Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a weeknight dinner that feels special without any fuss, you have to try Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon. This recipe delivers tender fillets with a glossy, sweet-savory glaze—bright from honey and lemon, zippy from a duo of mustards, and finished in just 20 minutes! It’s the kind of dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but shhh—it’s our little secret just how easy (and almost foolproof) air frying makes salmon night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple as it is, every ingredient in this Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon plays a role—building a well-balanced glaze, infusing the salmon with flavor, and adding a pop of color at the end. Here’s what you’ll need and how each makes the dish shine:

• Salmon fillets: Opt for fresh, center-cut fillets for the juiciest results; they cook evenly and stay luscious in the air fryer.
• Dijon mustard: Classic sharpness and depth, giving the glaze a silky texture and that signature mild kick.
• Whole grain mustard: Those delightful little mustard seeds burst with tang, adding subtle pops of texture to each bite.
• Honey: Provides just-right sweetness to balance the savory mustards and brings gorgeous caramelization to the glaze.
• Olive oil: Helps the glaze coat the fish and keeps the salmon moist as it cooks.
• Lemon juice: Brightens every flavor and cuts through the richness of the salmon for perfect balance.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory complexity in one quick shake—no mincing required!
• Salt: Brings out every flavor in the glaze and ensures the salmon is properly seasoned.
• Black pepper: Adds warmth and just a tiny bit of backbone to the sweet-and-savory glaze.
• Chopped fresh parsley: A shower of green at the end, making each serving look restaurant-worthy while adding freshness.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon

Step 1: Whisk Up the Glaze

Let’s start with the star of the show: the honey mustard glaze. In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until completely smooth and glossy. The aroma alone will make your mouth water! If you want even more flavor, set aside a bit of the glaze for dipping after the salmon is cooked.

Step 2: Prep the Salmon

Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This is key—it helps the glaze stick beautifully and ensures the fish cooks up with that perfect seared edge in the air fryer. Lay the fillets skin-side down in a lined or greased air fryer basket, giving each one a little breathing room.

Step 3: Brush on the Glaze

Grab a pastry brush (or the back of a spoon if you’re a bit playful in the kitchen) and thoroughly coat each salmon fillet. Don’t be shy! A generous brushing helps create that irresistible layer of sticky, caramelized flavor as it cooks. If you have extra glaze, keep it handy for serving.

Step 4: Air Fry Until Perfect

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it work its magic for 8–10 minutes. The exact timing depends on your fillets’ thickness, so check around 8 minutes—the salmon should flake easily with a fork and still look moist inside. The glaze will be bubbling and beautifully golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Carefully lift the salmon fillets from the basket and transfer them to plates. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and vibrant freshness—it finishes the dish with a flourish and a bit of herbal brightness.

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way. Chopped fresh parsley offers a classic color contrast and gentle flavor, but you can also try thinly sliced green onions, lemon zest, or even a few toasted sesame seeds to highlight the honey-mustard notes in this Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon.

Side Dishes

This salmon is versatile and pairs beautifully with so many sides. Try it with fluffy jasmine rice, roasted asparagus, or a crisp mixed greens salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, oven-roasted potatoes or garlicky sautéed green beans make fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine when presenting Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon. Serve the salmon on a bed of dressed arugula, tuck thin slices into warm grain bowls with quinoa and avocado, or flake the fillets over toast for a brunch-worthy main course. If you reserved extra glaze, drizzle it over everything right before serving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon, let it cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days—any longer, and the texture can start to suffer. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making leftovers surprisingly delicious!

Freezing

Salmon freezes well if handled gently. Wrap cooled fillets in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best quality, avoid freezing with the glaze, as it tends to separate; instead, freeze the cooked salmon and make fresh glaze to brush on after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon, use your air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until just heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can dry out the fish. Brushing on a little reserved or fresh glaze before reheating helps keep the salmon moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before adding the glaze. This ensures the air fryer can crisp up the exterior nicely, plus the glaze will stick better to defrosted fillets.

What if I don’t have both Dijon and whole grain mustard?

No worries—just use all Dijon or all whole grain mustard, depending on what you have. The flavor will still be fantastic and the honey brings balance either way. Mix and match mustards to suit your taste or pantry staples.

Is the recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon is naturally gluten-free as long as your mustards are certified gluten-free. Always double-check the labels if you are serving someone with gluten sensitivities.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the interior is just opaque. Overcooked salmon becomes dry, so check after 8 minutes, especially if your fillets are thin. Using a thermometer, 145°F (63°C) is ideal.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Definitely! The glaze can be mixed up and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just whisk it again before using, as the honey may settle. Having it ready makes dinner prep even speedier—just brush and cook.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something impressive yet easy, I wholeheartedly recommend making Air Fryer Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon for your next dinner. It’s weeknight-simple, packed with gorgeous flavor, and guaranteed to earn you rave reviews from anyone you share it with. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe anytime you want a delicious, healthful main dish—give it a try and brighten up your table tonight!

Print