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Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

4.4 from 79 reviews

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon recipe offers a deliciously sticky and flavorful glaze made from a homemade teriyaki sauce. Marinated to absorb the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, the salmon is cooked to flaky perfection using an air fryer for a quick and healthy meal. Garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, it’s a simple yet elegant dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon and Marinade

  • 1 lb (4 pieces) salmon fillets
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup water, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

For Garnish

  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 scallion, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Although the oven is preheated to 350°F as per instructions, the main cooking is done in the air fryer, so this step is not necessary for the salmon cooking itself.
  2. Prepare Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, three-fourths of the water, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to thicken.
  3. Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining water with cornstarch until smooth to form a slurry.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  5. Marinate the Salmon: Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag, pour the cooled teriyaki sauce over them, ensuring they’re well coated. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour to marinate.
  6. Prepare for Air Frying: Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and place fillets in an air fryer-safe dish or basket.
  7. Air Fry the Salmon: Cook salmon in the air fryer for about 12 minutes or until cooked through and flaky. For a caramelized glaze, brush reserved teriyaki sauce over the salmon during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
  8. Garnish: Once cooked, carefully remove salmon from the air fryer. Sprinkle sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions over the top for added flavor and visual appeal.
  9. Serve: Serve the air fryer teriyaki salmon hot, ideally over steamed rice or alongside your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Marinating the salmon for longer (up to 1 hour) intensifies the flavor.
  • Be careful not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon at 350°F for 15-18 minutes, brushing with teriyaki sauce towards the end.
  • The teriyaki sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Adjust honey or sugar quantities to your preferred sweetness level.

Keywords: Teriyaki Salmon, Air Fryer Salmon, Japanese Salmon Recipe, Healthy Salmon, Quick Salmon Dinner