Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon: Fast Weeknight Flavor (Print Version)

Quick Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon recipe for busy weeknights. Tender, flaky fish with a tangy, sweet glaze. My simple method for easy dinners.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - Salmon Fillets (4-6 oz each)
02 - Olive Oil (1 tbsp)

→ Honey Mustard Sauce

03 - Honey (2 tbsp)
04 - Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp)
05 - Whole Grain Mustard (1 tbsp)
06 - Lemon Juice (1 tbsp, fresh)
07 - Garlic (1 clove, minced)

→ Flavor Boosters & Garnish

08 - Salt (to taste)
09 - Black Pepper (to taste)
10 - Paprika (1/2 tsp)
11 - Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those salmon fillets out and pat them super, *super* dry with paper towels. This is a critical step, honestly. If they're wet, they'll steam instead of getting that beautiful crispy exterior we're aiming for. I learned this the hard way after one too many rubbery salmon attempts. See, I told you, kitchen disasters are my teachers!
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is beautifully combined and glossy. Taste it! Does it need more tang? More sweetness? Adjust it to your liking. This is your sauce, make it sing for your Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon.
03 - Place the dried salmon fillets on a plate or a clean cutting board. Generously brush the honey mustard sauce all over the top and sides of each fillet. Don't be shy; we want that flavor to really soak in and create a lovely crust. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, but it's worth it for the delicious outcome!
04 - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is often overlooked, but it helps ensure even cooking and that initial crisp. While it's heating, you can line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later when you're not scrubbing caramelized honey mustard off the basket.
05 - Carefully place the coated salmon fillets in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You might need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 10-14 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through. Mine usually takes about 12 minutes for a perfect medium-cook. The smell filling your kitchen right now? That's pure deliciousness!
06 - Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of extra lemon juice, if you like. The Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon should have a beautiful golden-brown crust and be tender and flaky inside. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. It looks so impressive, and you barely broke a sweat!

# Notes:

01 - Pat your salmon super dry for that crispy crust, it's a game-changer I learned the hard way!
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in the air fryer to avoid rubbery fish.
03 - No Dijon? Spicy brown mustard works, but you might need a tiny bit more honey to balance the flavor.
04 - Serve with lemon-herb couscous and a crisp white wine for a simple yet elegant meal.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Air fryer
02 - small bowl
03 - whisk
04 - paper towels
05 - cutting board
06 - brush
07 - tongs

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 28g

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