Why Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is a Must-Try Dinner

This air fryer teriyaki salmon with skin is poised to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Imagine perfectly cooked salmon, flaky and moist on the inside, infused with a irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. The air fryer excels at cooking salmon, yielding results that are tender, juicy, and never dry, far surpassing traditional baking methods in terms of speed and crispness. The convenience of using an air fryer combined with the rich flavors of a teriyaki marinade creates a dish that satisfies cravings for Japanese-inspired cuisine without the need for takeout.

The beauty of this salmon teriyaki air fryer recipe lies in its simplicity and efficiency. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need a healthy, delicious meal on the table in minutes. We’re about to dive into making this fantastic dish, so prepare to elevate your home cooking with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

⭐ Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Ingredients

Here’s your concise shopping list for this remarkably easy teriyaki salmon air fryer recipe:

• 1 lb. Skin-on, boneless salmon fillets (approximately 454 grams, typically 3 fillets, ½-inch thick for optimal cooking)
• ½ cup teriyaki sauce marinade, plus an additional amount for drizzling after cooking
• 1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, used as a thickener for the glaze)

You can find a printable recipe card with all the details further down in this article!

Choosing Your Teriyaki Sauce

The quality of your teriyaki sauce significantly impacts the final flavor of your air fryer teriyaki salmon. You have several excellent options: opt for a quick homemade teriyaki sauce for fresh flavor, or use a high-quality bottled sauce for convenience. For those with dietary restrictions, many gluten-free and soy-free teriyaki sauces are available, often made with a coconut aminos base. These alternatives can still deliver that beloved brown sugar soy sauce flavor profile. If you’re looking to control sugar intake, consider a sugar-free teriyaki sauce recipe, or swap out sugar for honey to create a delicious air fryer honey teriyaki salmon.

When selecting your salmon, aim for fresh, skin-on, boneless fillets that are about ½ inch thick. The skin helps to keep the fish moist during cooking and can crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. If you have thicker fillets, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Which Air Fryer is Best for Teriyaki Salmon?

This recipe is incredibly adaptable and works wonderfully with various air fryer models. I’ve personally tested it with both a Kalorik Air Fryer Oven and for Ninja air fryer teriyaki salmon, yielding fantastic results. You can easily achieve perfectly baked salmon with teriyaki glaze in popular models such as Philips, Nuwave, Pampered Chef, Actifry, Instant Pot Vortex, Cosori, or Breville air fryers.

It’s important to remember that cooking times may vary based on your specific air fryer’s wattage, size, and the thickness of your salmon fillets. A smaller air fryer basket generally cooks food faster than a larger air fryer oven, so always keep a close eye on your food and consider checking for doneness a bit earlier the first time you try any new air fryer recipe. This ensures you prevent overcooking and achieve the best possible outcome.

Helpful Tools and Accessories

Beyond your air fryer, a few simple kitchen tools will make this recipe even easier:

• Pastry brush: Essential for evenly applying the teriyaki glaze.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing your marinade, especially if adding xanthan gum.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for ensuring the salmon reaches a safe internal temperature without overcooking.

You’ll also need a food-safe container for marinating the salmon. Glass containers are an excellent choice for this purpose, preventing any transfer of odors or flavors. It’s worth noting that for this recipe, you generally won’t need parchment paper, aluminum foil, or other air fryer liners. These can sometimes hinder proper air circulation around the salmon, which is key to achieving that desirable crisp exterior and even cooking. Maximize your air fryer’s efficiency by allowing unobstructed hot air flow around your fillets.

Begin by checking your salmon fillets for any pin bones. If present, remove them using a clean pair of tweezers. Place the prepared salmon into a spacious Pyrex or other food-safe container. Pour ½ cup of teriyaki sauce marinade over the salmon, ensuring it’s well-coated. Allow the salmon to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature. This brief marination period is key to infusing the fish with rich teriyaki flavor.

Gently lift the marinated salmon from the container, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Arrange the fillets in your air fryer basket or on the tray with the skin side facing up. If any edges of the salmon are particularly thin, tuck them underneath the fillet to prevent them from drying out during cooking. It’s crucial that the salmon fillets are placed in a single layer, ensuring maximum hot air circulation for even cooking and optimal crispness.

Air fry the salmon at 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C) for 7 minutes. Preheating is not strictly necessary for this recipe, which saves you time. (If using an air fryer oven, position the fillets on the top rack.) While the salmon begins to cook, take about 2 tablespoons of the *fresh* marinade (if you prefer a thicker glaze, whisk in 1/8 teaspoon of xanthan gum at this point). Discard the remaining marinade that was in contact with the raw fish for food safety reasons.

After the initial 7 minutes, carefully flip the salmon fillets so the skin side is now facing down. Using your pastry brush, generously apply the thickened marinade (or fresh marinade if not thickening) onto the exposed flesh of the salmon. Return the salmon to the air fryer and continue cooking for an additional 3-7 minutes at 390°F (200°C). The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness.

Optimizing Salmon Air Fryer Time & Temperature

How long should you cook salmon in the air fryer? What’s the ideal air fryer fish teriyaki recipe temperature? This teriyaki salmon air fryer recipe is designed to cook efficiently, typically requiring 10-14 minutes at a consistent temperature of 390°F (200°C). The exact duration can vary slightly based on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the specific model of your air fryer. Thinner fillets will cook faster, while thicker cuts may need an extra minute or two. Always rely on a meat thermometer to confirm doneness and prevent overcooking.

Do You Have to Flip Salmon in Air Fryer?

Yes, for best results and more even cooking, I highly recommend flipping your air fryer salmon halfway through the cooking process. Flipping ensures that both sides of the fillet are exposed to the circulating hot air, promoting uniform cooking and preventing one side from becoming overly crisp or dry. If your salmon has skin, flipping it also helps achieve a delightful crispy skin while keeping the flesh moist and tender. This small step makes a significant difference in the final texture and taste of your dish.

What is a Good Seasoning for Salmon in the Air Fryer?

When it comes to enhancing the natural flavor of salmon, a good seasoning can truly elevate the dish. For this recipe, teriyaki marinade is the star, offering a complete flavor profile of sweet, salty, and umami. After air frying, I love to garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions (green onions) for added texture and a fresh, aromatic finish. Beyond teriyaki, salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of seasonings:

• Classic Enhancers: Simple salt and freshly ground black pepper bring out salmon’s natural taste.
• Citrusy Brightness: Lemon pepper seasoning, fresh lemon juice, or a zest of lime.
• Aromatic Touches: Onion powder, garlic powder, fresh minced garlic cloves, or fresh grated ginger.
• Herbal Notes: Fresh parsley, dill, or a blend of Italian seasoning.
• Spicy Kicks: Cajun spice or a pinch of chili powder for a gentle heat.
• Asian-Inspired: Low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, or a touch of toasted sesame oil.

Experiment with these options to find your favorite flavor combinations for air-fried salmon. Each offers a unique way to complement the rich, buttery texture of salmon.

🌡️ How to Store Leftover Salmon

🥶 How to Freeze Salmon Teriyaki

While you can freeze cooked air fryer salmon teriyaki, it’s important to manage expectations regarding its texture upon thawing. Freezing cooked fish can sometimes alter its delicate texture, making it slightly softer. To freeze, ensure the salmon is completely cooled, then place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or a freezer bag, pressing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

To thaw, simply transfer the frozen salmon to the refrigerator and let it defrost for approximately 24 hours. Once thawed, reheat using one of the methods described above, taking care to warm it gently to preserve as much of its original texture as possible.

🥗 Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Side Dishes

Air fryer teriyaki salmon fillets pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. My personal favorites include steamed broccoli and fluffy white rice, which perfectly complement the rich flavors of the salmon. Here are some other fantastic, fiber-rich side dish ideas to round out your meal:

• How to Microwave Vegetables: A quick and easy way to prepare tender-crisp veggies.
• Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables: Achieve perfectly roasted frozen veggies in your air fryer.
• Costco Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
• Canned Asparagus Recipe: Simple and convenient, perfect for a speedy side.

For a creative twist, consider transforming your teriyaki salmon into an air fryer teriyaki salmon bowl. Simply cut the cooked fish into delicious air fryer teriyaki salmon bites and serve them over rice (or cauliflower rice) with your favorite bowl toppings like avocado, cucumber, and a sprinkle of nori, similar to my smoked salmon sushi bowl. It’s a fresh, customizable, and incredibly yummy way to enjoy this versatile dish!

Teriyaki Salmon Air Fryer Recipe (Time and Temperature)

Summer Yule