Make Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon In Under 25 Minutes
Hi, I’m Sarah. welcome to Airfryer Diaries, where every dish has a story and every recipe is a little piece of my mom’s kitchen.
One of her most comforting creations was salmon glazed in a sweet, sticky sauce and served with warm rice. Inspired by those flavors, this Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s fast, delicious, and uses just a few ingredients, making it perfect for anyone who wants a satisfying dinner without the stress.
With the magic of the air fryer, you can get crispy-edged salmon in under 30 minutes all coated in a rich homemade teriyaki glaze. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just need a go-to meal after work, this Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon hits all the marks.
Discover great ideas like High Protein Summer Dinners to pair with this go-to salmon dish.
If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss, this Quick Weeknight Favorite is sure to earn a permanent spot in your rotation.
Table of Contents
Why Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is the Ultimate Weeknight Favorite
Air Fryer Salmon: Fast, Flavorful, and Fuss-Free
Air fryers have transformed how we cook, especially on busy weeknights. And when it comes to seafood, this Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick, mess-free, and full of flavor crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside.
It also happens to be a healthy salmon recipe. Rich in protein and omega-3s, salmon supports heart and brain health, and the air fryer keeps things light by skipping the extra oil. Plus, if you’re cooking for dietary needs, this can easily be made as a gluten-free teriyaki salmon just swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Check out Air Fryer Pesto Chicken for another healthy air fryer meal that’s just as easy.
Why It’s a Go-To for Busy Nights
This recipe isn’t just fast it’s flexible. You can use fresh or frozen salmon, make the teriyaki glaze from scratch or tweak it with pantry swaps, and pair it with just about any side. And because it’s made in the air fryer, cleanup is a breeze.
Whether you’re new to air frying or just want something quick and satisfying, this Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is your new staple.
Discover great ideas like High Protein Summer Dinners to pair with this dish and build a complete meal.
Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Equipment
- Air Fryer I personally use this air fryer for all my salmon recipes.
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
Teriyaki marinade
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari to make gluten‑free)
- 2 tbsp mirin (or rice vinegar + sugar)
- 1 tbsp sake (or dry sherry)
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) patted dry if thawed
Finishes
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake, garlic, ginger, and a little water; bring to a simmer and stir in cornstarch slurry until thickened. Cool.
- Pat salmon dry. Marinate fillets in cooled teriyaki sauce for about 15 minutes at room temperature (or overnight in fridge).
- Preheat air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C). Place salmon skin‑side down in basket without overlapping.
- Air fry for 7–9 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145 °F (63 °C) and edges are crispy.
- Brush with reserved warm teriyaki sauce, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Ingredients for a Perfect Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Fresh or Frozen? Choosing the Right Salmon
For the best results in this Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon, fresh salmon is ideal. It’s more flavorful and cooks evenly in the air fryer. If using frozen, just thaw it fully and pat it dry excess moisture prevents that crispy, caramelized finish.
Simple Pantry Staples, Big Flavor
You don’t need fancy ingredients to make an amazing teriyaki glaze from scratch. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Soy Sauce – the savory base
- Mirin or Rice Vinegar + Sugar – for sweetness and balance
- Cooking Sake or Dry Sherry – adds richness
- Garlic & Ginger – bring warmth and depth
- Cornstarch – thickens the sauce for better coating
This simple combo delivers more flavor than any store-bought bottle. It also makes your air fryer teriyaki salmon feel fresher and more personalized.
Check out Air Fryer Pomegranate Glazed Salmon for another homemade glaze idea.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Teriyaki Salmon in the Air Fryer
Prepping the Salmon for Maximum Flavor
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry. This simple step helps the homemade teriyaki glaze stick better and gives you that gorgeous caramelized crust. Whether you’re using fresh or thawed salmon, make sure it’s fully dry before marinating.
Now, let the salmon soak in your homemade teriyaki sauce. Just 15 minutes at room temperature is enough for the flavors to penetrate. You can also prep it the night before for even more depth.
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How Long and at What Temperature?
Place the marinated fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t overlap airflow is key for even cooking.
- Set temperature: 400°F
- Cook time: 7–9 minutes
- Internal temp: 145°F at the thickest point (use a digital thermometer)
Avoid overcooking salmon continues to cook slightly after it’s removed. If the fillet flakes easily with a fork, you’re good to go.
Looking for inspiration? Try Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Bread with Tortillas on the side for a fun twist on a classic combo.
Final Touches That Make a Difference
Before serving, brush on a little extra warm teriyaki sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
These small details elevate your easy air fryer teriyaki salmon into a true quick weeknight favorite one that looks and tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did.
Teriyaki Sauce Mastery: Homemade vs Store-Bought
Make It Fresh, Make It Better
For this Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon, homemade teriyaki sauce really makes a difference. It takes just minutes to mix soy sauce, mirin, garlic, ginger, and sugar plus a little cornstarch to thicken. The result? A glaze that’s bold, fresh, and perfectly sticky.
Homemade lets you adjust the flavor and skip unnecessary additives. It’s healthier and more flavorful especially when it caramelizes in the air fryer.
When Store-Bought Works
Short on time? A good bottled sauce can do the job. Just choose one low in sodium and made with real ingredients. Boost it with fresh ginger or garlic for a flavor lift.
Don’t miss our Best Air Fryer Chicken Recipes many of them pair perfectly with this same teriyaki glaze.
Best Side Dishes to Pair with Teriyaki Salmon
Quick, Tasty Pairings
This Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon pairs beautifully with simple sides. Steamed rice, brown or jasmine, is a classic choice it soaks up that teriyaki glaze perfectly.
Need something green? Go for:
- Steamed or air-fried broccoli
- Garlic sautéed bok choy
- Crisp cabbage slaw with sesame dressing
Check out Crispy Air Fryer Red Potatoes if you want something heartier.
Fun Extras for Variety
Want to mix things up? Try cold soba noodles, veggie stir-fry, or even build a bento box with salmon, rice, and pickled veggies. Quick, balanced, and full of flavor.
Discover great ideas like Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes for a fun and colorful side.
Storage, Meal Prep, and Freezing Tips
Storing Leftovers
Got extras? This Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just store it in an airtight container.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes to keep it crisp.
Prep Ahead or Freeze
Marinate your salmon the night before for even more flavor. You can also freeze cooked salmon just wrap it well and store it for up to 3 months.
Learn more about Air Fryer Tips and Hacks to make weeknight cooking even easier.
Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes
Don’t Overcook the Salmon
For this Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon, check doneness at 7 minutes. You want flaky, moist salmon not dry. Aim for an internal temp of 145°F.
I personally use this air fryer for all my salmon recipes.
Go Easy on the Glaze
Too much sauce can lead to soggy or burned edges. Brush lightly before cooking and save extra sauce for after.
Glaze Too Thin?
Simmer it longer or add a little cornstarch. Let it cool before marinating so it sticks better.
Looking for inspiration? Try Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes an easy side that’s always a hit.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before marinating.
What temp should salmon reach?
Cook to 145°F at the thickest part.
Can I reuse the marinade?
Only if it hasn’t touched raw salmon. If it has, boil it first.
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