Delicious Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

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Golden, crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, this Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes perfectly in the air fryer, locking in moisture and infusing each bite with irresistible flavor. This is more than just salmon—it’s a flavor-packed experience that’s ready in under 20 minutes.

Paired with vibrant green beans or a fresh salad, it’s a dish that pleases both the eyes and the palate. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests, this recipe offers the perfect balance of health, convenience, and taste. It’s everything you want in a wholesome, easy dinner idea.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

• Ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights
• Made with pantry staples
• High in protein and omega-3s
• Caramelized glaze adds sweet-savory depth
• Minimal cleanup thanks to the air fryer

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials:

• Air Fryer: The key tool for this recipe. It gives the salmon a perfectly crisp exterior without overcooking the inside.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the honey mustard glaze.
• Basting Brush or Spoon: Helps coat the salmon evenly with the glaze.
• Tongs or Spatula: Useful for safely removing the salmon fillets from the air fryer.
• Meat Thermometer (optional): Ensures the salmon is cooked to the perfect internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium doneness.

Each of these tools streamlines the cooking process and guarantees that the salmon cooks evenly, stays moist, and is easy to handle.

Preparation Tips

Before cooking, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for helping the glaze stick and ensuring a crispy finish. Let the salmon sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before air frying—this helps it cook more evenly. Mix your honey mustard glaze thoroughly to balance the flavors and coat the fillets generously, but not excessively, to avoid pooling in the air fryer. For an added kick, consider a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika in the glaze.

Ingredients for this Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional, for added texture)
• 1.5 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

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Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix well until fully blended into a smooth, flavorful glaze. If you enjoy a bit of heat, stir in the red pepper flakes at this stage.

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Step 2: Prep the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the glaze stick better and promotes even browning. Place the fillets on a plate or tray, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Brush or spoon the glaze generously over the top and sides of the salmon.

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Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures that the salmon begins cooking immediately, locking in moisture and giving you a caramelized finish.

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Step 4: Cook the Salmon

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the glazed salmon fillets in the basket, ensuring they’re not touching. Air fry at 390°F for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 125-130°F.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the salmon carefully with a spatula or tongs. Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow juices to settle. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes—steamed green beans, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad all make excellent companions.

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Notes

For best flavor, use fresh salmon fillets rather than frozen ones, as they retain more moisture and cook more evenly. The honey mustard glaze also works beautifully with other fish like trout or cod, so feel free to experiment. If you’re watching sugar intake, reduce the honey slightly or replace it with a sugar-free alternative. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets—thicker cuts may need an extra minute or two.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—this can cause the salmon to steam rather than crisp. Don’t skip patting the salmon dry, as excess moisture will dilute the glaze and hinder caramelization. Also, resist the urge to flip the salmon mid-cook; it’s not necessary and can cause it to break apart. Lastly, don’t overcook—it’s easy to go from tender to dry in a matter of minutes. Always check for doneness using a thermometer or by gently flaking with a fork.

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Storage Instructions

Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can dry out the fish. You can also enjoy the leftovers cold over a salad or flaked into a wrap for a quick, healthy lunch.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Sugars: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 450mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

When it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center, or when it reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure the glaze sticks and they cook evenly.

What can I use instead of honey?

Maple syrup or agave nectar are great substitutes. For a sugar-free version, use a sugar-free honey alternative.

Is it okay to leave the skin on the salmon?

Absolutely. The skin helps keep the salmon moist and can be eaten if crisped.

Can I bake this instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. You may want to broil for the last minute to caramelize the glaze.

What side dishes go well with honey mustard salmon?

Steamed green beans, roasted potatoes, jasmine rice, quinoa, or a leafy green salad are all excellent options.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the glaze and marinate the salmon up to 12 hours in advance. Cook just before serving for best results.

How spicy is this recipe?

Mild to moderate. Omit the red pepper flakes for zero heat, or add more if you like it spicy.

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Conclusion

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon brings together convenience, nutrition, and gourmet flavor in a single recipe. It’s ideal for those who want a quick and easy dinner that still feels special. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that you’ll come back to again and again. Serve it up fresh with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious, protein-packed meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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