There are few things better than the smell of salmon cooking, especially when it’s coated in a rich soy sauce glaze that fills your kitchen with inviting warmth. This air fryer salmon with soy sauce recipe hits that sweet spot between fast and flavorful, making it an easy go-to for a weeknight meal that feels special without the fuss.
One evening, I was juggling a phone call, trying to keep an eye on the clock, and debating what to make when this salmon came to the rescue. I don’t remember exactly if it was the garlic or the honey that pulled me in first, but that sticky coating caramelizing quietly in the air fryer was like a little promise of comfort. The skin crisps up just right, and the aroma of ginger and sesame floats around, distracting me enough to almost forget I was waiting for dinner. If you’ve ever found yourself starting dinner with a half-full mind, this recipe fits right in.
- Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for nights when time isn’t on your side.
- The soy sauce and honey glaze is both savory and sweet — it’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- Cooking in the air fryer means you get crispy skin without adding extra oil or mess.
- It’s a light but satisfying dish that pairs well with just about anything from steamed rice to roasted veggies.
If you’re wondering whether air frying fish is tricky, it’s surprisingly hands-off and forgiving. You don’t need fancy equipment, just an air fryer that’s already in your kitchen. And if you don’t have fresh ginger, a little powdered ginger might work in a pinch — I haven’t tested it, but it’s worth a try.
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Air Fryer Salmon with Soy Sauce
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful air fryer salmon recipe featuring a savory soy sauce glaze. Perfectly cooked salmon with a deliciously sticky and umami-rich coating, ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets, skin on, about 6 ounces each
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper to make the marinade.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the soy sauce marinade over them. Let them marinate for 5 minutes at room temperature.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Reserve the remaining marinade.
Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, brush the salmon fillets with the reserved marinade and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and transfer to serving plates.
Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Kitchen Notes: The air fryer is the star here, making cleanup quick and keeping the salmon moist inside with a crispy skin outside. I usually serve this salmon alongside some lightly steamed greens or a simple cucumber salad to balance the sticky glaze. Sometimes I switch up the marinade by adding a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist, or swap sesame seeds for crushed peanuts if I’m feeling adventurous. You might find yourself tweaking the glaze, too — a little more honey for sweetness or extra garlic if you’re in the mood for a punch. It’s all pretty flexible.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, but thaw it completely first for best results.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake it in the oven at 400°F, though the skin won’t get quite as crispy.
How do I store leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to keep the texture.
Give yourself permission to enjoy a quick dinner that feels like a treat. This air fryer salmon with soy sauce is waiting to become your new favorite weeknight rescue.