This recipe for Air Fryer Salmon with Maple Soy Glaze creates a beautiful balance of flavors: the mild richness of the salmon, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the umami depth of soy sauce. The air fryer ensures the salmon is cooked to perfection while the glaze caramelizes, providing a delicious sticky coating. Let’s dive into how to make this easy, healthy, and mouthwatering dish.
1. Air Fryer Salmon With Maple Soy Glaze
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh grated ginger)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Maple Soy Glaze
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon of ground ginger. This glaze should be well mixed and slightly thickened. The combination of maple syrup and soy sauce creates a sweet and savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the salmon.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Prepare the salmon fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the glaze stick and allows the salmon to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Season with salt and pepper: Before applying the glaze, lightly season the salmon with salt and pepper on both sides. This enhances the natural flavors of the fish and complements the glaze.
Step 3: Marinate the Salmon
Pour the glaze into a gallon sized resealable bag and add the salmon. Marinate 20 to 30 minutes, turning once in a while. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fish and provides a more intense taste once cooked.
Reserving the glaze to baste when cooking and and set the marinated salmon aside.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Salmon in the Air Fryer
Place the salmon in the air fryer: Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry the salmon: Cook the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Thicker fillets will require closer to 10 minutes, while thinner fillets may only need 7 minutes. The salmon should be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork when done.
Glaze during cooking: About halfway through cooking (around the 4-minute mark), open the air fryer and brush the salmon with a little more of the maple soy glaze to intensify the flavors and help the glaze caramelize.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Check for doneness: Once the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F for medium doneness, remove it from the air fryer. Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Garnish and serve: For an extra pop of flavor and color, garnish the salmon with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve the salmon hot alongside your favorite side dishes.
2. Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
Use Fresh Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon will yield the best results, but frozen fillets work fine as long as they are fully thawed before cooking. Be sure to pat the fillets dry to remove any excess moisture, which can interfere with the crisping process.
Don’t Skip the Preheat: Preheating the air fryer is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior on the salmon. It ensures the fish starts cooking at the correct temperature right away, giving it a nice sear.
Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Make sure the fillets are spaced out in the air fryer basket. Overlapping the fillets can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the air from circulating properly, resulting in soggy salmon.
Check for Doneness: Salmon is best cooked to medium, which means it should be flaky but still moist in the center. The internal temperature should be around 125°F to 130°F. If you prefer your salmon more well-done, cook it until it reaches 140°F.
Baste with the Glaze Midway: Brushing the salmon with the glaze halfway through cooking helps amplify the flavor and allows the glaze to caramelize slightly, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.
3. Serving Suggestions
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a healthy and delicious side dish to balance the richness of the salmon.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve the salmon over a bed of rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the extra glaze and juices.
Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the salmon.
Mashed Potatoes: For a heartier meal, pair the salmon with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes.
4. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing: Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the salmon during reheating, as it can dry out.
Air Fryer Salmon with Maple Soy Glaze is a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy a healthy meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes. The air fryer perfectly cooks the salmon, while the maple soy glaze adds a delicious sweet and savory coating that caramelizes beautifully. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also elegant enough for a special dinner. With minimal prep and cleanup, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
