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If you’re after a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet surprisingly easy to prepare, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Salmon with Honey Dijon Marinade Recipe. The succulent salmon filets soak up a luscious blend of honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a hint of soy sauce, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy profile. Cooked in the air fryer, the salmon achieves a beautifully crisp exterior while remaining tender and flaky inside, making it a foolproof and delightful meal any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Salmon with Honey Dijon Marinade Recipe lies in its simplicity, and that starts with the ingredients. Every item here plays a crucial role, whether it’s building layers of taste, enriching texture, or adding a splash of color to your plate.
- 10-12 oz. salmon: Fresh, firm salmon filets provide the rich, buttery base that carries all the marinade’s flavors beautifully.
- 2 tsp. soy sauce or Tamari: Adds a savory umami depth that complements the sweetness of the honey perfectly.
- 1 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive): Helps keep the salmon moist during cooking and creates a lovely sheen on the surface.
- 1 Tbsp. honey: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the tang of Dijon mustard and the saltiness of soy sauce.
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard): Provides a vibrant tang and slight sharpness to the marinade that awakens your taste buds.
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced): Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances every bite.
- ¼ tsp. paprika: A subtle smoky hint that adds complexity and a touch of color to the salmon.
- ¼ tsp. salt (to taste): Balances all the ingredients while accentuating the natural flavors of the fish.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon with Honey Dijon Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Salmon
Start by cutting your fresh salmon into two equal-sized filets. It’s entirely up to you whether you leave the skin on or peel it off. Leaving the skin can help lock in moisture during cooking, but removing it yields a more delicate texture. Either way, the salmon’s rich flavor shines through.
Step 2: Whisk and Marinate
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, paprika, and salt until you get a smooth, cohesive marinade. Nestle your salmon filets into the bowl and coat them thoroughly. Then, pop the salmon into the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to let all those vibrant flavors soak in deeply.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
While your salmon marinates, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 3 minutes. This step ensures that your salmon sears beautifully upon contact, locking in juiciness and creating that slightly crisp exterior that’s so addictive.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Give the air fryer basket a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place your salmon filets skin side-down on the grate, then cook them for 7 to 9 minutes, depending on their thickness. You’ll know they’re done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has a tender, succulent texture inside.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve your salmon immediately for the best temperature and texture. A quick sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the dish, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon with Honey Dijon Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or chopped chives add a burst of green that contrasts beautifully with the salmon’s golden hue. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors, elevating your Air Fryer Salmon with Honey Dijon Marinade Recipe to a new level of freshness.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs wonderfully with light, crisp side dishes. Try serving it alongside roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a refreshing cucumber salad to round out the meal with textures and flavors that complement the rich, sweet-savory fish.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your meal a feast for the eyes by plating the salmon over a bed of fluffy quinoa or wild rice, then drizzling any leftover honey Dijon marinade warmed up as a glaze. Adding a few edible flowers or microgreens can add elegance for a dinner party or special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftover Air Fryer Salmon with Honey Dijon Marinade Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon stays fresh and flavorful for up to two days, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it inside a freezer bag. It’s best consumed within one month for optimal taste and texture, making it easy to prep meals in advance.
Reheating
To reheat salmon while preserving its moistness, gently warm it in a low oven or use the air fryer at a lower temperature for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave when possible, as this can dry out the fish and diminish the delightful texture you worked so hard to perfect.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon first, pat it dry, and then proceed with the marinade and cooking steps for the best results.
Is it necessary to marinate the salmon for 20-30 minutes?
The marinade deeply infuses flavor, so it’s highly recommended to marinate for at least 20 minutes. However, if you’re short on time, even 10 minutes can add a nice punch of flavor.
Can I substitute the honey or mustard for something else?
You could experiment with maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness, or even a grainy mustard for added texture. Just keep the balance between sweet and tangy to maintain the dish’s signature taste.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake the salmon instead?
Yes! Baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes works well. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking and keep the salmon juicy and tender.
Does leaving the skin on affect cooking time?
The skin can help protect the fish and keep it moist, but cooking time generally remains the same. Place salmon skin side down for best results and a crispy finish.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Salmon with Honey Dijon Marinade Recipe is truly a treat that combines effortless preparation with a flavor profile that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a dish that’s sure to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try—you might find it quickly becoming one of your go-to salmon recipes!
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Air Fryer Salmon with Honey Dijon Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Salmon recipe offers a quick and delicious way to prepare perfectly cooked salmon with a flavorful honey mustard marinade. Ready in just 35 minutes, this healthy and vibrant dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner for two.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 10–12 oz. salmon (two filets)
Marinade
- 2 tsp. soy sauce or Tamari
- 1 Tbsp. avocado or olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ¼ tsp. paprika
- ¼ tsp. salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Cut the salmon into two equal-sized filets. You can leave the skin on or remove it based on your preference.
- Make the Marinade and Marinate: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce or Tamari, oil, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, paprika, and salt until smooth and well combined. Add the salmon filets to the marinade, coating them fully. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your 6-quart air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for at least 3 minutes to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook the Salmon: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the marinated salmon filets skin side-down onto the basket grate. Cook for 7-9 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork in the thickest part.
- Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added freshness and color. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer salmon!
Notes
- For a milder flavor, remove the skin before marinating and cooking.
- Adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of the salmon steaks.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Make sure to preheat the air fryer for even cooking and crispy exterior.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
