This air fryer teriyaki salmon is so good it will make you regret not doubling the portion! Juicy salmon filets soaked in teriyaki sauce and cooked just right in the air fryer for a crispy outside and tender inside are perfect for busy weeknights.
This recipe is popular in our house throughout the year. Even for those who are not much of a salmon fan 🙂 Furthermore, salmon is highly valued for its omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fats that support brain function and heart health.
This easy air fryer teriyaki salmon recipe was inspired by my love of Japanese flavors, especially sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, and my recent purchase of an air fryer (I love it!). Teriyaki salmon pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe. In this recipe, for an overall healthy meal, I pair salmon with roasted baby broccoli and steamed brown rice.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this recipe are quite simple. All you need is a nice salmon filet, a few sauces, garlic, and ginger.
- Salmon Fillets: When selecting salmon, look for fillets with firm flesh and a pleasant, oceanic smell. You can also use frozen salmon, but ensure it is fully thawed before marinating.
- Teriyaki Sauce: for a store-bought teriyaki sauce option, I would suggest that you consider low-sodium options if you're watching your salt intake.
- Hoisin Sauce: If unavailable, additional teriyaki sauce can be used as a substitute.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for a high-quality soy sauce. Substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option, or low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Brown Sugar: You can also experiment with other sweeteners like honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Rice Vinegar: Choose unseasoned rice vinegar for a clean, tangy flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor to the marinade.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger provides a kick to the marinade. If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger as a substitute.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow few easy steps for this delicious weeknight meal.
Combine all marinade ingredients and put the filets into it, ensuring it is evenly coated. You can also use a resealable plastic bag. Marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes or overnight.
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 5 minutes. Put the salmon skin side down to the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. You can add veggies for the last 5 minutes.
While salmon is cooking, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces to a glaze-like consistency. Brush it over the cooked filets.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds and serve with brown rice, mashed potatoes and/or roasted veggies.
Hint: Aim for salmon fillets that are similar in thickness to ensure even cooking. This will help prevent thinner parts from overcooking while thicker parts remain undercooked.
Substitutions
- In the absence of hoisin sauce, simply use extra teriyaki sauce.
- Opt for tamari sauce instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
- Honey can be a suitable replacement for brown sugar, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Equipment
Besides the air fryer, there is no special equipment needed. I am sure you already have a bowl, spatula, and a pan that can be used for the sauce already in your kitchen.
This recipe can be made even without an air fryer. Instead, you can use your oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the filets on it, skin side down. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, or until the salmon is cooked through.
Storage
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When reheating, do so gently in the air fryer or microwave to maintain the salmon's texture and flavor.
Top tip
Before marinating your salmon, try making shallow cuts in the flesh with a knife. This simple step helps the marinade soak in better, giving your salmon a richer taste and making it extra juicy.
FAQ
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it with your fish.
Sure! Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three month.
The salmon is done cooking when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Related
Amazing Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Air fryer teriyaki salmon: juicy salmon fillets soaked in teriyaki sauce and cooked just right in the air fryer for a crispy outside and tender inside.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
2 medium salmon fillets (4-6 oz or around 150g)
3 tbsp Teriyaki Sauce
2 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
2 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tbsp Brown Sugar
1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 tsp Ginger, grated
Instructions
1. Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each fillet is evenly coated.
3. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator, or for even more flavor infusion, marinate overnight.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3-5 minutes.
5. Remove the marinated salmon from the fridge and place the fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
6. Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes.
7. While the salmon is cooking, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces to a glaze-like consistency.
8. Brush the glaze over the salmon and serve with steamed brown rice and roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Food safety
- Salmon Handling: Choose fresh salmon fillets from a reputable source, and ensure they are properly refrigerated until ready to use.
- Marinating: Marinate the salmon in the refrigerator, not at room temperature, to prevent bacterial growth.
- Cooking Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature (400°F or 200°C) before cooking the salmon. Cook the salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) as measured with a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet.
- Glazing: When reducing the remaining marinade to a glaze, make sure it reaches a rolling boil for at least one minute to kill any harmful bacteria present in the marinade.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover salmon in shallow containers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking for up to 2 days.
Ive
Made it today. Easy and delicious!