Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

Craving restaurant-quality teriyaki salmon without the wait or takeout? Look no further than your air fryer! This recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flaky salmon with a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, all in under 10 minutes.

With minimal prep and easy cleanup, Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner option that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets (center-cut, thick cut recommended) – 2 pieces
  • Teriyaki sauce – 1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
  • Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon (optional)
  • Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon (optional)
  • Brown sugar – 1 tablespoon
  • Minced garlic – 1 clove
  • Minced ginger – 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
  • Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
  • Cornstarch (or cornstarch slurry) – 1 tablespoon (optional, for thickening the sauce)
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • Parchment paper or air fryer liner

Instructions

1. Marinate the salmon (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce (if using), rice vinegar (if using), brown sugar, garlic, ginger (if using), and black pepper. Pour half of the marinade into a wide bowl and place the salmon fillets skin-side up. Rub the marinade all over the salmon. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

2. Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Line the basket with parchment paper or an air fryer liner.

3. Air fry the salmon: Take the salmon out of the marinade (discard the marinade if it wasn’t refrigerated). Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the preheated air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

4. Cook the salmon: Air fry the salmon for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness and your desired doneness. For medium-rare salmon, aim for 7 minutes. For medium, cook for 8 minutes. To check for doneness, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of the salmon. It should flake easily.

5. Glaze the salmon (optional): While the salmon is cooking in the last few minutes, thicken the remaining teriyaki sauce if desired. In a small saucepan, bring ¼ cup of the sauce to a low simmer until it reduces slightly. Alternatively, you can whisk a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water) into the remaining sauce before simmering.

6. Plate and serve: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and place it on a plate. Brush the teriyaki glaze over the salmon (optional). Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve with rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips

  • The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets and your air fryer model. It’s always best to check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of cooked salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).
  • If your air fryer doesn’t have a delegate basket and tray, using parchment paper helps prevent the salmon from sticking to the basket.
  • You can adjust the amount of teriyaki sauce and brown sugar to your taste preference.
  • Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a bit of a spicy kick.pen_spark

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