12-Minute Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki Recipe

Picture this: tender, flaky salmon glazed with a sticky-sweet teriyaki sauce that rivals your favorite Japanese restaurant. This air fryer salmon teriyaki transforms your weeknight dinner routine with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Did you know that salmon cooked in an air fryer retains 25% more omega-3 fatty acids than traditional pan-frying? This recipe delivers perfectly cooked fish every single time, thanks to the air fryer’s consistent heat circulation.

What makes this dish truly special is its foolproof simplicity. In just 12 minutes, you’ll have restaurant-quality salmon that’s crispy on the outside and buttery-tender inside. It’s perfect for busy families who crave healthy, delicious meals without the fuss.

If you loved our honey garlic chicken thighs recipe, you’ll absolutely adore this Asian-inspired salmon dish. Get ready to impress your family with this incredibly easy yet elegant meal!

What is Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki?

Ever wondered why this dish has such a fancy name? Air fryer salmon teriyaki is simply premium salmon fillets cooked to perfection in your trusty air fryer, then glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s both sweet and savory.

The “teriyaki” comes from Japanese cooking, meaning “glossy grilled” – and boy, does this salmon shine! As they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this recipe definitely delivers on that promise. Ready to become the family hero? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki

The Main Highlight: Perfect Texture Every Time

The air fryer works magic on salmon, creating a beautifully caramelized exterior while keeping the inside incredibly moist and flaky. Unlike traditional cooking methods, you’ll never have to worry about overcooking or dry fish again.

Cost-Saving Benefits at Home

Skip the expensive sushi restaurant! Making air fryer salmon teriyaki at home costs about 60% less than dining out. You can feed a family of four for under $20, and you control every ingredient that goes into your meal.

Flavorful Glazed Perfection

The homemade teriyaki glaze is what sets this recipe apart. It’s a perfect balance of sweet brown sugar, salty soy sauce, and aromatic garlic that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. The result? A glossy, restaurant-quality finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Just like our popular Korean beef bowls, this recipe brings authentic Asian flavors to your kitchen without complicated techniques. Why not give it a try tonight?

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki

Quick Overview

This air fryer salmon teriyaki is incredibly straightforward and beginner-friendly. The key to success lies in the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with the air fryer’s ability to create that coveted crispy exterior.

Total Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Glaze Time: 2 minutes
• Total: 19 minutes

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Teriyaki Glaze:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Brush lightly with olive oil.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the moment you place the salmon inside.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Make sure they’re not overlapping. Cook for 7 minutes without flipping.

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Glaze While the salmon cooks, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.

Step 5: Finish the Glaze Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch slurry and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish Remove the salmon from the air fryer and brush generously with the teriyaki glaze. Return to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish Transfer the glazed salmon to serving plates. Drizzle with any remaining teriyaki sauce and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.

What to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki With

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with numerous sides that complement its sweet and savory flavors.

Rice and Grain Options:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Coconut rice
• Brown rice pilaf
• Quinoa with herbs

Vegetable Sides:

• Roasted broccoli with garlic
• Steamed edamame
• Asian-style green beans
• Grilled asparagus

Salad Companions:

• Cucumber salad with rice vinegar
• Mixed greens with sesame dressing
• Seaweed salad

Beverage Pairings:

• Green tea or jasmine tea
• Sake or white wine
• Sparkling water with lime

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki

Choose the Right Salmon

Fresh, high-quality salmon makes all the difference. Look for bright orange-pink color with no fishy smell. Atlantic or Pacific salmon work equally well for this recipe.

Don’t Skip the Drying Step

Patting the salmon completely dry before seasoning ensures the best texture. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin and proper browning.

Watch the Timing

Salmon can go from perfectly cooked to overdone quickly. Start checking at 10 minutes total cooking time. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Glaze Application Technique

Apply the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning. The sugar in the teriyaki sauce can caramelize too quickly if added too early.

Make It Your Own

Feel free to adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less brown sugar. For heat lovers, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover air fryer salmon teriyaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any extra glaze in a separate container to maintain the salmon’s texture.

Freezer Storage

While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. This helps restore the crispy exterior. Alternatively, use the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.

Pro Storage Tip

Store the salmon and any rice or vegetables separately to prevent soggy textures. Reheat components individually for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	285
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	11g
Omega-3	1.8g
Sodium	680mg
Fiber	0g

Based on 4 servings, nutritional values are approximate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! Thaw the salmon completely and pat it very dry before seasoning. Frozen salmon may need an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake this in a regular oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. For the crispy exterior, broil for the last 2-3 minutes while watching carefully.

Can I make the teriyaki glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently before using.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, but still be moist in the center.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding. The glaze recipe will be sufficient for up to 8 fillets.