This flavorful air fryer teriyaki salmon uses a simple homemade teriyaki sauce and fresh salmon fillets. Ready in about 15 minutes, it’s an easy, healthy dinner for busy weeknights.
What Makes This Recipe Great
This Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is quick, healthy, and delicious—ready in about 15 minutes with just a few everyday ingredients. The homemade teriyaki sauce balances savory and sweet without the extra sugar and additives found in many store-bought sauces. The result is tender, flaky salmon with plenty of flavor that the whole family will enjoy.
The dish is versatile: serve the salmon over rice for satisfying bowls, add it to a crisp salad for a lighter meal, or pair it with roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. Because it’s fast and adaptable, it’s a great go-to for weeknights.
Watch a Short Video of This Recipe
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh salmon fillet: Skin on or off. You can cube the salmon into bite-sized pieces or leave the fillets whole. Cubes increase the surface area for the sauce and boost flavor absorption.
- Green onions and sesame seeds: For garnish and texture.
- Avocado oil spray: Or any cooking spray to prevent sticking in the air fryer.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- Tamari or soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option; regular or low-sodium soy sauce also work. Coconut aminos can be substituted if you prefer.
- Honey or maple syrup: For sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for fresh flavor.
- Rice vinegar: A splash to brighten the sauce.
- Sesame oil: For toasted, nutty depth.
- Ground ginger: For warmth and spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Whisk all teriyaki sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
- Place the salmon in a separate bowl and pour half of the sauce over it. Toss gently to coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C). Lightly spray the basket or line it with parchment paper designed for air fryers.
- Arrange the salmon in a single layer in the basket or on the tray. Cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon is golden and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately. Drizzle with the remaining teriyaki sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Expert Tips
- The teriyaki marinade works great with other proteins—try it on chicken, steak, or shrimp in the air fryer.
- Cubing the salmon gives more surface area for the sauce to cling to, but cooking times remain similar whether using cubes or whole fillets.
Serving Tips
Make rice bowls by layering cooked white or brown rice with cucumber, shredded carrots, sliced avocado, and teriyaki salmon. Drizzle extra sauce over the bowl for added flavor.
Alternatively, serve the salmon with roasted vegetables, a side salad, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Leftover sauce is perfect for drizzling over vegetables or another protein.
Storage Tips
Salmon is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Keep any extra teriyaki sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for use later.
Reheat gently—either briefly in the microwave or in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes—to avoid overcooking and drying out the fish.
Recipe FAQs
Place salmon skin-side down in the air fryer so the skin crisps up while the flesh cooks evenly.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
Healthy Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Air Fryer Ham with Honey Glaze
Extra Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks
Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1½ lb salmon fillet, skin on or off; cut into cubes or leave whole
- Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup tamari, or soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey, or maple syrup
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients for the teriyaki sauce and set aside.
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Add salmon to a bowl and pour half of the sauce over it; toss to coat.
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the tray or basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
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Arrange salmon in a single layer and cook 5–7 minutes, flipping once, until golden and flaky.
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Serve hot with remaining sauce, sesame seeds, and green onions.
Notes
Expert Tips
- You can use the teriyaki marinade on other proteins like chicken, steak, or shrimp.
- Cubing the salmon helps the sauce penetrate more evenly, but whole fillets work fine too.
Serving Tips
Make bowls with rice, cucumbers, carrots, and avocado, then drizzle with teriyaki sauce. Or serve with roasted vegetables or a salad.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or at 350°F in the air fryer for a few minutes. Store extra sauce separately in the fridge.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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