Air Fryer Maple Glazed Salmon.

A beginner-friendly recipe for salmon fillets cooked in an air fryer and coated with a maple soy glaze, featuring a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on preferred for stability)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (avoid pancake syrup for best flavor)
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (helps emulsify the glaze and adds a subtle tang)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon sriracha (optional, adds a mild kick to balance the sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels.
3. Lightly brush or rub each fillet with olive oil, then season uniformly all over with the kosher salt and black pepper.
4. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, low-sodium soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha until thoroughly combined.
5. Reserve about one-third of the glaze in a separate small dish to use as a finishing drizzle after cooking.
6. Place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down directly into the air fryer basket (you can line it with perforated parchment paper for easier cleanup, but make sure the holes allow proper airflow).
7. Air fry at 200°C for 4 minutes to let the fish begin cooking through and firm up its exterior.
8. Open the air fryer basket carefully. Using a basting brush, generously coat the top and sides of each salmon fillet with the maple glaze mixture.
9. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
10. Check for doneness: The salmon should easily flake with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 60°C (140°F) at its thickest part.
11. Remove the fillets from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes.
12. Drizzle with the reserved glaze, garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and serve alongside fresh lemon wedges.

Notes

Choose center-cut salmon fillets of even thickness to ensure even cooking. Watch the sugars as maple syrup burns easily; if your air fryer runs hot, lower the temperature to 190°C (380°F) during the final minutes of glazing. This dish pairs well with garlic butter asparagus, roasted broccoli, or jasmine rice. Nutritional information per serving: 385 kcal, 16g Total Fat, 2.5g Saturated Fat, 85mg Cholesterol, 580mg Sodium, 18g Total Carbohydrates, 0.5g Dietary Fiber, 15g Sugars, 34g Protein.