible!
06 -
Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer basket. A spatula helps here, especially if the skin is super crispy. I usually let it rest for a minute or two, just to let those juices redistribute. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a lemon wedge, if you're feeling fancy. This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is ready to make your taste buds sing!
# Notes:
01 -
Patting salmon dry before marinating is crucial for crispy skin; I learned that the hard way.
02 -
Leftover salmon keeps well for 3 days in an airtight container; reheat gently to avoid drying.
03 -
No Dijon? Stone-ground mustard works, but expect a slightly different texture.
04 -
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end really brightens the flavors, try it!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
Small mixing bowl
03 -
Whisk
04 -
Tongs or spatula
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 28g