Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon

January 6, 2026 Kate @Food For Your Good Main Dishes 0




Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon with caramelized honey garlic glaze on a white marble tray, photographed in natural daylight for FoodForYourGood.com
Golden Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon with a glossy garlic-studded glaze, styled simply on white marble for a clean, modern, homemade look.
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Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight cooking feel effortlessly elevated. Tender salmon fillets cook quickly in the air fryer while a glossy honey garlic glaze caramelizes beautifully on top. As a result, every bite delivers the perfect balance of savory depth and gentle sweetness. Even better, this dish comes together with simple pantry ingredients, yet tastes restaurant-worthy.

Because the air fryer uses circulating heat, the salmon stays moist inside while developing a lightly crisp exterior. Meanwhile, garlic and soy sauce add richness, and honey softens the flavors without overpowering the fish. Additionally, this method minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Interestingly, honey-based glazes have been used for centuries to preserve moisture and enhance natural flavors in fish. Today, this modern air fryer version brings that timeless technique into a fast, approachable home recipe you’ll want on repeat.

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon with caramelized honey garlic glaze on a white marble tray, photographed in natural daylight for FoodForYourGood.com
Golden Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon with a glossy garlic-studded glaze, styled simply on white marble for a clean, modern, homemade look.

INGREDIENTS

12 oz salmon fillets (2 pieces)
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp chopped chives (optional, garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prepare:
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Meanwhile, pat the salmon dry and set aside.

2. Make the glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, pepper, and salt until smooth.

3. Coat the salmon:
Brush the glaze generously over the salmon, ensuring even coverage on top.

4. Air fry:
Place salmon in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook for 7–9 minutes, until flaky and caramelized.

5. Rest and finish:
Let salmon rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with chives before serving.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

  • Balance the glaze carefully: Because honey caramelizes quickly, keeping the air fryer below 400°F prevents burning while still creating a glossy finish.
  • Choose center-cut salmon: Thicker fillets cook more evenly, resulting in a juicy interior and lightly crisp edges.
  • Let it rest briefly: Allowing the salmon to rest helps redistribute juices, which improves texture and flavor.