Sometimes, the evening slips away faster than you expect, and the last thing you want is a complicated dinner. That’s exactly when this air fryer salmon with mustard sauce steps in—a dish that feels thoughtful without demanding too much time or fuss.
I remember the other night, juggling emails and dinner prep while the clock ticked closer to bedtime. The kitchen was a little messy, and I was halfway convinced I’d just grab something frozen. But then I remembered this salmon. The sizzle from the air fryer was comforting, and the tangy mustard sauce came together quicker than I thought. At one point, I almost forgot about the sauce, distracted by a call, but the smell pulled me back. Sitting down with that flaky salmon, the mustard’s bite balanced with a touch of honey, I felt like I’d actually made something special. It wasn’t perfect timing or flawless plating, but it was exactly what I needed.
- This recipe is genuinely quick—no hours of prep or complicated steps.
- The mustard sauce adds a fresh zing but doesn’t overpower the salmon’s natural flavor.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point, especially on busy nights.
- Cooking in the air fryer means less cleanup, but you might find the skin less crispy than pan-frying.
Don’t worry if you’re new to air fryers. This recipe is surprisingly forgiving, and the salmon turns out tender even if the timing is a bit off. Plus, the sauce can be whipped up in the same time the fish cooks, so there’s almost no waiting around.
Print
Air Fryer Salmon with Mustard Sauce
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful air fryer salmon recipe featuring a tangy mustard sauce that perfectly complements the tender, flaky fish. Ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush both sides of each salmon fillet with olive oil.
Season the salmon fillets evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
Cook the salmon in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
While the salmon cooks, prepare the mustard sauce by combining Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth.
Once the salmon is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and transfer to serving plates.
Drizzle the prepared mustard sauce evenly over each salmon fillet.
Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Air fryers are pretty easy to use once you get the hang of them, so don’t hesitate to try this even if you haven’t cooked salmon this way before. I usually serve this with a simple side—maybe steamed green beans or a quick salad—something that feels fresh but doesn’t steal the spotlight. If you want to switch things up, you could try adding a dash of smoked paprika to the seasoning or swapping honey for maple syrup in the sauce, though I haven’t tested those variations extensively. And if you’re not a fan of whole grain mustard, just using Dijon still works well.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon? It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed salmon for even cooking in the air fryer.
How do I know when it’s done? The salmon should flake easily with a fork but still be moist inside.
Can I make the mustard sauce ahead? Yes, making it a day before adds more depth, but fresh is great too.
Is the skin edible after air frying? It’s softer than pan-fried, but some still enjoy it.
Give this air fryer salmon with mustard sauce a try next time dinner sneaks up on you. It’s a quick, tasty way to feel like you made something worth savoring. Save it, print it, and make it your go-to when life gets busy.