If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy seafood dinner, this Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is the perfect recipe! With a sweet and tangy glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, and a hint of smoked paprika, this dish is packed with bold flavors while keeping things light and nutritious. Plus, with the convenience of an air fryer, you can have this meal ready in just 10 minutes!
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, a special meal for guests, or a healthy meal prep option, this recipe is easy, hassle-free, and incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into how to make Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon at home!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules. ✔️ Healthy & Nutritious – Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients. ✔️ Minimal Ingredients – Made with simple pantry staples. ✔️ Bursting with Flavor – A balance of sweet honey, tangy mustard, and smoky paprika. ✔️ Perfectly Cooked – The air fryer locks in moisture while giving the salmon a slight crisp on the outside. ✔️ Versatile Meal – Pairs well with roasted veggies, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
Main Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (5-8 oz. each)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Sesame seeds (for extra crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Honey
- Whole grain Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
This sauce will act as both a marinade and glaze, giving the salmon a rich and flavorful coating.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a ziplock bag.
- Pour two-thirds (2/3) of the honey mustard sauce over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated.
- Let the salmon marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, you can coat the salmon and cook it immediately, but marinating enhances the flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply run it empty for 5 minutes at 400°F before cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
- Place the marinated salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Baste the salmon with the remaining honey mustard sauce for extra flavor.
- Air fry at 400°F for 7-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Check for doneness – the internal temperature should read 145°F when measured at the thickest part.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Transfer the salmon to a plate and drizzle with any remaining sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes for added texture and heat.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Best Sides to Serve with Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
This salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options:
🥦 Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or green beans. 🍚 Rice or Quinoa – Brown rice, cauliflower rice, or lemon herb quinoa. 🥗 Fresh Salad – A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. 🥔 Mashed or Roasted Potatoes – Garlic butter mashed potatoes or crispy roasted baby potatoes. 🥖 Crusty Bread – A warm baguette or garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
✅ Don’t Overcook – Salmon cooks quickly in an air fryer. Check at the 7-minute mark to avoid drying it out. ✅ Use Skin-On Salmon – Helps retain moisture and adds a crispy texture. ✅ Let it Rest – Allow the salmon to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy. ✅ Customize the Flavor – Add chili flakes for heat, soy sauce for umami, or a touch of balsamic vinegar for extra tang. ✅ Use Parchment Paper – If you’re worried about the salmon sticking to the air fryer basket, line it with parchment paper.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
🥡 Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. ❄️ Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. 🔥 Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs About Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! If using frozen salmon, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. If cooking directly from frozen, increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.
2. What type of salmon is best for this recipe?
Wild-caught salmon like sockeye or coho has a rich flavor, while Atlantic salmon is milder and more tender.
3. Can I use regular Dijon mustard instead of whole grain?
Yes! Regular Dijon mustard will give a smoother consistency to the glaze.
4. How do I know when salmon is done cooking?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F, and the flesh should flake easily with a fork.
5. Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or pan-sear on the stove for 4-5 minutes per side.
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors with a crispy, caramelized finish. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy meal prep option, or an easy seafood dish, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
With just 10 minutes of total cooking time and simple pantry ingredients, this dish proves that eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality salmon dish at home
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🐟 Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon – Quick & Flavorful!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Craving a healthy, restaurant-quality seafood dish in just 10 minutes? This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is coated in a sweet and tangy glaze, then cooked to tender perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both nutritious and delicious! 🍽️✨
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (5–8 oz. each)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
🌿 Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the sauce: Whisk together honey, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Marinate the salmon: Coat the fillets in ⅔ of the sauce and let sit for 30 minutes (or toss to coat if short on time).
3️⃣ Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place salmon fillets inside and baste with remaining sauce.
4️⃣ Air fry for 7-8 minutes, depending on thickness.
5️⃣ Serve hot, drizzled with extra sauce and topped with fresh parsley.
Notes
💡 For best results, preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes if it doesn’t have a preheat option!
- Prep Time: 2 min
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 35g