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Seafood

Air Fryer Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Mar 25, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
Japanese 22 mins air-fryer-friendlyhealthyeasyquickgluten-freehigh-proteinlow-fatfamily-friendlyweeknight-dinner30-minutes-or-lesssavorycrisp

Prepare quick and healthy Air Fryer Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with crispy skin and a flavorful homemade glaze. This high-protein, gluten-free seafood main course is perfect for easy weeknight dinners and family meals.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Glazed Salmon
Prep 10 min
Cook 12 min
Total 22 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Cuisine Japanese

Recipe Details

Prep10 min
Cook12 min
Total22 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisineJapanese
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Ingredients

Servings 4
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thicker glaze)
  • Cooking spray or a little oil for air fryer basket
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, mirin, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  2. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes to meld flavors. For a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in sesame oil, and let cool slightly.
  3. Pat salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
  6. Carefully brush the teriyaki glaze generously over the salmon fillets after 8 minutes.
  7. Continue air frying for an additional 4 minutes to let the glaze caramelize and finish cooking. Salmon should reach 125°F to 130°F internal temperature for medium doneness.
  8. Remove salmon from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes.
  9. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

If you want to customize this recipe based on dietary needs or ingredient availability, try these substitutions while maintaining flavor and nutrition:

  • Salmon Fillets: Swap with firm fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass. For a vegetarian option, use thick slices of marinated tofu or tempeh.
  • Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Replace with tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for soy-free alternatives.
  • Mirin: Use a mix of rice vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar or honey to replicate sweetness and acidity.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: Substitute with agave nectar or brown rice syrup to keep it vegan or alter sweetness.
  • Toasted Sesame Oil: Use neutral oils like grapeseed or avocado if you prefer less sesame flavor or need an allergy-friendly swap.
  • Cornstarch Slurry: Try arrowroot powder or potato starch for gluten-free thickening.

These modifications ensure the recipe stays quick, healthy, family-friendly, and delicious without sacrificing texture or taste.

Air Fryer Model Notes

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Glazed Salmon recipe is designed for quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights. However, cooking times and results can vary depending on your air fryer’s model, size, and airflow system.

Basket Size & Cooking Space: Smaller air fryers may require cooking salmon fillets in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper air circulation for crispy skin. Larger units can cook all four fillets simultaneously.

Temperature Accuracy: Air fryer temps differ between models—if yours runs hotter, reduce cook time by 1–2 minutes to avoid overcooking; if cooler, add a few minutes as needed.

Airflow and Fan Power: Stronger, multi-directional fans promote even caramelization of the teriyaki glaze and consistent crispy skin. Rotate the basket halfway if airflow is less uniform.

Use Manual Settings: Manual temperature and time controls are preferred over preset fish modes for precise cooking. Aim for an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F for medium doneness and moist, tender salmon.

Adjust based on your device and always verify doneness with a thermometer to maintain this recipe’s healthy, savory, and crispy results.

Crispiness Control

Achieve perfectly crispy skin by drying salmon fillets completely before cooking. Use paper towels to remove all moisture from the skin side.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and lightly oil the basket to prevent sticking and promote crisping.

Cook skin-side down first to render fat evenly and maximize crispiness.

For extra crispiness, you can extend the initial cooking time by 1–2 minutes before applying the glaze—just watch closely to prevent overcooking.

Apply the glaze and air fry for about 4 minutes more, allowing caramelization while maintaining a juicy interior. This method balances a crisp, flavorful skin with tender fish, ideal for a healthy, family-friendly weeknight dinner.

Reheat In The Air Fryer

To reheat Teriyaki Glazed Salmon in your air fryer and preserve its crispy skin and flaky texture, follow these tips:

  • Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for even gentle reheating.
  • Place fillets skin-side down with space between to allow hot air circulation.
  • Reheat for 3–5 minutes, checking at 3 minutes to avoid drying out.
  • Optionally brush leftover teriyaki glaze on the salmon just before reheating to add moisture and flavor; avoid applying too early to prevent burning.
  • Lightly oil the basket or spray to prevent sticking.
  • Let salmon rest 1–2 minutes post-reheat to redistribute juices.

Safety note: Reheat until salmon reaches 125°F to 130°F for optimal texture and safety without overcooking.

This quick reheating method keeps the salmon moist, flavorful, and crisp, making it perfect for healthy meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.

What To Serve With This In The Air Fryer

Complete your Japanese-inspired meal with these easy, air fryer-friendly side dishes that perfectly complement the savory glaze and crispy salmon:

  • Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans: Fresh green beans tossed with garlic and a touch of sesame oil for a vibrant, healthy side.
  • Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy and light rolls filled with shredded cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms, ideal for a kid-friendly appetizer or side.
  • Air Fryer Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted, air-fried edamame pods add extra protein and make a great gluten-free snack or side.
  • Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Naturally sweet and crunchy fries that bring a tasty contrast to the teriyaki glaze.
  • Air Fryer Jasmine Rice Balls: Steamed jasmine rice shaped into balls, brushed with soy sauce, and air fried for a crispy exterior—perfect for soaking up extra glaze.

All are quick, healthy, and gluten-free, making your meal balanced, flavorful, and convenient.

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