If you're craving a delicious, healthy dinner in just minutes, this Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon recipe is just what you need! Tender, flaky salmon is coated in a sweet and savory, homemade teriyaki sauce, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
With minimal prep time and fewer ingredients, this easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or a light weekend meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish hits all the right flavor profiles!
Break out your air fryer for this bookmark-worthy, teriyaki salmon recipe! This quick and easy recipe is one our family faves. Even my toddler grandson loves this one. Healthy air fryer salmon is easier than you think!
This delicious teriyaki salmon recipe was inspired by my Miso Glazed Salmon recipe, also on this site, and pairs perfectly with a side of my Roasted Asparagus and Shiitake Mushrooms.
In This Article:
Ingredients for Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
This healthy salmon recipe has only a handful of ingredients. I like to use the freshest salmon I can find, and prefer a fatty salmon (like Norwegian salmon), which has a mild and delicate flavor. Here's what you'll need for this recipe:
- Salmon filets (6-8 ounce pieces)
- Soy sauce (you can use lower-sodium, if preferred)
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh ginger
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Corn starch
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Scallions
[*See recipe card for exact quantities.]
What's the best type of salmon for this recipe?
Hands down, I like to use a very fatty salmon, like Norwegian salmon, that literally melts in your mouth when prepared properly. Of course, feel free to use wild salmon, but the flavor will not be as mild, and the fish will be more firm.
IS SALMON GOOD FOR YOU? The answer is YES! Salmon is a top source of omega-3 fatty acids which has been proven to benefit the heart and brain. It's also high in antioxidants, which may help to protect against Alzheimer's disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and more!
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it gluten free. For the marinade, you can always substitute with gluten-free soy sauce, tamari sauce, or coconut aminos.
- Don't have honey? You can use maple syrup instead.
- In a hurry? Use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead!
- For a little heat. Sprinkle some red chili flakes on top.
- Instead of salmon. This sauce goes well with chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp. Brush the sauce on top of skewered protein!
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon in the Air Fryer
You won't believe how easy it is to cook salmon in the air fryer! Just follow these simple steps to a perfectly prepared dish!
[*See recipe card for detailed instructions.]
4. Place the teriyaki sauce ingredients in a small pot and cook, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat.
2. Marinate the salmon in the marinade for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Air fry the salmon for 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
TOP TIP: Always spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the fish from sticking. Or, you can line the basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Because of the corn starch, the teriyaki sauce should be nice and thick. Don't forget to set some sauce aside to drizzle on top of the finished dish!
What to serve with teriyaki salmon
Roasted Asparagus with Shiitake Mushrooms is a delicious combo of fresh green asparagus and woodsy shiitake mushrooms, the perfect side for this teriyaki salmon recipe. Drizzle it with a citrusy olive oil-mustard sauce that puts this side dish over the top!
Other serving ideas
- Vegetable side dishes: Chinese garlic green beans, spicy Asian brussels sprouts, baby bok choy with ginger and garlic, or sweet and spicy cauliflower.
- Rice side dishes: rice cooker coconut rice, cauliflower kimchi fried rice, or crispy rice with ginger and scallions.
Storage
Any leftover salmon can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can use your air fryer or oven at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes.
FAQs
Yes, you should typically leave the skin on when air frying salmon because it helps prevent the fish from drying out. It also adds extra texture and flavor to your fish.
Yes, but only if you thaw the salmon completely. Otherwise, the fish will get mushy and will cook unevenly.
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos instead for the teriyaki sauce.
More Asian-inspired salmon recipes
If you liked this teriyaki salmon recipe, check out these salmon recipes too!
- Easy Miso Glazed Salmon
- Salmon Sashimi with Ponzu
- Salmon Sushi Bowl
- Red Curry Salmon Kebabs
- 18 Healthy Salmon Recipes to Boost Your Omega-3s
Recipe Notes
- If buying individual salmon filets, choose filets with similar thickness for even cooking.
- When cooking the salmon, place the filets skin side down for crispy skin.
- Always spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the fish from sticking. Or, you can line the basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
If you're craving a delicious, healthy dinner in just minutes, this Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon recipe is just what you need! Tender, flaky salmon is coated in a sweet and savory, homemade teriyaki sauce, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon filets (cut into 4 pieces)
For the teriyaki sauce:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup water, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
For the garnish:
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
Prepare the teriyaki sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, ¾ of the water, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce begins to thicken.
- In a separate bowl, mix the corn starch with the remaining cold water and whisk to create a slurry.
- Slowly add the corn starch slurry to the sauce, continuously whisking until sauce is thick with a glossy consistency (about 2 minutes).
- Remove from the stove and let cool. Set some of the sauce aside for drizzling on top of the cooked fish.
Marinate the salmon:
- Place the salmon filets in a shallow dish, or resealable plastic bag. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the fish making sure all of the fish is well coated.
- Place the fish in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let marinate.
Air fry the salmon:
- After removing the salmon from the marinade, place the fish in the air fryer (make sure to first spray the air fryer with cooking spray or layer with parchment paper).
- Air fry the salmon skin side down for about 10 minutes, or until the fish reaches your desired temperature. The salmon should be flaky and cooked through.
- To create a caramelized glaze, brush the reserved teriyaki sauce over the fish during the last few minutes of cooking.
Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle the salmon with the toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
- If desired, drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the fish.
- Serve with a side of steamed rice and your favorite greens.
Notes
- If buying individual salmon filets, choose filets with similar thickness for even cooking.
- When cooking the salmon, place the filets skin side down for crispy skin.
- Always spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the fish from sticking. Or, you can line the basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 248
- Sugar: 13.4 g
- Sodium: 890.5 mg
- Fat: 7.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 19.1 g
- Protein: 25.3 g
- Cholesterol: 62.3 mg
Cindi Farrow says
Don’t want to brag, but I made this teriyaki salmon recipe and my family said it was one of the best dinners they’ve had in a long time! And I have picky eaters!! It was so easy, and so yummy!
Asian Inspired Eats says
Wow! I'm so glad your family loved the recipe! Hard to believe how easy it is to make, right? Thanks so much for your positive feedback, Cindi!