Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon was one of those recipes I assumed would be effortless—until my first batch turned dry around the edges and under-glazed on top. I wanted that sticky, caramelized finish without overcooking the center. After testing this three ways at different temperatures, I discovered the sweet spot was slightly lower heat with a mid-cook glaze. This temperature finally solved the dry salmon issue and gave me flaky, tender fish with a glossy honey garlic coating in just minutes.
Why This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Works
Air fryer honey garlic salmon cooks faster than oven-baked versions while still delivering a caramelized glaze and flaky interior. Most top-performing recipes use high circulating heat to seal the outside quickly, locking in moisture while slightly thickening the honey garlic sauce as it cooks.
After testing multiple methods, I found 380°F hits the perfect balance—hot enough for light caramelization but not so hot that the sugars burn. Brushing extra glaze halfway through cooking ensures that sticky finish without drying the salmon. The result is tender, flaky salmon with a glossy, flavorful crust in under 10 minutes.
Timing for Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 18–20 minutes
Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
This simple glaze balances sweet, savory, and just a touch of acidity.
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sesame seeds
- Lemon wedges
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon in the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help the glaze stick and prevent steaming.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, and paprika.
- Lightly season salmon with salt and pepper.
- Brush a generous layer of honey garlic sauce over the top of each fillet.
- Place salmon in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Do not overcrowd.
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 4–5 minutes.
- Open the basket and brush additional sauce over each fillet.
- Continue cooking for another 3–5 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
- Best temperature: 375–390°F works well, but 380°F prevents burning the honey.
- Avoid burning: If your air fryer runs hot, reduce to 370°F (188°C).
- Do not overcrowd: Air circulation ensures even cooking and caramelization.
- Pat dry first: Moisture prevents the glaze from sticking properly.
- Check early: Thinner fillets may finish at 7–8 minutes.
- Skin-on tip: Cook skin-side down for crispier skin.
- Thicker glaze: Simmer leftover sauce on the stovetop for 2–3 minutes to drizzle on top.
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
Storage: Store cooled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
Variations:
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Swap lemon juice for rice vinegar for a slightly tangy twist.
- Add grated ginger for deeper flavor.
- Serve over jasmine rice, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
This air fryer honey garlic salmon has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners. It’s fast, reliable, and that sticky glaze never disappoints. Once you find your air fryer’s sweet spot, you’ll have perfectly flaky salmon every single time.
