Air Fryer Orange Honey Glazed Salmon (Ready in 15 minutes)
How to cook juicy salmon in air fryer! This air fryer salmon with orange honey glaze is perfectly juicy, never dry, lightly caramelized, and ready in just 8–10 minutes. Made with simple ingredients like fresh orange juice, honey, and soy sauce, this easy salmon recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
Looking for a Quick and Easy Dinner Without Chicken?
When you’re bored with chicken, this recipe is an easy way to change things up. It comes together fast, tastes fresh and comforting, and works well for busy weeknights. A simple, family-friendly meal that both kids and adults enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 10 minutes
- Juicy, never dry salmon
- Sweet & savory orange-honey glaze
- Simple ingredients, big flavor
- Perfect with rice or veggies
Tools you need it:
- Air Fryer
- Small mixing bowl
- Silicone brush
- Paper towels
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 lb (450 g) salmon fillet
(works for salmon, trout, or sockeye) - 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
Orange Honey Glaze
- 2 tbsp orange juice (no pulp)
- 1½ tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but highly recommended)
- ½ tsp olive oil
- Black pepper, to taste
Do not add extra salt to the glaze — soy sauce provides enough seasonin
Side Dishes That Pair Well with Salmon:
Air Fryer Temperature
375°F / 190°C
Instructions
- Remove the salmon from the refrigerator 10 minutes before cooking — this helps keep it juicy.
- Prepare your workspace and pat the salmon dry with paper towels on all sides.
- Cut the salmon into even portions.
- In each piece, slice down the center until you reach the skin, being careful not to cut through it.
- Gently open and fold the salmon outward, so each piece stands upright — this creates beautiful, restaurant-style salmon “stands,” just like in the photo.
- Line the air fryer basket with foil, slightly lifting and folding the edges to create small “boats.”
👉 This step is important: it keeps the natural salmon juices from leaking out, so they stay inside and can be used later. - Brush the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket (directly on the foil).
Cook without glaze at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes.
- While the salmon cooks, whisk together all glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
- Remove the salmon and brush generously with the glaze, using the juices collected in the foil for extra flavor.
- Return to the air fryer and cook for 2–3 more minutes, until lightly caramelized.
How to Tell When Salmon Is Done
- Salmon flakes easily with a fork
- Inside is tender and juicy
- Center may remain slightly pink — this is normal and perfect
Tips for Best Results
- Thin fillet: glaze + 2 minutes
- Thick fillet: glaze + 3 minutes
- To avoid overcooking, loosely cover with foil for the first 5 minutes
- Let salmon rest 1 minute before serving.
The juices and glaze that collect under the salmon are incredibly flavorful. Drizzle them over the finished fish and spoon them over rice so it absorbs all that orange-honey goodness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this orange honey salmon with:
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- Roasted or air-fried vegetables
- Fresh Greek salad
How to cook juicy salmon in air fryer (use these tips for any salmon fillet)
- Cook fish at 375°F (190°C) for 7–10 minutes.
- Always brush with olive oil or butter before cooking.
- Cook skin-side down, don’t flip, and rest 2 minutes before serving.
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare your workspace and pat the salmon dry with paper towels on all sides.
- Cut the salmon into even portions.
- In each piece, slice down the center until you reach the skin, being careful not to cut through it.
- Gently open and fold the salmon outward, so each piece stands upright — this creates beautiful, restaurant-style salmon “stands,” just like in the photo.
- Line the air fryer basket with foil, slightly lifting and folding the edges to create small “boats.”
- 👉 This step is important: it keeps the natural salmon juices from leaking out, so they stay inside and can be used later.
- Brush the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket (directly on the foil).
- Cook without glaze at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes.
- While the salmon cooks, whisk together all glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
- Remove the salmon and brush generously with the glaze, using the juices collected in the foil for extra flavor.
- Return to the air fryer and cook for 2–3 more minutes, until lightly caramelized.
Notes
Tips for Best Results
- Thin fillet: glaze + 2 minutes
- Thick fillet: glaze + 3 minutes
- To avoid overcooking, loosely cover with foil for the first 5 minutes
- Let salmon rest 1 minute before serving
