Meet your new weeknight dinner hero: Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon. This quick and vibrant dish brings together tender, flaky salmon fillets and a luscious glaze of honey, two mustards, a hint of lemon, and aromatic seasonings—all perfectly cooked in the air fryer. Bursting with sweet, tangy, and savory notes, this recipe is as easy as it is impressive. Whether you’re after a healthful main course or looking for a delicious new twist on salmon, this air fryer delight often becomes an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple this ingredient list is, but every single item is essential to the full flavor experience. Each adds a specific touch—whether it’s savoriness, brightness, sweetness, or texture—that makes the Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon irresistible.
- Salmon fillets: Choose four center-cut fillets (about 6 oz each) for even cooking and perfect portioning.
- Dijon mustard: Delivers punchy flavor and creates the creamy base for the glaze.
- Whole grain mustard (optional): Adds pop and texture, giving the sauce visual interest and a subtle bite.
- Honey: Balances the mustards with sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully.
- Olive oil: Enhances richness and helps keep the salmon moist in the air fryer.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the dish and balances the sweet and savory elements.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Essential for rounding out the flavors and seasoning the salmon just right.
- Black pepper: Lends subtle warmth and complexity to the glaze.
- Chopped parsley and lemon wedges (optional): Bring a pop of color and fresh finishing touch for serving.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon
Step 1: Mix Up the Signature Honey Mustard Glaze
Start by whisking together the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if you like a little texture), honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This is the golden sauce that makes Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon sing: silky, tangy, sweet, and packed with flavor. Be sure to whisk until smooth so the glaze coats the salmon evenly.
Step 2: Prep the Salmon Fillets
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This simple extra step ensures the glaze clings beautifully and the fish cooks up with a tender, flaky texture rather than steaming. Brush each fillet generously with the honey mustard glaze, saving a bit for after cooking if you want that glossy finish.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. While it heats, lightly spray the air fryer basket with a little oil to help prevent sticking and yield a lovely, crisp-edged finish on the salmon.
Step 4: Arrange and Cook the Salmon
Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the basket, making sure there’s space between them so the air circulates properly. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, depending on your fillets’ thickness, until the salmon is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the glaze is glossy and just caramelized. Want extra caramelization? Brush on a bit of extra glaze in the last two minutes!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once they’re done, brush the salmon fillets with any remaining honey mustard glaze for a final burst of flavor. Sprinkle on some chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for that bright, fresh pop. Now, your Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon is ready to impress!
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon
Garnishes
Scatter a little fresh chopped parsley over each salmon fillet just before serving. Add a lemon wedge or two on the side for squeezable freshness. Not only do these touches boost the plate’s brightness and color, but they also wake up all those fabulous flavors in the glaze.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon is super versatile, so you can serve it with whatever you’re craving. Classic pairings include roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, try garlic mashed potatoes or herbed couscous—the salmon’s bold glaze complements both simple and flavor-packed sides.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want something a little different, flake the salmon and serve it over a grain bowl with greens, avocado, and roasted veggies for a nourishing lunch. Or, tuck fillet pieces into a baguette with lettuce and extra glaze for the ultimate salmon sandwich. Entertaining? Serve individual pieces on a platter with toothpicks and lemon slices for easy, elegant appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftovers fresh, let the cooked Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon will stay delicious for up to 2 days, perfect for next-day salads or wraps.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze extras, wrap each cooled fillet tightly in plastic wrap and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. The salmon keeps well in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat the salmon gently in a 300°F air fryer or oven for just a few minutes, until warmed through. This helps keep the fish tender and prevents it from becoming dry or rubbery. Give a squeeze of lemon or brush with extra glaze to revive its lively flavor!
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon?
Absolutely, just make sure to thaw the salmon fully and pat it dry before glazing and air frying. This ensures the glaze sticks and the fillets cook evenly.
Is it okay to substitute another kind of mustard?
Yes! If you prefer spicy brown or regular yellow mustard, go for it. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Your Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon is ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout. Depending on thickness, this usually takes 8-10 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Definitely. Bake the salmon at 400°F in a conventional oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through, but the texture will have less of that signature air fryer crispness on the edges.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon is naturally gluten-free, as long as your mustards and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. It’s a fantastic option for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon has become a staple for quick dinners and special occasions alike—it’s memorable, foolproof, and irresistibly flavorful. I hope this recipe brings a bright, fresh spark to your table and makes you love salmon that much more. Give it a try and experience just how easy a show-stopping meal can be!
Print
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender salmon fillets. The sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, resulting in a deliciously moist and flaky salmon dish. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Salmon Fillets:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
Honey Mustard Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Chopped parsley and lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Honey Mustard Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush the honey mustard glaze generously over each fillet, reserving a little for after cooking if desired.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the basket, leaving space between them. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Final Touches: Brush with remaining glaze after cooking, if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For a caramelized glaze, brush on extra honey mustard in the final 2 minutes of cooking.
- Pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
