Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
If you crave the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors with silky salmon and a delectable sticky glaze, Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is about to become your new favorite recipe. In less than 30 minutes, a handful of pantry staples transform fresh salmon fillets into a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. The air fryer locks in juiciness while creating a beautiful caramelized teriyaki exterior, making every bite utterly irresistible. Whether you’re a longtime salmon fan or looking to mix up weeknight dinners, this Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is an absolute must-try!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a few essential ingredients, you can create Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Every component is thoughtfully chosen for its ability to bring out the best in both flavor and texture—plus a splash of vibrant color on your plate!
- Salmon fillets: Choose boneless, skin-on or skinless fillets—use as many as fit in your air fryer, typically four at 6 ounces each.
- Salt and Garlic Powder: Just a pinch of each elevates the salmon’s natural flavor base, making each bite more savory and aromatic.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This provides the essential salty, umami backbone of your teriyaki sauce without making it too salty.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel sweetness that perfectly balances out the savory elements.
- Rice Vinegar: Gives a gentle tang and brightness to lift the sauce; white vinegar works if that’s what you have!
- Corn Starch: Thickens the sauce to glossy, syrupy perfection so it clings beautifully to the salmon.
- Fresh Garlic: One clove, finely minced or grated, infuses the dish with punchy flavor.
- Fresh Grated Ginger: Adds a zesty spark and authentic teriyaki warmth—just a teaspoon or two does the job.
- Water, Orange, or Pineapple Juice: Water keeps things classic, but using juice adds a delightful fruity note and extra shine.
- Optional Garnishes – Scallions, Sesame Seeds, Lemon or Lime: These finishing touches add color, crunch, and freshness.
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375F. This ensures even cooking and a quick blast of heat that helps lock in the salmon’s juiciness from the get-go. (If your model doesn’t officially preheat, just run it empty for 3-5 minutes.)
Step 2: Prepare and Air Fry the Salmon
Arrange the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded. Sprinkle each piece with a pinch of salt and garlic powder—the foundation for flavor. Air fry for 5 minutes, just enough to start cooking, while gathering ingredients for the luscious teriyaki glaze. Once the time is up, take out the fillets—they’ll be just partially cooked at this point.
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, corn starch, minced garlic, grated ginger, and your chosen liquid (water or juice). Blend until smooth and the cornstarch is fully dissolved—the mixture will look a little cloudy at first. This is your base for that crave-worthy sticky glass.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce
Set the pan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. As the sauce heats, it will first come to a gentle boil, then turn from opaque to shiny and thick in about 3-5 minutes. Taste-test: let a little cool on a spoon, then adjust the flavor by adding extra sugar, vinegar, or soy sauce to suit your preferences. Remove from heat once everything is perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Optionally Strain the Sauce
If you prefer a super-smooth teriyaki experience, pour the sauce through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl or jar, discarding the garlic and ginger bits. This step is all about personal texture preference, so skip it if you love bold, rustic flavors.
Step 6: Glaze and Return Salmon to the Air Fryer
Brush ½ to 1 tablespoon of teriyaki sauce over each partially cooked fillet. Carefully return the fillets to the air fryer and cook for 2 more minutes. If you notice the sauce browning too much, lower the temperature slightly to 350F or 325F to keep the glaze glossy—not burnt.
Step 7: Layer and Finish the Glaze
Repeat the glazing process: brush another coat of sauce on each salmon piece and air fry for another 2 minutes. Continue drizzling and air frying in 2-minute bursts until the surface is beautifully glazed and the salmon flakes easily with a fork (or hits 145F internally). Usually, four coatings is perfect for that classic Teriyaki Salmon shine—total cook time around 13 minutes, slightly less for thinner fillets.
Step 8: Serve with Extra Sauce
Once cooked, transfer the salmon to a plate and drizzle with additional warm teriyaki sauce. This final flourish turns your Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon into a truly spectacular centerpiece.
How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Garnishes
The simplest way to elevate your Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is with a sprinkle of sliced scallions or toasted sesame seeds. Not only do these garnishes add pop and crunch, but a few lemon or lime wedges on the side bring brightness that balances out the sweet-savory sauce.
Side Dishes
This salmon absolutely shines served over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice, allowing the extra sauce to soak in. For a vibrant table, pair with garlic sautéed broccoli, crisp snap peas, or a cool cucumber salad. These veggies complement the teriyaki’s flavors while adding color and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Flake the glazed salmon into rice bowls tonight, or slice and serve sushi-style atop avocado and nori. Tuck extra fillets into lettuce wraps, or build extravagant Asian-inspired salads with crunchy cabbage, carrot ribbons, and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce. The versatility of Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is truly unlimited—let your imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the salmon cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Keep any extra sauce separately so you can drizzle it on just before reheating or serving cold.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each cooked salmon fillet tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer bag. The teriyaki glaze actually helps lock in moisture and flavor. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is in the air fryer itself at 325F for 3-4 minutes, or gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top to keep it moist. Brush with fresh sauce before serving to bring everything back to life like new.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Absolutely! Thaw the salmon thoroughly and pat dry before seasoning and air frying, so you get the best texture and allow the glaze to stick properly.
Is Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon gluten-free?
It can be! Simply swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version such as tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your other ingredients for hidden gluten if needed.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a week in advance and keep it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and stir before using to bring it back to a pourable, glossy state.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The cooked fillets should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145F. The color will change from translucent to opaque, and the glaze will look shiny and caramelized.
What if my air fryer is very small?
No worries—simply cook the Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon in batches. You can keep finished fillets warm, loosely covered with foil, while the rest are cooking, and drizzle everyone’s portion with warm sauce at the end.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon at home, now’s your moment! This easy, craveable dish comes out tender, flavorful, and truly unforgettable every single time. I’d love for you to give it a go and see just how simple and delicious a homemade teriyaki-glazed salmon can be.
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Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon recipe is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy tender, flavorful salmon with a homemade teriyaki glaze. Using the air fryer ensures a perfectly cooked fillet every time.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 6-ounce salmon fillets
- 4 pinches each of salt and garlic powder (to taste)
Teriyaki Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (use about ⅓ cup if using full sodium)
- 4–6 tablespoons brown sugar (to taste)
- 3–4 tablespoons rice vinegar (or 2–3 tablespoons white vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 clove garlic (minced or grated)
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
- ¾ cup water (or use orange juice or pineapple juice for a fruity sweeter flavor)
Optional Garnish:
- diced scallions or sesame seeds
- lemon or lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375F. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket or tray. Season each one with a pinch of salt and garlic powder. Air fry for 5 minutes while making the teriyaki sauce.
- Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Whisk together until you get a milky looking mixture and the cornstarch is not clumped together. Cook over medium-low heat stirring frequently for about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Brush the teriyaki sauce on the salmon fillets. Return to the air fryer and cook for 2 minutes. Repeat this process until the salmon is fully cooked and glazed to perfection.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve with additional teriyaki sauce on top.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the teriyaki sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to customize the garnishes with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon, Salmon recipe, Teriyaki salmon, Air fryer recipe, Healthy salmon recipe
