Air Fryer Salmon with Easy Honey Garlic Sauce

Enjoy this easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon! Sweet, savory, and nutty flavors come together in minutes, with a crispy outside and tender, juicy inside.

Cooking fish is daunting for many, but the air fryer makes it simple and quick. Salmon is a food that can be incorporated into your weekly meal plan as a quick-cooking source of protein and healthy fats. Cooking salmon doesn’t have to be complicated, and you can simply season your filet with salt and pepper for an easy meal. However, this easy honey garlic marinade adds tons of flavor without much effort. This is seriously on of my favorite easy air fryer recipes!

We eat salmon often in our house. Largely because we love the natural flavor, but also because of its health benefits and quick cooking time. It is so easy to enhance the natural rich flavor of salmon, and this marinade does so beautifully. Because the fish is marinated in this recipe, you can prep your fish and marinade the night before or morning of, and allow the marinate overnight and/or throughout the day. This way, all you have to do is place your salmon in the air fryer when you are ready to eat it. This makes for a quick main dish option on busy nights. 

Why You’ll Love this Gluten Free Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon with sweet, savory, and nutty flavors! You’ll love this air fryer salmon recipe for its delicious blend of flavors and easy preparation. With just a few wholesome ingredients—salmon, honey, coconut aminos, garlic powder, and sesame seeds—this dish is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and nutty notes, creating a mouthwatering honey garlic glaze that complements the rich taste of the salmon. 

Marinating the salmon for just 30 minutes ensures it’s infused with honey’s natural sweetness and the savory depth of coconut aminos, while garlic powder adds a burst of flavor without added calories. The air fryer crisps the outside while keeping the inside moist, giving you a restaurant-quality meal in minutes. Top it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and extra flair, and you have a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights or impressing guests.

This flavorful Asian salmon recipe can be served over a bed of lettuce, alongside white rice, your favorite side dishes, or enjoy with your favorite veggies for a low-carb meal. Add a garnish of green onions for more flavor and a beautiful pop of color. 

Simple Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon

• Salmon: This fish is flavorful and nutrient-rich, and known for its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. It can be enjoyed grilled, smoked, baked, or raw in dishes like sushi, offering versatility across various cuisines.
• Honey: This natural sweetener is prized for its distinct flavors that vary based on the flowers from which nectar is collected. It not only adds sweetness to foods and beverages but also contains antioxidants and has soothing properties often used in traditional remedies. If you don’t have honey available you can substitute it for maple syrup.
• Coconut aminos: Coconut aminos is a savory, slightly sweet seasoning sauce made from the fermented sap of coconut palms, often used as a soy sauce alternative. It’s naturally lower in sodium than soy sauce and free from gluten, making it a popular choice for those with dietary restrictions.
• Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds another layer of flavor to this recipe without additional calories or sodium. For an additional flavor boost, add fresh garlic to your marinade. 
• White sesame seeds: While used largely for garnish in this recipe, topping your salmon with sesame seeds adds texture and a nutty flavor to your dish. Skip this step if you have an allergy to sesame seeds.
• Additional ingredient ideas: Fresh ginger would add a complimentary flavor to the marinade if you have it on hand, as well as red pepper flakes. Also consider garnishing with green onions and a dash of sriracha sauces or chili paste for a tough of heat.

How to Make this Asian Air Fryer Salmon Recipe in Just Minutes

1. In a small bowl, combine honey, coconut aminos, and garlic powder. Divide your honey garlic marinade in half.
2. Place your salmon in a large bag or shallow dish with a lid. Pour half of  your prepared marinade over the filets and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Once heated, add your marinated salmon filets and cook for 7-8 minutes.
4. Serve your salmon with the other half of the honey garlic sauce, and top with sesame seeds.

How to Store this Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

To store leftover salmon, let it cool to room temperature first, then place it in an airtight container. 

Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and when ready to reheat, use a low temperature to retain its moisture and avoid drying it out—microwaving for a short time or gently reheating in the air fryer works well.

Tips on How to Make The Best Air Fryer Salmon

• Place your marinated salmon on a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper before moving to the air fryer. This will make for easier clean-up. 
• Make sure you preheat your air fryer. Preheating helps the salmon cook evenly and gives it a nice, slightly crispy texture on the outside.
• Cook Skin side Down: If your filet has skin, place it skin-side down in the air fryer basket. This helps keep the fish moist and prevents the flesh from sticking.

Pair with one of my favorite side dishes, my Fall Quinoa Salad with Caramelized Onions and Vinaigrette