How to Make Salmon Teriyaki in Air Fryer: The Ultimate Recipe Revealed!

Looking for a healthy and flavorful dinner option that’s quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than air fryer salmon teriyaki. This recipe delivers tender, flaky salmon with a sweet and savory glaze, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is a breeze to follow. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests with this simple yet satisfying meal.

Why Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki?

There are several reasons why air fryer salmon teriyaki is a winning choice:

• Quick and Easy: The air fryer significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional oven methods, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crispy Skin: The air fryer creates a wonderfully crispy skin on the salmon, adding a delightful textural element to the dish.
• Healthy Option: Air frying requires minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to pan-frying or baking.
• Flavorful Results: The teriyaki glaze coats the salmon beautifully, delivering a sweet and savory burst of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious recipe:

• Salmon: Choose skin-on salmon fillets for the best results. You can use fresh or frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
• Teriyaki Sauce: You can use store-bought teriyaki sauce or make your own. There are numerous recipes available online for homemade teriyaki sauce.
• Sesame Oil: This adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning to taste.
• Green Onions: For a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Preparing the Salmon

1. Pat Dry: Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps ensure crispy skin and prevents steam build-up during cooking.
2. Season: Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder or ginger.
3. Brush with Sesame Oil: Brush the salmon fillets with sesame oil. This adds flavor and helps the skin crisp up nicely.

Cooking the Salmon in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place Salmon in Air Fryer Basket: Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overlapping.
3. Cook: Cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and your air fryer model.

Making the Teriyaki Glaze

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the teriyaki sauce and a tablespoon of sesame oil.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce: Simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Glazing the Salmon

1. Basting: After the salmon is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a serving platter.
2. Brush with Glaze: Brush the salmon fillets generously with the teriyaki glaze.
3. Optional: Broil: For an extra-crispy glaze, you can briefly broil the salmon under a preheated broiler for a few minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serving Your Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki

1. Garnish: Garnish your air fryer salmon teriyaki with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
2. Side Dishes: Serve the salmon with your favorite side dishes. Some delicious options include steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Make sure the salmon fillets have enough space to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets and your air fryer model. Start with the recommended time and adjust as needed.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki glaze for a touch of heat.
• Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the teriyaki glaze for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Ginger-Soy Glaze: Substitute a ginger-soy glaze for the teriyaki sauce.
• Other Fish: You can use other fish like cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi in this recipe.

Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki: A Flavorful and Easy Dinner Choice

With its crispy skin, sweet and savory glaze, and quick cooking time, air fryer salmon teriyaki is a delicious and healthy dinner option that’s perfect for any night of the week. Try it out and enjoy!

Final Thoughts: A Delicious Journey for Your Taste Buds

Air fryer salmon teriyaki is a culinary adventure that takes you from the simplicity of preparation to the explosion of flavors in every bite. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and versatile, allowing you to unleash your creativity with variations and substitutions. So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, embark on this culinary journey and discover the joy of preparing a truly delicious meal.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

2. How do I know if the salmon is cooked through?

The salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

3. Can I make the teriyaki glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the teriyaki glaze ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. What other side dishes go well with air fryer salmon teriyaki?

Air fryer salmon teriyaki pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

5. Can I use a different type of fish?

You can use other fish like cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.