Glazed Teriyaki Salmon in the Air Fryer

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Glazed Teriyaki Salmon in the Air Fryer is simple, convenient, and packed with restaurant-worthy flavor! This quick and easy recipe features a homemade teriyaki glaze with the perfect blend of sweet and savory, plus a hint of spicy heat. Enjoy tender, flaky salmon fillets cooked to perfection in just minutes!

What’s To Love About This Recipe 

• At times, salmon can be a tricky protein to get just right on the stove or in the oven, but salmon in the air fryer cooks quickly and evenly with minimal cleanup. 
• This homemade teriyaki glaze is sweet, savory, slightly tangy, and customizable for a bit of spice. Plus, you don’t need to worry about added preservatives or gluten with the tamari sauce option.
• This flavorful glazed salmon dish is the perfect balance of protein and bold flavor for a healthy meal. 
• The tasty glaze makes this extra family-friendly, but it works as an elevated entrée for a fancier dinner with other sides.
• Salmon is a versatile protein that you can serve in rice bowls, with roasted veggies, or even in wraps. Even the leftovers are easy to use in creative combinations!

Ingredients Needed 

• Salmon fillets – Salmon cooks fairly quickly in the air fryer, which makes it a great weeknight dinner or simple lunch choice. Choose 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each, either skin-on or skinless. Skin-on fillets help preserve even more moisture during cooking, but both will work. 
• Tamari or soy sauce – Either of these sauces creates rich and savory teriyaki flavor and adds umami to the glaze. If needed, look for a gluten-free soy sauce or use tamari as a gluten-free option. 
• Brown sugar – Brown sugar balances the saltiness of soy or tamari while adding a caramelized texture to the glaze. Honey or maple syrup will also work as acceptable swaps.
• Rice vinegar – This adds a hint of acidity, brightening the glaze and balancing the sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
• Garlic – Minced garlic adds depth to the teriyaki sauce.
• Ground ginger – This adds a classic flavor and warmth to the homemade teriyaki sauce.
• Cornstarch slurry – An equal-parts mixture of cornstarch and water creates a slurry that slightly thickens the sauce into a glaze that sticks to the salmon during cooking.
• Chili garlic sauce – This is optional, depending on your heat preference. The sauce adds subtle heat without overpowering the teriyaki flavor.
• Sesame seeds and green onions – Add these for a nutty and fresh finish to garnish the finished salmon dish!

Note: If you prefer a store-bought teriyaki sauce for convenience, choose a high-quality bottled option, such as San-J (a gluten-free option is available, too!).

How To Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon 

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together tamari, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

1. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze, about 2-3 minutes.

1. If using, stir in the chili garlic sauce for a touch of heat. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
2. Pat salmon fillets very dry and lightly spray with avocado oil or olive oil.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390 ℉.
2. Place the salmon fillets in the basket in a single layer (skin-side down if using skin-on fillets).

1. Brush each fillet with a layer of teriyaki glaze.
2. Air-fry for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is flaky and cooked through (145 ℉ internal temperature).
3. Brush with extra glaze before serving and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Frozen salmon fillets will work, but thaw first for best results. If cooking from frozen, increase the time slightly and glaze near the end.
• Cut the cooked filets into salmon “bites” for an appetizer or for a rice-bowl-style dish.
• Swap honey or pure maple syrup for brown sugar if preferred.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos.
• Change up the flavor with these easy variations in the air fryer:
  • Greek salmon with olives and goat cheese
  • Parmesan Crusted Salmon with herbal seasoning
  • Honey mustard salmon with a simple 2-ingredient sauce mix
• For more alternative cooking methods, try baking salmon in the oven or discover an easy method to grill salmon here. For both methods, cook the salmon skin-side down on a foil-rimmed pan or a cedar plank.

How To Serve Teriyaki Salmon

Teriyaki salmon makes a delicious, lighter-protein option for lunches and dinners. It’s easy to serve with a simple bowl of Instant Pot Jasmine Rice or Wild Rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

You could also build a heartier teriyaki salmon bowl with roasted veggies or edamame. Add Air Fryer Pot Stickers on the side for a crunchy alternative! Another option is to pair the salmon fillet with your favorite combo of stir-fried vegetables or an Asian-style slaw.

Leftovers can be creatively used by flaking the fillet into salads, wraps, or even a quick fried rice.

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, with leftover glaze stored separately. (Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.)

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat leftover salmon gently in the air fryer at 350 ℉ for 3-4 minutes, or microwave loosely covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Yellow Squash
• Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
• The Best 10-Minute Air Fryer Zucchini
• Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken
• Easy Breaded Eggplant in the Air Fryer
• Quick & Easy Loaded Tater Tots

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