Hot Honey Glazed Salmon | Simple Air Fryer Recipe

The combination of sweet honey, subtle heat, and succulent salmon makes this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon absolutely irresistible. Thanks to the air fryer, this recipe is fast, foolproof, and delivers perfectly cooked salmon every time with a beautifully caramelized glaze on the outside and a moist, flaky interior ready in under 15 minutes.

There are a lot of great reasons to eat salmon.  It's one of the healthiest proteins you can add to your dinner rotation. Salmon is a great source of protein; it's rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B, and potassium.  Eating salmon regularly supports brain health, eye health, glowing skin, and strong hair. Best of all, it's easy to find at almost any grocery store. With its buttery, flaky texture and naturally umami flavor, salmon is a hit with my whole family. My kids love it, and I love how versatile it is. Grilled, pan-seared, baked, or air-fried, salmon cooks quickly and tastes incredible. The air fryer is my new favorite for salmon because it ensures a crispy, delicious exterior and keeps the interior moist and delectable! A simple glaze inspired by sushi-style flavors makes it even more tempting, and my kids almost always ask for seconds.  The heat in this recipe is subtle.  Ratchet up the heat if you'd like, but as written, this recipe is great for families with kids who don't tolerate a lot of spice.

This easy dinner is equal parts simple and impressive.  In my humble opinion, the best salmon recipes deliver a little crispiness around the edges, and this one absolutely does. The air fryer creates a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Paired with rice and a green vegetable, a nutrient-packed meal that comes together in under 30 minutes; quick, easy, and completely delicious.

Check out some of my favorite salmon and seafood recipes! Salmon Patties, Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon Bowls, One Pan Salmon Orzo, or Fresh Spring Roll Shrimp Salad.

Why You'll Love This Hot Honey Salmon Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in less than ... minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweet heat of hot honey paired with savory soy sauce and bright citrus creates a complex flavor that's zesty and delicious.
• Foolproof Air Fryer Method: The air fryer ensures evenly cooked salmon with crispy edges every single time.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, this dish supports a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste.
• Customize the Heat Level: Easy to adjust the heat level to your preferences.  Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper.

Ingredient Highlights for Hot Honey Glazed Salmon

• Salmon filets: Rich and buttery, fresh salmon is the perfect canvas for a sweet and spicy glaze. Choose skin-on fillets about 1-inch thick for the best results. The skin helps hold the fish together and becomes beautifully crispy in the air fryer.
• Hot honey: Brings a kick of heat and a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors. This sweet-heat condiment is the star of our glaze. The first hot honey I was introduced to was Mike's Hot Honey, and it's delicious. I've also used Trader Joe's Hot Honey and give it two enthusiastic thumbs up. If you can't find hot honey in stores, check the substitution section for instructions to make your own.
• Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the glaze. Low-sodium works perfectly and gives you better control over salt levels.
• Fresh Ginger: A small amount goes a long way in adding warmth and complexity to the glaze.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic complexity that complements the other Asian-inspired flavors.
• Lime juice: Fresh citrus brightens the entire dish and adds a pop of acidity that cuts through the richness.
• Butter: Finishes the glaze with a silky texture and helps the glaze adhere to the salmon while adding a luxurious mouthfeel.

See the full recipe card below for quantities.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the salmon: In a medium-sized mixing bowl or glass jar, combine the hot honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, grated ginger, and lime juice.  Whisk or shake vigorously to combine.  Pour ⅓ of the marinade over the salmon filets and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

2. Step 2: Prepare the glaze: While the salmon marinates, cook down the remaining marinade to create the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Pour in the remaining ⅔ of the marinade and bring to a simmer. Allow to cook down and thicken until it coats the back of a spoon.

Tips for Success

• Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between fillets in the air fryer basket for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Know Your Airfryer: Different air fryers cook differently.  The size of the basket and air flow of your air fryer might mean adjustments to the cooking time and temperature.  Smaller baskets may need less cook time and a lower temperature than larger models.  
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer: Salmon is perfectly cooked at 125-130°F (medium doneness). For more well-done salmon, cook to 145°F.
• Choose the Right Thickness: Aim for fillets that are 1-1.25 inches thick for even cooking. Thinner pieces will cook too quickly and may dry out.
• Don't Skip the Pat-Down: Thoroughly drying the salmon before seasoning is crucial for proper seasoning adherence and achieving crispy skin.
• Watch the Glaze: Hot honey can burn quickly due to its sugar content. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce the final cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
• Preheat is Key: A properly preheated air fryer ensures immediate searing and better texture.

Substitutions & Variations

• Cooking method variations: 
  • Oven: Bake salmon in a 425°F oven for 12-15 minutes, skin side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Stovetop:  Pan-sear in a skillet with oil over medium high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
• No spicy honey? Make your own by mixing 4 tablespoons of honey with ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or sriracha. Let it infuse for 10 minutes before using.
• Soy sauce alternatives: Swap with tamari (gluten-free) or coconut aminos for a lighter flavor.
• Citrus twist: Substitute lime with lemon juice or orange juice.
• Ginger Substitutions: ½ teaspoon ground ginger can replace fresh ginger, although fresh ginger provides a better flavor.
• Spice Level Adjustments: Add red pepper flakes for more heat, or use regular honey if you prefer no heat at all.

Dietary Variations

• Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Dairy-free: Replace butter with olive oil or avocado oil for a dairy-free version.
• Low-carb/Keto: This recipe is naturally low in carbs-just check your hot honey brand for added sugars.
• Keto/Low-Carb: This recipe is naturally keto-friendly. Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables instead of grains.

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (any size that fits your fillets)
• Small saucepan
• Instant-read thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Small bowl or jar
• Whisk or fork
• Pastry brush or spoon for glazing

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The glaze may thicken when cold, but will loosen when reheated gently.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Avoid microwaving as it can make the salmon rubbery.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

FAQs for Hot Honey Salmon -

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