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Air Fryer Salmon Honey Mustard: Easy Delicious Recipe

Somewhere between “what’s for dinner?” and “I’ve got 20 minutes,” you find air fryer salmon honey mustard. It’s that sweet-savory combo TikTok can’t stop talking about. Crispy-edged salmon with a tender middlefast, flavorful, and easy enough for a Tuesday.

This one’s all about simplicityjust salmon, honey, mustard, and a few pantry heroes. Sticky, tangy, golden goodness wrapped in crunchy edges. Feels fancy, but it’s weeknight magic. Full details in the blog!

I learned to balance sweet and heat making glaze with Momshe nailed every time without measuring. Now I test every version until it’s just right. You’ll taste the care, and there’s a sneaky spice twist in this glaze. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon Honey Mustard Recipe

  • Fast & Foolproof: Eight minutes in the air fryer, and you’ve got perfectly cooked salmon every time.
  • Sweet & Tangy: The honey mustard glaze? Sticky, zippy perfection with a cozy mix of pantry staples.
  • Healthy & Hearty: Packed with protein, omega-3s, and just a touch of indulgence. Feels fancy; stays practical.
  • Beginner-Friendly: Seriously, it’s as simple as coat, cook, and serve. No flipping. No chaos.

Ingredient Breakdown & Simple Swaps

This recipe keeps things simple with just a handful of ingredients you’ve likely got at home:

air fryer salmon honey mustard plated with lemon wedge and fresh herbs on white napkin
IngredientPurposePossible Substitutions
Salmon FilletsThe star of the dish, tender and flaky.Try trout or cod for a similar texture.
HoneyAdds sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze.Maple syrup works beautifully, too.
Whole Grain Dijon MustardGives that tangy depth with a bit of texture.Regular Dijon or yellow mustard will do in a pinch.
Garlic PowderA warm, earthy boost.Can replace with onion powder if needed.
Smoked PaprikaAdds rich, smoky undertones.Sweet paprika or a pinch of chili powder works.

Step-by-Step: How to Make It

Let’s break this down for smooth, stress-free cooking:

  1. Mix the honey mustard glaze: Combine honey, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste itit’s good, right?
  2. Prep the salmon: Pat the fillets dry, then coat them in two-thirds of the glaze. Let them sit for 30 minutes if you can (this amps up the flavor).
  3. Preheat the air fryer: If your air fryer doesn’t auto-preheat, set it to 400°F for 5 minutes.
  4. Cook the salmon: Place the fillets in the air fryer, skin side down. Brush with the remaining glaze, then air fry for 7–8 minutes. No flipping necessary!
  5. Garnish & serve: Carefully transfer to plates, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve with your favorite sides.

Pro Tip: If your fillets are extra thick, add a minute or two, but don’t let them overcook. Check for a flaky, slightly opaque center.

Timing Made Simple

Here’s a quick guide to getting it just right:

Salmon ThicknessCook Time
1 inch7–8 minutes
1 1/2 inches8–10 minutes
2 inches10–12 minutes

Serving Ideas & Storage Solutions

Serving Ideas:

  • Pair with roasted veggies, a simple grain like quinoa, or even a side salad for a complete meal.
  • Feeling indulgent? Serve on top of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf.

Storage Tips:

Storage MethodHow LongReheating Tips
In the fridge (covered)3 daysReheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F to maintain crispy edges.
In the freezer (airtight)Up to 2 monthsThaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the air fryer.

Pro Tip: Leftover salmon is fantastic flaked over a salad or stirred into pasta the next day!

Expert Insight: Mastering Air Fryer Salmon Honey Mustard

Using an air fryer for salmon infused with honey mustard allows for a perfectly crisp exterior while maintaining moist, tender flesh inside. This method enhances the glaze’s caramelization without overcooking, delivering a balanced flavor and texture in less time than traditional roasting. Precision and timing are key for the best results.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

Mastering the Air Fryer Salmon Honey Mustard

Getting this air fryer salmon honey mustard recipe right wasn’t quickI went through more burnt edges and undercooked fillets than I’d like to admit. After quite a few kitchen hiccups, I finally nailed a balance of sweet, tangy, and perfectly crispy that makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

FAQs ( air fryer salmon honey mustard )

How long do you cook salmon in the air fryer with honey mustard?

Cook air fryer salmon honey mustard at 400°F for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. For standard 1-inch thick pieces, 8 minutes is usually perfect. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. No need to flip the salmon during cooking – the air fryer’s circulation does all the work for you!

What ingredients do I need for air fryer honey mustard salmon?

You’ll need salmon fillets, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for the basic recipe. Some variations include adding soy sauce, lemon juice, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – most ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have. Fresh or frozen salmon works great, just make sure frozen fillets are completely thawed first.

Should I preheat my air fryer for honey mustard salmon?

Yes, preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 2-3 minutes will give you the best results with honey mustard salmon. This ensures even cooking from the moment you put the fish in. However, if you’re in a rush, you can skip preheating and just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time. The honey mustard glaze will still caramelize beautifully either way!

Can I use frozen salmon for this air fryer honey mustard recipe?

You can use frozen salmon, but it must be completely thawed first for even cooking and proper glaze adhesion. Thaw frozen fillets in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. Pat the thawed salmon completely dry before applying the honey mustard mixture. Cooking times remain the same as fresh salmon once properly thawed and dried.

What internal temperature should air fryer honey mustard salmon reach?

Air fryer honey mustard salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F for food safety, as recommended by the USDA. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet to check. At this temperature, the salmon will flake easily and have a slightly opaque center. If you prefer your salmon a bit more done, you can cook it to 150°F, but be careful not to overcook or it will become dry.

air fryer salmon honey mustard plated with lemon wedge and fresh herbs on white napkin_pin

Wrapping Up Your Air Fryer Salmon Honey Mustard

This air fryer salmon honey mustard recipe is your new go-to for a quick, fail-proof dinner that feels special without the fuss. With just minutes in the air fryer, you get that crispy edge and tender, flavorful inside every time. You’ll love how it turns dinner into something a bit magical, even on the busiest weeknights.

Feel free to swap smoked paprika with a dash of chili powder for a little heat or stir fresh herbs into the glaze for a bright twist. Leftovers? Flake that salmon over a salad or pasta for an easy next-day mealtrust me, it’s worth it. A little flexibility makes this recipe a real kitchen winner.

Now it’s your turndid this glaze remind you of any family favorites? Snap a pic, share your tweaks, or pass this one along to someone who loves cozy, homemade meals. Because good food brings us all a little closer, one plate at a time.

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air fryer salmon honey mustard plated with lemon wedge and fresh herbs on white napkin

air fryer salmon honey mustard


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  • Author: Josue Balbuena
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 2
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

Enjoy a quick and flavorful healthy seafood dinner with this 8-minute air fryer honey mustard salmon recipe, featuring a sweet and tangy glaze that is simple to prepare and delicious.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 salmon fillets (58 oz. each)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the sauce ingredients. Marinate the salmon in two-thirds (2/3) of the sauce for 30 minutes or toss the salmon fillets in the sauce until fully covered.
  2. Preheat to 400°F and place the salmon fillets in the air fryer. Baste the remaining marinade onto the salmon fillets.
  3. Air fry for 7-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.
  4. Dish and serve hot drizzled with the remaining sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

  • This recipe assumes you have an air fryer with a preheat option
  • If you do not, run your air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F to preheat it evenly before adding in the salmon and following the recommended recipe time
  • Add red pepper flakes for some heat
  • Scroll up to RECIPE TIPS for more useful tips, suggestions and ingredient substitutions
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet
  • Calories: 268 kcal
  • Sugar: 17.4g
  • Sodium: 502mg
  • Fat: 6.7g
  • Carbohydrates: 18.2g
  • Fiber: 0.2g
  • Protein: 31.8g
  • Cholesterol: 72.3mg

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