Are you ready to bring bold flavors to your dinner table? This Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is simple, tasty, and sure to impress. With just a few fresh ingredients and easy steps, you will create a dish that is both healthy and delicious. In this guide, Iβll share my favorite tips and tricks for perfect salmon every time. Letβs dive in and make something amazing together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes minimal time to prepare and cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of teriyaki sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic creates a deliciously rich flavor that enhances the salmon beautifully.
- Healthy Choice: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish not only tasty but also a nutritious option for your meals.
- Perfectly Cooked: The air fryer cooks the salmon to perfection, ensuring a tender and flaky texture every time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
These ingredients work together to give the salmon a sweet and savory flavor. The teriyaki sauce adds a rich taste. Honey brings a nice sweetness. Ginger and garlic add warmth and depth. Sesame oil gives it a nutty note.
Optional Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Garnishes make your dish look nice and add a bit of crunch. Green onions give a fresh taste. Sesame seeds add a little texture and visual appeal.
Suggested Seasonings
You can add more flavors to your dish. Consider using black pepper for heat. A splash of lime juice can brighten the taste. If you want a bit of spice, try a dash of red pepper flakes. These extras can make your teriyaki salmon even better!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
First, gather your ingredients for the marinade. You need:
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
In a small bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Stir well until combined. This mix adds great flavor to your salmon.
Marinating the Salmon
Next, place your salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the fillets. Make sure both sides are coated well. Cover the dish or seal the bag. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. This makes the salmon taste even better.
Air Frying the Salmon
Now, itβs time to cook. Preheat your air fryer to 390Β°F (200Β°C) for about 5 minutes. Take the salmon out of the marinade. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Keep the leftover marinade for later. Air fry the salmon for 8-10 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145Β°F (63Β°C). The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done.
Making the Sauce
While the salmon cooks, take the reserved marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This sauce will enhance the salmonβs flavor when you serve it. Once the salmon is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the fillets and enjoy your meal!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfectly Cooked Salmon
To get salmon just right, aim for a temperature of 145Β°F (63Β°C). Use a meat thermometer for the best results. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done. Keep an eye on it as it cooks. If it looks shiny and moist, youβre on the right track!
Alternative Cooking Times for Different Thicknesses
Cook times can change based on the thickness of your salmon fillets. For fillets that are about 1 inch thick, 8-10 minutes works well. If your fillets are thicker, add a couple of extra minutes. Thinner fillets may only need 6-8 minutes. Always check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
Enhancing Flavor with Additional Ingredients
You can boost the flavor of your teriyaki salmon by adding a few extras. Try adding a splash of lime juice or some chopped cilantro for a fresh twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. Experimenting with these additions can make this dish even more exciting!
Pro Tips
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Allowing the salmon to marinate for up to 2 hours will deepen the flavor profile, making the dish even more delicious.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145Β°F (63Β°C) for perfect doneness.
- Customize Your Marinade: Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like sriracha for heat or lime juice for acidity to the marinade for a unique twist.
- Serve with Rice or Veggies: Pair the teriyaki salmon with steamed rice or sautΓ©ed vegetables to make a complete and satisfying meal.

Variations
Asian-Inspired Additions
You can add more flavor to your teriyaki salmon. Consider mixing in some soy sauce or rice vinegar for a tangy twist. You may also add a splash of lime juice for extra brightness. For a spicy kick, stir in some Sriracha or red pepper flakes. Want a crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts as a topping.
Healthy Swaps for Marinade Ingredients
If youβre looking for healthier options, swap out honey with maple syrup. This will still give you sweetness without the extra calories. You can also use low-sodium teriyaki sauce to cut down on salt. For a lighter oil, try avocado oil instead of sesame oil. This change keeps the flavor while being a bit more health-conscious.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your air fryer teriyaki salmon with steamed rice or quinoa for a filling meal. You can also pair it with fresh veggies like broccoli or snap peas. For a fun twist, make salmon tacos with tortillas and your favorite toppings. Donβt forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds and green onions on top for added flavor and flair!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the salmon in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the fish fresh and tasty. If you have extra sauce, you can keep it in a separate small container.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your salmon, use the air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and heat the fish for about 5 minutes. This method helps to keep the salmon moist. You can also microwave it for a quick option, but be careful not to overheat. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out.
Freezing Salmon for Later Use
If you want to freeze the salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the salmon for up to three months. When youβre ready to eat it, thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just remember to thaw it first. Place the salmon in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water. Once thawed, pat it dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick and flavor the fish well.
What can I substitute for teriyaki sauce?
If you need a substitute for teriyaki sauce, try soy sauce mixed with honey. You can also add a bit of rice vinegar or brown sugar. This mix gives a similar sweet and salty flavor. Adjust the amounts to taste, and donβt forget to add some grated ginger for that extra kick.
How can I tell if the salmon is cooked properly?
To check if your salmon is cooked, use a fork to flake it. It should break apart easily. The internal temperature should reach 145Β°F (63Β°C). If you donβt have a thermometer, look for the salmonβs color. It should change from bright pink to a lighter shade. If it looks opaque and flakes easily, itβs ready to eat.
Air fryer teriyaki salmon is easy and tasty. We covered the key ingredients, the steps to cook, and helpful tips. Remember, marinating adds flavor, and cooking times vary with thickness. Try different sauces and garnishes to mix it up. Store leftovers well and reheat with care. This dish is fun to make and enjoy. Dive into your cooking adventure and savor each bit

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
IngredientsΒ Β
- 2 fillets salmon (about 6 oz each)
- 0.25 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
- none sesame seeds (for garnish)
InstructionsΒ
- In a small bowl, mix together the teriyaki sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. This will be your marinade.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure both sides are well coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor).
- Preheat your air fryer to 390Β°F (200Β°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the salmon from the marinade and place the fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Reserve the leftover marinade.
- Air fry the salmon for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, or until the internal temperature reaches 145Β°F (63Β°C) and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Once the salmon is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Drizzle the thickened marinade over the fillets.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.


