Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon combines a deliciously sweet, tangy glaze with smoky undertones, making it a quick and flavorful dish. The honey and mustard create a unique texture, while the smoked paprika adds depth. It's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, taking only 8 minutes to cook, and pairs wonderfully with sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (5 oz each)
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, whole-grain mustard, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the salmon fillets with ⅔ of the sauce, reserving the remaining sauce for drizzling after cooking.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
4. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
5. Cook for 8 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Drizzle the reserved sauce over the cooked salmon and garnish with lemon slices.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2
• Total Time: 15 minutes (including prep and cooking time)

Variations

• Mustard: Swap out whole-grain mustard for spicy or honey mustard for a different flavor.
• Paprika: Use regular paprika if you don’t have smoked paprika on hand.
• Vegetarian Option: Try using a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh instead of salmon for a vegetarian alternative.
• Extra Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to preserve the texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just ensure to thaw it before marinating and cooking.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is no longer translucent in the center. An internal temperature of 145°F is recommended.

Can I make the honey mustard sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I use other fish instead of salmon?

Yes, other fish like trout or tilapia can also work well in this recipe.

How do I keep the salmon moist?

Be careful not to overcook the salmon. Cooking it for 8 minutes should keep it moist and tender.

Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the salmon at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness.

Can I marinate the salmon before cooking it?

Yes, marinating the salmon for 15-30 minutes will enhance the flavor even further.

What sides should I serve with this salmon?

Pair this with sides like roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Can I add herbs to the glaze?

Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme would add a great flavor if sprinkled over the salmon after cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the mustards you use are gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is an easy, delicious, and healthy dinner option. With a flavorful glaze and quick cooking time, it’s perfect for busy nights. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness in each bite!