This honey dijon salmon air fryer has a sweet, tangy glaze on the outside with tender, moist salmon underneath. I like how simple the ingredient list is in this delicious recipe. Honey and Dijon mustard do most of the work, while the air fryer cooks the salmon in just a few minutes.
Before cooking salmon, the salmon rests with salt and sugar, then gets brushed with the honey Dijon glaze. If you want another quick fish recipe worthy of Instagram, try this Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe. Keep reading to see how to keep the salmon tender and give it plenty of honey mustard flavor.
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Video Tutorial
Try This Honey Dijon Salmon Air Fryer
If you like the combination of sweet and savory, this honey mustard salmon air fryer recipe is definitely worth making. The honey takes some of the sharpness out of the Dijon mustard, but you can still taste that little bit of tang in the glaze.
I especially like that the glaze is kept simple. There’s no long marinade or pile of seasonings covering the salmon, so you still get the rich flavor and tender texture of the fish underneath.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick to cook: This flavorful healthy seafood dinner only needs about 6 minutes in the air fryer.
- Simple glaze: Honey and Dijon mustard are all you need for the glaze. (This doesn't stop you from adding additional flavors, like garlic powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes).
- Sweet and tangy: The honey balances the sharper flavor of the mustard.
- Tender salmon: The short cooking time helps keep the middle moist and slightly pink.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: I use two small salmon filets for this. Unlike some salmon recipes, the thickness of the salmon matters more than anything when it comes to the cooking time, so I keep a close eye on thicker pieces because they may need another minute or two.
- Honey: I like the sweetness honey adds because it balances the sharper Dijon mustard without needing a complicated glaze. You only need a small amount, but it makes a big difference to the finished flavor. You also don't need to spray olive oil over the fillets, as the glaze does the job perfectly.
- Dijon mustard: Dijon gives the glaze its tang and works really well against the sweetness of the honey. If Dijon isn’t your thing, spicy or whole-grain mustard can also be used.
- Sugar: The salmon rests with sugar and salt for 15 minutes before it’s rinsed and dried. I wouldn’t skip that resting step because it draws out excess moisture and adds flavor before the glaze goes on.
How to Make Honey Dijon Salmon Air Fryer Style
1. Place the salmon fillets on a plate and season evenly with salt and sugar. Let them sit for 15 minutes. This step draws out extra moisture and enriches the salmon's flavor.
2. In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients: honey and Dijon mustard to make your honey mustard glaze.
3. After 15 minutes, select the preheat option and preheat your air fryer—mine is the Instant Vortex Plus XL—to 360°F (180°C). Rinse the salmon under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Position the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket using a spatula. Brush them with the honey mustard glaze.
5. Cook the salmon in the air fryer for about 6 minutes (some air fryers take 7-8 minutes). The exact time might vary based on the thickness of the fillets and the air fryer model. Aim for an internal temperature of 130-140 degrees F (55-60°C), making sure that the salmon remains slightly pink.
6. Remove the salmon from the air fryer using a spatula and place in a serving dish. Serve while hot, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Give the salmon the full 15-minute rest with the salt and sugar before rinsing it.
- Make sure the air fryer is fully preheated before adding the salmon.
- Thicker salmon fillets may need another 1–2 minutes, so watch them closely.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature rather than guessing.
- Brush the honey mustard glaze evenly over the salmon so the flavor is distributed across each fillet.
- You can place any remaining marinade in a cooking jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What Can You Serve With This?
- Steamed asparagus, green beans, or other veggies
- Lemon wedges
- Quinoa or couscous
- Brown rice or light pasta
- Fresh green salad
FAQs
Typically, salmon fillets take about 6 minutes in the air fryer, but this can vary based on thickness and the specific air fryer model.
Both methods are great, but air frying often results in crispier skin and a juicier interior in less time than baking.
Ensure your air fryer is pre-heated, avoid overcooking, and use marinades or glazes like our honey mustard mix to lock in moisture.
Yes. Spicy mustard, whole-grain mustard, or even prepared honey mustard dressing can be used instead of Dijon.
Recipe
Honey Dijon Salmon Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Basting brush
- Small bowl
- Serving plate
- Paper towels
- Kitchen spatula
Ingredients
- 10 oz salmon fillets (2 small salmon fillets)
- 2 teaspoon honey
- 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Place the salmon fillets on a plate and season evenly with salt and sugar. Let them sit for 15 minutes. This step draws out extra moisture and enriches the salmon's flavor.
- In a bowl, combine honey and Dijon mustard to make your honey mustard glaze.
- After 15 minutes, preheat your air fryer—mine is the Instant Vortex Plus XL—to 360°F (180°C). Rinse the salmon under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Position the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket using a spatula. Brush them with the honey mustard glaze.
- Cook the salmon in the air fryer for about 6 minutes. The exact time might vary based on the thickness of the fillets and the air fryer model. Aim for an internal temperature of 130-140°F (55-60°C), ensuring the salmon remains slightly pink.
- Remove the salmon from the air fryer using a spatula. Serve while hot, and enjoy!
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
Air fry the salmon for about 6 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 130–140°F (55–60°C).Taste & Texture
Tender and moist inside with a sweet honey glaze and the sharp, tangy flavor of Dijon mustard.Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Let the salmon cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container and eat it within 1–2 days.
- Freezer: Not specified.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer or oven at a lower temperature to help retain moisture and avoid overcooking. Avoid the microwave because it can change the salmon’s texture.
Serving Recommendations
- I like serving this with asparagus or green beans because the vegetables keep the meal simple and let the honey Dijon salmon stand out.
- Add quinoa, couscous, brown rice, or a fresh green salad when you want something a little more filling.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Use spicy or whole-grain mustard instead of Dijon, or use prepared honey mustard dressing.
- Replace the sugar with agave nectar, brown sugar, or maple syrup.
- Add finely chopped dill or rosemary to the glaze.
- Use the honey mustard glaze with trout or chicken breast instead of salmon.
Proper Storage Tips
- Let the salmon cool to room temperature before storing it.
- Place leftovers in an airtight container.
- Eat refrigerated salmon within 1–2 days.
Pro Tips
- Start with fresh or properly thawed salmon.
- Sprinkle the salt and sugar evenly over the fillets.
- Brush the honey mustard glaze evenly over the salmon.
- Keep a close eye on the salmon while it cooks, especially when using thicker fillets.
Video
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