If you’re looking for an easy dinner that’s big on flavor but doesn’t leave your kitchen looking like a tornado hit, you’re in the right place. This Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is everything: sweet, savory, sticky, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it’s made in the air fryer (yay for no oven heat in summer!) and uses ingredients you probably already have.

I’m always on the lookout for meals that check these boxes: quick prep, healthy-ish, and guaranteed to not be declared “weird” by the kids. This one is a winner. And the smell while it’s cooking? Oh. My. Yum.

How To Make Easy Teriyaki Salmon

Ingredients:

1 lb (about 4 fillets) salmon, skin-on or skinless, your call!
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup water
4 cloves garlic, minced (use the jar stuff if you’re in a rush)
1-inch knob of fresh ginger, grated (or a quick squeeze of the paste)
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish
1 scallion (green onion), thinly sliced, for garnish

Prep & Cook Time

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Serves: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make That Teriyaki Magic

Let’s be real: the sauce is the heart of this dish. It’s sweet, a little salty, with just the right zing from garlic and ginger.

In a small saucepan, mix together soy sauce, ¾ of the water, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar.
Heat it over medium, stirring until everything’s all melted together and smelling amazing.
In a tiny bowl, mix the cornstarch with the remaining cold water (this is your thickener).
Stir that slurry into your sauce and keep whisking until it thickens and gets all glossy. It only takes a couple of minutes, so don’t walk away!

Once it’s ready, take it off the heat and let it cool while you prep your salmon.

making the teriyaki sauce for Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

2. Marinate Like a Boss

This step is super simple but adds SO much flavor.

Pop your salmon fillets into a shallow dish or zip-top bag.
Pour that glorious teriyaki sauce all over, making sure each piece is coated.
Cover or seal it up and let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. (You can go up to an hour if you’ve got the time!)

Pro tip: reserve a little extra sauce for brushing on later. Just set some aside before marinating so it doesn’t touch the raw fish.

3. Into the Air Fryer We Go

Alright, it’s go time!

Gently take your salmon out of the marinade and place it into a dish that fits your air fryer (or directly into the basket if it’s non-stick).
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 12–15 minutes. This depends on how thick your fillets are, so keep an eye on them!
Optional but recommended: during the last couple of minutes, brush on that extra sauce you saved to get a glossy, sticky glaze.

The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks cooked all the way through. If you’re like me, you might sneak a bite right from the basket.

4. Finishing Touches

Once it’s cooked, carefully lift the salmon out (I like to use two spatulas, these babies can be delicate). Plate it up and sprinkle with:

Sesame seeds for a little crunch
Sliced scallions for that pop of color and fresh flavor

Boom. Dinner is DONE.

What to Serve with It

This salmon is the star of the show, but let’s not forget the supporting cast! Here are a few sides that pair perfectly:

Steamed rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice if you’re feelin’ extra healthy)
Air fryer broccoli or green beans
Asian-style slaw with cabbage and a sesame vinaigrette
Edamame with sea salt (the kids love popping them out of the pods)

Tips & Tricks for Success

Don’t skip the marinade! Even 15 minutes makes a big difference in flavor.
Save some sauce. Set some aside before marinating to use for brushing or drizzling at the end.
Use parchment or a silicone liner in your air fryer to keep cleanup easy, trust me, teriyaki sauce is sticky!
Want extra caramelization? Crank the air fryer up to 375°F for the last 2 minutes.

Make It Your Own!

This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to tweak it to fit your vibe.

Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
No fresh ginger? A little ginger powder works in a pinch.
Don’t have honey? Maple syrup or agave will do the trick.
No air fryer? You can bake the salmon at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, still delish!

So the next time you’re staring at that pack of salmon in your fridge wondering what to do with it, remember this recipe. Pull out your air fryer, whip up a quick sauce, and in under 30 minutes, you’ll be serving up something that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.

And hey, if your kids lick their plates? Just give yourself a quiet high five in the kitchen. You earned it.

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