Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial because it helps the glaze stick better and ensures crispy edges. If your salmon has skin, leave it on—it adds a nice texture and makes flipping easier. If you prefer skinless fillets, no problem! Just be gentle when turning them in the air fryer.

Season both sides of the salmon lightly with salt and pepper. This enhances the natural flavors of the fish.

Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste and adjust the seasoning—add more honey if you want it sweeter, or a squeeze of lemon for extra tang. If you’re using fresh garlic, mince it finely and mix it into the glaze.

The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a little water or more lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add a bit more mustard or honey to balance it.

Step 3: Coat the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd them—cook in batches if necessary. Using a spoon or a pastry brush, generously coat each fillet with the honey mustard glaze, making sure to get the sides as well for even flavor.

If you’re adding toppings like dill or sesame seeds, sprinkle them on now before air frying.

Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and your air fryer model. For medium-rare salmon with a slight crispiness on the outside, aim for 8 minutes. For well-done salmon, go up to 10-12 minutes.

Pro Tip: Check the salmon halfway through cooking. If the glaze starts to brown too quickly, cover the fillets loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Your salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the glaze should be sticky and caramelized.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender bite. Plate your salmon, drizzle any extra glaze from the basket over the top, and garnish with fresh dill, lemon wedges, or sesame seeds.

Serve with your favorite sides, like roasted veggies, quinoa, or a simple green salad. The sweet and tangy flavors of the honey mustard glaze pair perfectly with almost anything!

Choose the Right Salmon

Fresh salmon is ideal, but high-quality frozen salmon works too. If using frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking. Avoid pre-seasoned or marinated salmon, as the flavors might clash with your honey mustard glaze.

Adjust the Glaze to Your Taste

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways to customize your glaze:

• Spicy: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha to the glaze.
• Herby: Mix in 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley.
• Sweet and Smoky: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke.
• Asian-Inspired: Swap the honey for maple syrup, add 1 tsp grated ginger, and top with sesame seeds.

Don’t Skip the Resting Time

Letting the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking ensures it stays juicy. The internal temperature will rise slightly during this time, so pull the salmon out just before it reaches 145°F.

Experiment with Cooking Times

If your salmon is thinner than 1 inch, reduce the cooking time to 6-8 minutes. For thicker fillets, you may need to add an extra 1-2 minutes. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer or by flaking the salmon with a fork.

Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup

If your air fryer basket isn’t nonstick, line it with parchment paper (make sure to poke holes in it for airflow). This prevents the glaze from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.