This Air-Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is quick to make and absolutely delicious—the perfect light and easy protein-packed dinner!
Teriyaki salmon has a gleaming glaze that perfectly flavors the flesh of the salmon with its umami-rich ingredients.
The word teriyaki translates to glazed (teri) and grilled (yaki), referring to the method by which fish and meat were prepared in 17th-century Japan. While teriyaki has always involved a glaze, the modern, thicker, and sweeter teriyaki sauce commonly found in the US (especially bottled versions) is largely a product of Japanese-American cuisine, particularly in Hawaii.
Although these salmon fillets aren’t grilled, the teriyaki sauce infuses them with a delightfully sweet and slightly smoky flavor. The air fryer caramelizes the sauce, creating a sticky, savory glaze that makes the salmon irresistibly delicious.
Is Air-Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Healthy?
Yes! Salmon is a good source of protein, omega-3, and vitamins B12 and D. Cooking salmon in the air fryer also eliminates the need for oil used in regular frying or sautéing, but it still gives us a crisp, tasty outside and flaky, moist interior.
Making the sauce at home instead of using a store-bought variety ensures fewer additives, sodium, and sugar.
To lighten the sauce even more, replace the brown sugar with honey or your favorite sugar-free sweetener, and replace the cornstarch with arrowroot. These tradeoffs will make the dish Whole30 compatible, as well as keto-friendly and paleo-friendly.
Choosing the best Salmon
Choose wild-caught or sustainably farm-raised salmon, and you can’t go wrong. All varieties of salmon are high in protein and essential nutrients, but not all may be readily available in your local grocery store.
You can buy most types of salmon in frozen fillets, but for fresh salmon, you may have a limited selection depending on the season and where you live.
For example, King salmon, a Pacific salmon, can be found in the summer or fall along the west coast of North America, mostly from Alaska, but as far south as California. There are other varieties of Pacific salmon, such as sockeye, pink, silver, and keta, too.
How to Make Ahead and Store
To make air-fried teriyaki salmon ahead, prepare the sauce, use half to marinate, and store the rest overnight in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can also freeze the salmon at this stage for up to 3 months.
Since the salmon cooks quickly, wait until you are ready to serve it to cook it. This will also ensure you’re getting the juiciest salmon, as it will gradually dry out the longer it rests. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Air-fryer teriyaki salmon is super versatile and goes well with any veggie, salad, or grain. My go-to is jasmine or Ginger Rice with Sautéed Broccoli.
For a unique dish that is healthy and delicious, serve teriyaki salmon over Soba Noodles with avocado and crispy sugar peas. Another tasty way to enjoy this fish is over gluten-free, Honey-Garlic Instant-Pot Noodles.
Pro tip: Double your teriyaki sauce to pour over your rice, veggies, or whatever you serve. You’ll want extra!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 4 salmon fillets about 5 ounces each
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water for slurry
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
- Place salmon fillets in a dish and pour half of the marinade over them. Allow to marinate for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Meanwhile, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry.
- Pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the slurry, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Place marinated salmon in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon is cooked through.
- Serve the salmon drizzled with the thickened teriyaki sauce.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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