Looking for a quick and delicious way to cook salmon? This Air Fryer Salmon with Dijon Mustard recipe hits the mark for both flavor and ease. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have perfectly cooked, moist, and flavorful salmon on the table in under 15 minutes.
The air fryer ensures the salmon gets a beautiful, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Paired with the tangy, slightly spicy kick of Dijon mustard, this dish is as gourmet as it is simple.
1. Air Fryer Salmon Recipe With Dijon Mustard
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Use paper towels to pat your salmon fillets dry. Next, lightly season both sides of the salmon with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Make the Dijon Mustard Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika. This glaze will coat the salmon, adding a tangy and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of spice.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon
Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat the top (and sides, if desired) of each salmon fillet with the Dijon mustard glaze. Set the fillets aside while you preheat the air fryer.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the salmon cooks evenly and achieves the desired texture.
Step 5: Air Fry the Salmon
Arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure there is some space between each fillet to allow the hot air to circulate. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the salmon in batches.
Air fry the salmon for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The internal temperature should reach 125°F (52°C) for medium doneness, or 135°F (57°C) if you prefer your salmon more well-done.
Tip: For skin-on salmon, cook the fillets skin-side down to help the skin crisp up. However, you can also flip the salmon halfway through cooking if you prefer an even crisp on both sides.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the salmon is done, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to rest for about 2-3 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the fish, ensuring it stays moist and tender.
Garnish the salmon with fresh parsley or dill and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
2. Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
Choose the Right Salmon: Fresh or frozen (and thawed) salmon fillets work well in this recipe. If using frozen salmon, make sure to fully thaw the fillets in the refrigerator before cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Ensure there is enough space between the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent the hot air from circulating properly, leading to uneven cooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. Salmon is perfectly cooked at around 125°F (52°C) for medium doneness. Remember, the fish will continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the air fryer.
Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary in their power and cooking times. If your salmon fillets are particularly thick, you may need to add an extra minute or two. Likewise, thinner fillets may cook faster than expected.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Don’t skip the preheating step—this helps the salmon start cooking right away and ensures a better texture.
3. Serving Suggestions
Quinoa or Rice: Serve the salmon over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or wild rice to soak up any extra mustard glaze.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair the salmon with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or broccoli for a healthy, balanced meal.
Salad: For a lighter option, serve the salmon over a fresh green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a simple lemon vinaigrette.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting, hearty side, pair the salmon with creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
With its crispy exterior, flaky interior, and tangy-sweet Dijon mustard glaze, this Air Fryer Salmon with Dijon Mustard recipe is a game-changer for quick and healthy weeknight meals. The air fryer makes the process effortless, while the Dijon mustard glaze adds gourmet flair with minimal effort.
