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- 4 fresh salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces each) I love using fresh salmon fillets for this dish. They have a rich taste and a firm texture. The fillets should be about 6 ounces each. This size helps them cook evenly and stay moist. - 1/4 cup pure honey - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 2 teaspoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste The marinade is where the magic happens. I mix honey with soy sauce for sweetness and depth. Garlic and ginger add a nice kick. Sesame oil brings a nutty taste, while rice vinegar adds a hint of tang. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds, for garnish Garnishes make the dish pop! I sprinkle sliced green onions on top for color and crunch. A few sesame seeds add a nice finish and extra texture. These simple touches make the dish look and taste gourmet. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl. In this bowl, whisk together these ingredients: - 1/4 cup pure honey - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 2 teaspoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper Make sure everything blends well into a smooth mixture. This marinade will give your salmon a tasty kick. Now, take your fresh salmon fillets and place them in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon. Make sure each fillet gets a good coat. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Let it sit in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This should take about 5 minutes. After the salmon has marinated, take it out of the marinade. Let any extra marinade drip off. Do not throw away the leftover marinade; you will use it later! Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, with space between each piece. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry the salmon at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes. It’s done when the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. While the salmon cooks, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it simmers. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring to avoid sticking. This will thicken the marinade. Once the salmon is cooked, drizzle the thickened marinade over the fillets. This adds flavor and gives a nice glaze. To finish, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve the salmon on a plate with steamed veggies or rice for a bright meal. Enjoy! To get the best flavor, mix the marinade well. Use a medium bowl. Combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. This helps the salmon soak up all the tasty goodness. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. For crispy edges, don’t overcrowd the basket. Place the fillets in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily. This technique gives you moist fish without drying it out. To serve, choose a sleek plate. Place the salmon fillets carefully. Add steamed veggies or fluffy rice on the side. This creates a colorful dish. Top the salmon with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. For a final touch, add a sprig of fresh cilantro or parsley. This makes your meal look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the salmon for at least 1 hour. If you have the time, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours will deepen the taste even more. Check Doneness: Keep an eye on the salmon as it cooks. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and has a slightly opaque appearance. Overcooking can dry it out. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the flavor of your marinade. Avoid using pre-minced products for the best results. Serving Suggestions: Pair your honey garlic salmon with a side of steamed broccoli or jasmine rice to balance the sweetness of the glaze. {{image_4}} You can swap honey for other sweeteners. Maple syrup works well and adds a unique flavor. Agave nectar is another option that keeps the dish sweet and light. If you prefer a lower-calorie choice, try using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Each gives a different taste and can still balance the garlic and soy sauce. If you like some spice, add chili flakes or sriracha to your marinade. This gives the dish a nice kick. You can also mix in some finely chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers for extra heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice level. This addition can turn a sweet dish into a sweet and spicy delight. While salmon is fantastic, you can try other fish. Cod, trout, or tilapia are great choices. Each fish has a different texture, but they all soak up the marinade well. Cooking times may vary, so check the fish for doneness. Flaky fish will tell you when it’s ready. You can refrigerate leftover salmon. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before storage. This keeps the texture nice and firm. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap if you prefer. Enjoy those tasty bites later! Freezing salmon is easy. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze honey garlic salmon for up to three months. When you're ready, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheating salmon is simple. Use the air fryer for best results. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon inside and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps it moist and tasty. You can also use the microwave, but it may dry out. Place a damp paper towel over the salmon if you choose this method. This helps keep it juicy. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or use the microwave on defrost. Once thawed, you can follow the marinating steps just like with fresh salmon. Look for a few signs to know when your salmon is done. The flesh should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. If you have a food thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures the salmon is safe to eat and perfectly tender. You have many tasty options! Serve the salmon with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Fluffy rice or quinoa pairs well too. For a fresh touch, add a simple salad with mixed greens and a light dressing. Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative. Both options bring a similar flavor. If you want a gluten-free option, tamari is great. Coconut aminos is a bit sweeter, so adjust the honey if needed. You can marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate it for up to 2 hours. Just remember not to go overboard, as too long can affect the texture. You now know how to make delicious Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon. We discussed fresh salmon, the marinade, and garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions to make it perfect. Tips helped improve the taste and look. You learned variations and how to store leftovers safely. In summary, enjoy your tasty salmon dish with ease. Try different flavors and share with friends. Cooking can be fun and rewarding!

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Delight

A delicious and healthy salmon dish featuring a sweet and savory honey garlic marinade, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets fresh salmon
  • 1/4 cup pure honey
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and whisk together the following ingredients: honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Ensure everything is well blended into a smooth marinade.
  • Take the salmon fillets and place them in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fillets, ensuring they are generously coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For an even richer flavor, allow them to marinate for up to 2 hours.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired cooking temperature.
  • After marinating, remove the salmon from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Don’t discard the leftover marinade—it will be used later!
  • Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook them in batches.
  • Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the fillets are opaque and flake easily with a fork. This will yield perfectly cooked salmon with a tender texture.
  • While the salmon is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, cooking for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Once the salmon is fully cooked, carefully drizzle the thickened marinade over the fillets to enhance their flavor and glaze.
  • To finish, garnish the salmon with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Keyword air fryer, healthy, honey garlic, salmon