Super Easy Air-Fry Salmon with Honey Soy Marinade

Ashley Hinds
2 days ago
2 min read

Welcome to my recipe blog with no-fluff added. No calorie talk. No this-or-that talk. No comments section. Just basic but yummy food.

Salmon is a favorite for many because it’s flavorful, nutritious, and cooks quickly. An added benefit is that it's not too "fishy" in flavor. But getting that perfect balance of tender, juicy fish with a crispy exterior can be a little intimidating. Air frying salmon with a simple honey-soy marinade makes this process effortless.

If you want a quick, reliable way to prepare salmon without fuss, this recipe is for you. It requires minimal ingredients, a short marinade time, and just 10 minutes in the air fryer.

Why Air Fry Salmon?

Air frying salmon offers several advantages over traditional cooking methods:

Fast cooking time: Salmon cooks in about 10 minutes at 375°F. This isn't necessarily faster but is much more hands-off.
Less oil needed: The air fryer crisps the skin and edges improving the flavor.
Even cooking: Hot air circulates around the fish, ensuring consistent texture.
Easy cleanup: Using foil on the drip tray catches drips and reduces mess.

Ingredients for the Honey-Soy Marinade

The marinade is simple but powerful. It combines sweet, salty, and aromatic flavors that complement salmon perfectly:

Honey: Adds sweetness and caramelize the fish surface -this adds the crisp.
Soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to balance the honey.
Minced garlic: Adds depth.

Use equal parts honey and soy sauce for the base. For example, 1/4 cup of each works well for about 3/4 pound of salmon.

Marinade Time

Ideally, marinate the salmon for 2 to 4 hours in the fridge.
If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes improves the flavor.
Place the salmon in a shallow dish or resealable bag with the marinade, making sure it’s evenly coated.

Prep the Salmon

Choosing the Right Salmon

About 3/4 of a pound of salmon to make two 5-ounce cooked filets.
Skin-on filets are best for air frying because the skin sticks to the basket (most of the time) so the fish just slides right off once it's done cooking.

Air Frying Instructions

Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the drip tray by lining it with aluminum foil. This catches drips and makes cleanup easier.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel.
Place the salmon filets skin side down on the air fryer basket. The skin will stick but the cooked fish will slide off easily.
Cook for 10 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Check for doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.