There’s something magical about a meal that’s both lightning-fast and effortlessly elegant, and that’s exactly what you find in Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon. Tender salmon fillets meet the irresistible combo of sweet honey and sharp Dijon for a main course that comes together in about 20 minutes—making it perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to impressive last-minute entertaining. With its golden, caramelized crust and juicy flakes inside, this recipe lets your air fryer shine, producing restaurant-quality salmon with barely a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The absolute beauty of Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is how a few pantry staples—each chosen with purpose—work together to coax out the very best flavors and create that glistening glaze everyone loves. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient makes this dish sing.
- Salmon Fillets: Choose skin-on fillets for easy handling and juicer results; aim for evenly sized pieces so they cook perfectly together.
- Dijon Mustard: This classic French mustard brings tang and sophistication, giving the glaze depth without overpowering the salmon’s natural flavor.
- Honey: Just two tablespoons add a touch of sweetness that balances the mustard’s bite, promoting beautiful caramelization in the air fryer.
- Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil ensures your salmon stays moist and the glaze turns glossy and luscious.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A quick squeeze wakes up every other flavor, giving the dish a pop of brightness and helping to cut the richness.
- Garlic Powder: Adds warm, savory undertones that bring comfort without needing to mince fresh garlic—so handy for speedy prep!
- Paprika: Provides gentle warmth and a gorgeous hint of color, making every bite more appealing and just a touch smoky.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning—just enough to lift all the other flavors without tipping into salty territory.
- Black Pepper: That subtle kick ties together the whole glaze, ensuring every forkful is perfectly seasoned.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green at the finish gives freshness and an extra pop of color—plus, it feels a little fancy!
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
Step 1: Mix Up the Honey Mustard Glaze
Grab a small bowl and combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is silky smooth, golden, and well blended. This simple mixture will serve as both your flavorful marinade and the shiny finishing touch.
Step 2: Prep and Brush the Salmon
Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this helps the glaze cling better and promotes beautiful browning. Place them skin-side down on a plate or tray, then generously brush each fillet on the top and sides with the honey mustard glaze, using about half the mixture. If you’ve got an extra 15–30 minutes, let the fillets marinate in the fridge for even deeper flavor!
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This quick preheat helps get that delicious caramelized exterior right from the start. Lightly coat your basket with cooking spray, so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer in the basket, skin-side down. Spoon or brush on the remaining glaze for extra flavor. Air fry for 7–10 minutes, depending on how thick your fillets are. When they flake easily with a fork and are opaque throughout, they’re ready—they’ll be moist, tender, and beautifully golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Carefully lift out the cooked salmon, using a spatula for skin-on fillets so they stay intact. Transfer to plates and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you want a splash of color and freshness. Serve up your Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon right away while it’s warm and at its juicy best.
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
Garnishes
A touch of fresh parsley offers a classic green lift, but don’t be afraid to experiment—thinly sliced scallions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even delicate lemon zest will add flair and flavor. A quick drizzle of leftover honey-mustard glaze (just make sure it hasn’t touched raw salmon) is another simple yet elegant finishing move.
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon pairs beautifully with an endless array of sides. Go classic with steamed white or brown rice, roasted baby potatoes, or a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette. For a fresh, vibrant plate, consider asparagus, broccoli, or mixed roasted vegetables—the salmon’s sweetness plays so well with earthy, savory sides.
Creative Ways to Present
You can make your salmon dinner feel extra special with just a little creativity! Try serving the fillets over a bright citrusy quinoa bowl, flaked into tacos with cabbage slaw, or atop toasted sourdough for an open-faced sandwich. The flavors really lend themselves to everything from casual family bowls to refined, shareable platters at a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it doesn’t happen often!), let the salmon cool to room temperature before sliding it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and is delicious cold or gently rewarmed for meal prep lunches or light dinners.
Freezing
To freeze Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon, wrap each cooked (and fully cooled) fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Salmon freezes best for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the freshest taste and texture.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat salmon gently. Pop it into the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes, or microwave it on low in short bursts, covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Just avoid overcooking—salmon is happiest when it’s juicy and just warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge before brushing on the glaze and air frying so everything cooks evenly and the flavors soak in beautifully.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can substitute with whole grain or yellow mustard in a pinch, though the flavor profile will shift a bit. Dijon adds tanginess, while other mustards may lend a bit more heat or sweetness—taste your glaze and adjust if you need to!
How do I know if my salmon is cooked through?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque all the way through. If you have a thermometer, the center should read 145°F. Trust your nose and eyes—when it’s golden on top and just cooked inside, you’re there!
Can I double the recipe for meal prep or a crowd?
Yes, you can easily scale up the ingredients for more servings. Air fry in batches to avoid crowding the basket, which helps every piece of Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon cook evenly and get that irresistible glaze.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your Dijon mustard and other ingredients are gluten-free, this dish fits perfectly into gluten-free and pescatarian diets. Always double-check labels if you’re cooking for someone with allergies!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like the rewarding, shareable simplicity of Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon. It’s quick, fuss-free, and packed with balanced flavor—plus, it always looks as lovely as it tastes. Give it a whirl in your own kitchen and you might just discover a new go-to dinner favorite. Here’s to delicious meals made easy—you’ve got this!
Print
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon recipe that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates a perfect glaze for tender, flaky salmon fillets. Air frying ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist and succulent. This dish is ideal for a simple yet impressive dinner any day of the week.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Honey Mustard Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Honey Mustard Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Coat and Air Fry the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry, brush with honey mustard mixture, preheat air fryer, coat basket with cooking spray, place fillets skin-side down, air fry for 7-10 minutes until cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove salmon, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot with sides.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon for 15-30 minutes before air frying.
- Pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
