Ingredients
Salmon and Garnish
- 1 lb (4 pieces) salmon fillets
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Teriyaki Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Although the recipe includes oven preheating at 350°F, the primary cooking method uses an air fryer; this step may be for sauce preparation.
- Combine sauce ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix soy sauce, ¾ of the water, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and brown sugar, preparing the base for your teriyaki sauce.
- Heat and whisk: Place the saucepan over medium heat, whisking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to thicken, ensuring a smooth sauce base.
- Prepare cornstarch slurry: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with the remaining cold water to create a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and continue whisking for 2-3 minutes until the teriyaki sauce achieves a glossy, thick consistency.
- Cool the sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the teriyaki sauce cool to room temperature, preparing it for marinating.
- Marinate the salmon: Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag; pour the cooled teriyaki sauce over to coat completely. Seal and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, up to 1 hour.
- Prepare for air frying: Take the marinated salmon out of the fridge and transfer to an air fryer-safe dish suitable for cooking.
- Air fry the salmon: Cook in the air fryer for about 12 minutes, until salmon is flaky and cooked through, adjusting time to your preferred doneness.
- Glaze the salmon: For a caramelized finish, brush reserved teriyaki sauce on the salmon during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking in the air fryer.
- Serve and garnish: Carefully remove salmon from the air fryer, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions, and serve hot over steamed rice or with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinating time can be extended up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best aromatic teriyaki sauce.
- Adjust honey and brown sugar amounts to balance sweetness to your preference.
- If you don’t have an air fryer-safe dish, use the air fryer basket and check for potential dripping or use grill mats designed for air frying.
- Ensure salmon fillets are of even thickness to cook uniformly.
- The oven preheat step is optional if you focus solely on air frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Low Fat