Imagine the rich, sweet aroma of teriyaki sauce wafting through your kitchen, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Now, picture perfectly cooked salmon, its flaky texture and vibrant color practically begging to be devoured. That’s the magic of Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon—a dish that transforms any ordinary meal into a culinary celebration.

This delightful recipe is not just about feeding your belly; it’s about creating memories. I remember the first time I made this for friends during a game night. The laughter was loud, the snacks plentiful, but once that teriyaki salmon hit the table, all bets were off! We dove in like hungry bears after hibernation. Trust me when I say this dish will take center stage at your next gathering or cozy family dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing
- It takes minimal prep time and cooks in a flash, making it ideal for busy weeknights
- Visually stunning with its shiny glaze and bright green garnish, this dish makes any dinner feel special
- Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice or veggies for a complete meal
Ingredients for Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Salmon Fillets: Look for fresh or thawed fillets with bright color and firm texture; they should ideally weigh around 6 ounces each.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This keeps the dish from being overly salty while still delivering that classic teriyaki flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adding sweetness to the sauce, brown sugar caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic brings an aromatic punch that elevates the flavor profile; go for fresh cloves whenever possible.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger offers that zesty kick—don’t skip out on this one!
For the Garnish:
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and visual appeal to your finished dish.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a pop of color and mild onion flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. This fragrant mixture is what dreams are made of!
Step 2: Marinate Salmon
Place your salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Let them soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes—long enough to binge-watch one episode of your favorite show!
Step 3: Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking so your salmon doesn’t end up looking like it had an unfortunate tanning accident.
Step 4: Arrange Fillets
Remove the salmon from the marinade (but don’t discard it just yet). Place fillets in the air fryer basket skin-side down in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
Step 5: Cook Salmon
Air fry for about 10-12 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). Keep an eye on it; nobody wants dry salmon!
Step 6: Add Glaze
While it’s cooking, simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat until thickened—about five minutes will do it. Drizzle this luscious glaze over your cooked salmon as soon as it comes out.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Serve alongside some fluffy rice or sautéed vegetables for an Instagram-ready meal!
Now you’ve got yourself an impressive yet simple Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon that will leave everyone asking for seconds—and possibly thirds! Enjoy every last bite!
You Must Know
- This delightful Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon not only satisfies your taste buds but also simplifies your meal prep
- The vibrant glaze and flaky texture make it a showstopper on any dinner table
- Perfect for busy weeknights yet fancy enough for guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by marinating the salmon in teriyaki sauce while preheating your air fryer. Cook the salmon skin-side down for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. This method ensures a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the teriyaki sauce for soy sauce or add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch. You could also toss in some veggies like broccoli or bell peppers in the air fryer to create a complete meal.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop it back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to regain its crispy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, choose fresh salmon fillets with skin on; they retain moisture during cooking
- Always remember to check the internal temperature—145°F is perfect for flaky fish
- Letting it rest allows flavors to settle, enhancing the overall taste
Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about that one dinner party where my friends couldn’t stop raving about this Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon. They were convinced I was a culinary wizard, but really, I just followed my own advice!
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon?
To make Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon, you will need fresh salmon fillets, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. These ingredients combine to create a delicious teriyaki marinade that infuses the salmon with flavor. You can also add green onions and sesame seeds as garnishes for an extra touch. This simple list of ingredients makes it easy to prepare a healthy and tasty dish in no time.
How long should I cook Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon?
Cooking Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon typically takes about 10 to 12 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. It’s important to check for doneness by ensuring the fish flakes easily with a fork. Using an instant-read thermometer can help; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.
Can I use frozen salmon for Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon for Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon. However, it’s best to thaw the salmon first for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can cook it from frozen, but this will extend the cooking time by a few minutes. Always ensure that the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) regardless of whether it’s fresh or frozen.
What side dishes pair well with Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon?
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful teriyaki sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or snap peas complement the dish nicely and add color to your plate. A simple salad with a light dressing can also balance out the meal and enhance its freshness.
Conclusion for Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon :
In summary, Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is a quick and healthy dish that combines tender salmon with a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can elevate your weeknight dinners effortlessly. Remember to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your fillets and consider pairing it with rice or vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy this flavorful dish any day of the week!

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender, flaky salmon fillets with a rich teriyaki glaze. This recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. With minimal prep time and speedy cooking in an air fryer, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Serve it alongside steamed rice or vibrant veggies for a complete and visually stunning dinner that delights the senses.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade.
- Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange marinated salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
- While cooking, simmer reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat until thickened (about 5 minutes). Drizzle over cooked salmon.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
- Calories: 296
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg