Name: Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 lb (4 pieces) salmon fillets; 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish); 1 scallion, thinly sliced (for garnish); 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup water, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of ginger, grated; 2 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 50 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s both effortlessly elegant and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy salmon fillets perfectly coated in a luscious, homemade teriyaki glaze that caramelizes beautifully thanks to the magic of the air fryer. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that combines the richness of salmon with a sweet and savory punch, making it a standout dinner any night of the week. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that come together quickly, proving that making restaurant-quality salmon at home is easier than ever.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three bright orange salmon fillets with visible white marbling lines, laid on a piece of brown paper with printed text and placed on a white marbled surface. Around the salmon, there are seven small white bowls arranged in a loose circle, each holding different ingredients: a dark black soy sauce, light beige sesame seeds, white powdery flour or starch, syrupy golden honey, and crumbly light brown sugar. A small pile of three peeled white garlic cloves and a yellow slice of fresh ginger are placed near the bowls. Below these ingredients, two fresh green onions with white bulbs and long green tops lie horizontally. The setup is neat, with a simple and clean color palette focused on the salmon’s vibrant orange. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, where each element plays a vital role in achieving that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the savory umami of soy sauce to the subtle warmth of ginger and garlic, every item adds character and depth.

Salmon fillets (1 lb, 4 pieces): Choose fresh, even portions for consistent cooking and a succulent bite.
Soy sauce (1/2 cup): The salty base that gives the teriyaki its signature flavor.
Water (1/2 cup): Used to balance the sauce’s intensity and thin the mixture to glaze perfection.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): Adds a fragrant, savory depth that makes the sauce pop.
Fresh ginger (1 inch, grated): Offers a subtle heat and zest that brighten the dish.
Honey (2 tbsp): A natural sweetener that balances soy sauce’s saltiness with a gentle floral note.
Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Contributes to that rich, caramelized glaze and enhances sweetness.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp): The magic thickener that gives the teriyaki sauce its glossy, clingy texture.
Sesame seeds (1 tsp, for garnish): Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
Scallion (1, thinly sliced for garnish): Brightens the dish with fresh color and a mild onion flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by combining the soy sauce, most of the water, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Whisk this mixture continuously to dissolve the sugar completely. It’s important to keep whisking so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens just right.

Step 2: Thicken the Sauce

Next, mix the cornstarch with the remaining cold water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly until the glaze turns glossy and slightly thickened, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Once perfect, take it off the heat and allow it to cool.

Step 3: Marinate the Salmon

Place your salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag and pour the freshly made teriyaki sauce over them, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. This marinating step, which lasts at least 15 minutes, allows the salmon to soak up all those rich, mouthwatering flavors.

Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon

Transfer the marinated salmon to an air fryer-safe dish, and set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the salmon for about 12 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork. For an extra glossy, caramelized finish, brush some of the reserved teriyaki sauce over the fillets during the last couple of minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer, then sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced scallion on top. These final touches not only enhance the flavor but also bring a beautiful contrast in texture and color to your dish.

How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Two long, glazed pieces of cooked salmon sit side by side in a black air fryer basket, covered in a shiny reddish-brown sauce with small bits of garlic or seasoning spread across the surface. The salmon has a slightly caramelized look, with a texture showing moist flakes underneath the glaze. The basket is placed inside the black air fryer, which is resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe experience, garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch and fresh scallions for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. These simple additions turn a great meal into a memorable one.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, absorbing every drop of that luscious teriyaki sauce. For extra freshness and texture, serve alongside sautéed bok choy, roasted asparagus, or a crunchy cucumber salad. Each side complements the salmon’s richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salmon atop a bed of mixed greens for a light, salad-style dish or place it on crispy rice cakes for an exciting textural play. You can even turn this dish into a sushi bowl with avocado, pickled ginger, and nori strips for a fun, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to two days, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinner the next day. Just be sure to keep the sauce separate if you want to maintain its best texture.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or save leftovers beyond a few days, the cooked salmon freezes well. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best flavor and texture, consume within one month.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature to avoid drying it out. You can also microwave on medium power, but keep it covered to retain moisture. Adding a drizzle of reserved teriyaki sauce during reheating helps maintain that mouthwatering glaze.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before marinating and cooking. This ensures even cooking and better absorption of the teriyaki flavors.

How can I tell when salmon is done in the air fryer?

The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The texture should be tender and moist, not dry or rubbery.

Is it necessary to marinate the salmon for a full hour?

While longer marinating enhances the flavor, even a quick 15-minute soak makes a noticeable difference. If you’re short on time, don’t skip this step completely.

What if I don’t have cornstarch for thickening the sauce?

You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour mixed with water. Just keep an eye on the consistency as it may vary slightly.

Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared and refrigerated for up to a week. Just give it a good whisk before using to bring back its glossy finish.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dinners because it hits all the right marks: simple, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Once you try making the teriyaki glaze from scratch and experience how the air fryer locks in moisture while creating that gorgeous caramelized finish, I bet this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen too. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need