Quick Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon (Print Version)

Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is your new weeknight hero! Get tender, flaky fish with a sticky, sweet-savory glaze in minutes. My simple recipe makes dinner a breeze.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - Two 6oz (170g) salmon fillets (skin-on or off)
02 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
03 - 1 tablespoon honey

→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings

04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked is best)

→ Finishing Touch

09 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first for this Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon: grab your salmon fillets and pat them really, really dry with paper towels. I always forget this step, then wonder why my glaze isn't sticking. Don't be like me! This helps the skin crisp up and the glaze adhere perfectly. You want those fillets as moisture-free as possible before we even think about seasoning them.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined and smooth. Taste it! Does it need a little more honey for sweetness, or more Dijon for tang? Adjust it to your liking, hon. I once added too much paprika and the color was... intense, so go easy at first.
03 - Place the dried salmon fillets in your air fryer basket or on a piece of parchment paper cut to fit inside (this makes cleanup a breeze, trust me!). Brush that gorgeous honey mustard glaze generously over the top and sides of each fillet. You want a nice, even coating. I always make sure there's a thick layer – that’s where all the magic happens when it caramelizes!
04 - Pop the basket into your preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C). Cook for 10-14 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon and how well-done you like it. My air fryer is a little powerhouse, so it usually takes about 11 minutes for a perfect medium-flaky. You'll start to smell that sweet, tangy aroma filling your kitchen—that's how you know it's working!
05 - Carefully remove one fillet and check if it flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C) for food safety, but I usually just go by feel. If it looks golden and sticky, and flakes beautifully, it’s done! Don't overcook it, nobody wants dry salmon, honestly. It’s a real tragedy when that happens.
06 - Transfer your beautifully cooked Easy Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon to plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve it immediately and watch it disappear! The glaze will be slightly sticky and caramelized, and the salmon will be incredibly tender. It’s such a satisfying sight (and smell!).

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your salmon fillets super dry before adding the glaze. This is the secret to that perfectly sticky, caramelized crust!
02 - For reheating leftovers, use a lower air fryer temperature (300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes instead of the microwave to prevent drying out.
03 - If you're out of Dijon, a good stone-ground mustard can work in a pinch, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
04 - Serve with a simple green salad or roasted asparagus for a complete, easy meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - small mixing bowl
03 - whisk
04 - basting brush
05 - paper towels

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 35g

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