Flaky Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon Recipe

Salmon takes on a whole new dimension with this incredible air fryer honey mustard salmon recipe that promises a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

The crispy exterior gives way to tender, flaky fish that melts in your mouth.

A quick marinade infuses the salmon with rich, zesty notes that complement its natural richness.

Honey and mustard create a magical glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating an irresistible golden crust.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive dish.

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality salmon in under 15 minutes, making it a weeknight champion for busy home cooks.

You’ll be amazed how effortlessly delicious seafood can be with just a few smart techniques.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes In Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Lean, omega-rich fish that delivers a delicate texture and absorbs glazes beautifully; choose fresh, wild-caught salmon with vibrant color and firm flesh for best results.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential minerals that elevate the salmon's natural taste and create a balanced flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth without overwhelming the delicate fish.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky complexity that complements the honey mustard glaze.

• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy, sharp kick that cuts through the salmon's richness.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze for a gorgeous golden finish.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind the glaze ingredients and ensures smooth, even coating on the salmon.
• Lemon Wedges: Bright, citrusy accent that freshens the dish and adds a zesty punch when squeezed over the cooked salmon.

What You’ll Use For Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

• Air Fryer: Essential for cooking salmon quickly and evenly with crispy edges.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the honey mustard glaze ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend the glaze smoothly and remove any lumps.
• Pastry Brush: Great for generously coating salmon with the delicious glaze.
• Tongs: Useful for carefully placing and removing salmon from the air fryer basket.
• Paper Towels: Needed to pat salmon dry before seasoning.
• Fork: Helps check salmon's doneness by testing if it flakes easily.
• Plate: For serving the finished salmon with lemon wedges.

How To Put Together Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

• Salmon Preparation

Gently dry salmon using soft towels. Add a whisper of salt and pepper for subtle seasoning.

• Glaze Creation

Blend zesty Dijon, golden honey, smooth olive oil, aromatic garlic powder, and smoky paprika into a silky mixture that will transform your fish.

• Salmon Coating

Lovingly brush the vibrant glaze across the salmon, ensuring every inch is covered with delicious flavor.

• Air Fryer Warmup

Heat your air fryer to a perfect 375F, creating an ideal cooking environment for your seafood masterpiece.

• Cooking Magic

Carefully nestle salmon into the air fryer basket, allowing each piece breathing room. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the fish flakes beautifully and the glaze caramelizes into a gorgeous golden crust.

• Serving Sensation

Slide the glistening salmon onto a plate, accompanied by bright lemon wedges that add a tangy pop of freshness. Enjoy immediately while the flavors are at their peak.

Ideas To Switch Up Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

• Salmon Success Secrets: Expert Tips & Twists
• Moisture Magic: Pat salmon fillets extremely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent steaming in the air fryer.
• Glaze Perfection: Apply honey mustard mixture just before cooking to prevent burning and achieve beautiful caramelization without scorching.
• Fillet Finesse: Choose salmon pieces of similar thickness for even cooking, trimming any extremely thin edges to prevent overcooking.
• Low-Carb Love: Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener for a keto-friendly version that maintains delicious flavor profile.
• Allergy-Friendly Swap: Use coconut aminos instead of mustard for those with mustard sensitivities, adding a similar tangy complexity to the glaze.

How To Enjoy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

• Zesty Citrus Companion: Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the salmon to enhance its honey mustard flavor and add a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Garden-Fresh Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to complement the sweet and savory salmon glaze.
• Wholesome Grain Base: Plate the salmon over fluffy quinoa or herbed brown rice to create a complete, nutritious meal that absorbs the delicious honey mustard sauce.
• Colorful Veggie Side: Roast asparagus spears or rainbow carrots in the air fryer for a quick, complementary side dish that adds vibrant color and extra nutrition to your plate.

Make Ahead And Save Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it refrigerated at 40°F or lower. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Gently warm salmon in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain moisture and crispy glaze. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent texture breakdown and dryness.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare salmon fillets in advance and store uncooked, glazed salmon in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Fresh Goodness: Wrap uncooked salmon individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before air frying, and pat dry to ensure perfect caramelization.

Crispy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Honey mustard salmon from an air fryer delivers a quick and flavorful seafood dinner with minimal prep time. Crispy exterior and tender fish center promise a delightful meal you will savor in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
• 2 tbsps Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsps honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper, creating a clean canvas for the upcoming flavor transformation.
2. Glaze Creation: Whisk Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, and smoked paprika into a harmonious, glossy elixir that will elevate the salmon’s natural essence.
3. Coating Technique: Lavishly brush the luminous glaze over each fillet, ensuring comprehensive coverage that promises a flavor-packed culinary experience.
4. Air Fryer Setup: Preheat the air fryer to 375F (190C), establishing an optimal cooking environment for precise, golden-brown perfection.
5. Cooking Process: Arrange salmon skin-side down in the basket, allowing ample space for heat to dance around each piece, creating an evenly caramelized exterior.
6. Culinary Transformation: Cook for 8-10 minutes, watching for the telltale signs of golden caramelization and flaky texture that signal impending deliciousness.
7. Doneness Check: Confirm the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145F (63C), with the fish effortlessly flaking under gentle pressure – the hallmark of perfectly cooked seafood.
8. Serving Finale: Transfer the glistening fillets to a serving plate, garnishing with vibrant lemon wedges to provide a bright, citrusy contrast to the rich, sweet glaze.

Notes

• Ensure Total Dryness: Pat salmon completely dry before seasoning to achieve crispy, caramelized exterior and prevent steaming instead of air frying.
• Balance Glaze Consistency: Whisk honey mustard mixture thoroughly to create smooth, even coating that adheres perfectly to salmon surface.
• Prevent Overcrowding: Space salmon fillets strategically in air fryer basket to allow proper hot air circulation, guaranteeing uniform cooking and crisp edges.
• Check Precise Doneness: Use instant-read thermometer to confirm salmon reaches 145F internally, avoiding dry or undercooked fish and ensuring food safety.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg