Try this air fryer teriyaki salmon for a fast, flavorful dinner with tender, flaky fish and a sweet-savory glaze. It cooks in minutes and pairs perfectly with rice or veggies.
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Air fryer salmon brushed with my homemade gluten-free teriyaki sauce is one of those recipes I come back to again and again for an easy dinner. It cooks quickly, works well with simple ingredients, and still feels like a meal that took more effort than it actually did. If I forget to thaw a frozen fillet ahead of time, I can always cook the frozen salmon in the air fryer.
I especially appreciate salmon recipes like these that keep things practical for a busy weeknight dinner while still putting something fresh and filling on the table. Another one of my favorites is my simple salmon rice bowl with bite-sized air fried salmon pieces. Having options like these makes it easy to have a quick dinner around salmon without spending much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillet - The main protein, salmon provides a rich, buttery texture and holds up well to the sweet and savory teriyaki glaze.
- Homemade teriyaki sauce - Adds a glossy, sweet-savory flavor that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer and enhances the natural richness of the fish.
- Sea salt - Enhances the overall flavor and helps balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
- Ground black pepper - Adds mild heat and depth to round out the savory notes.
- Ichimi togarashi (chili pepper, optional) - Brings a subtle kick of heat and a hint of Japanese-inspired flavor that contrasts the sweetness of the glaze.
- Toasted sesame seeds - Provide a light crunch and nutty aroma that finishes the dish with texture and visual appeal.
- Neutral oil - Helps prevent sticking, promotes even cooking, and supports caramelization in the air fryer.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Set timer to 15 minutes. Then, pat the salmon fillet dry on all sides and score the salmon skin without cutting all the way through the flesh.
Place the scored salmon fillet onto the air fryer basket or try and lightly coat with oil, then season with ichimi togarashi (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 10 minutes, then brush all sides, except the skin, with the teriyaki sauce.
Continue airy frying until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C). Rest for 10 minutes.
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and enjoy.
Hint: Removing excess moisture helps the teriyaki glaze stick better and allows the surface to caramelize instead of steaming in the air fryer.
Variations
Here are some easy ways I like to customize this recipe:
- Make it sweeter or saltier - Adjust the teriyaki sauce by adding a little honey for extra sweetness or a splash of soy sauce for a deeper savory flavor.
- Add fresh aromatics - Mix in grated garlic or fresh ginger to the sauce for a stronger, more fragrant flavor.
- Turn up the heat - Increase the ichimi togarashi or add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for more spice.
- Add a citrus boost - Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice to brighten the rich salmon.
- Swap the protein - Use the same method and sauce on steelhead trout, shrimp, or even tofu for a different twist.
- Make it a bowl - Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles and top with sliced cucumbers, avocado, or shredded carrots for a complete meal.
Tips
Top tip: Don't overcook the salmon. Start checking a minute or two before the suggested cook time. Air fryers vary, and salmon turns dry quickly once it passes perfectly flaky.
More Cooking Tips for this air fryer teriyaki salmon recipe:
- Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes to help the salmon cook evenly from the start.
- Lightly oil the basket or use parchment made for air fryers to prevent sticking.
- Place the salmon skin-side down to help it hold its shape and stay juicy.
- Brush on extra teriyaki sauce during the last 1 to 2 minutes if you want a thicker, glossier glaze.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket so hot air can circulate properly.
- Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to keep the juices inside.
- Use a fork to gently test for doneness. The fish should flake easily but still look moist in the center.
Storage
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to let it cool completely before sealing to prevent excess moisture from building up inside the container. If you plan to meal prep, you can portion it out with rice or vegetables to make reheating even easier.
To reheat, I recommend using the air fryer at a lower temperature for just a few minutes to warm it through without drying it out. You can also reheat it gently in the microwave in short intervals, loosely covered, to help retain moisture. Be careful not to overheat, since salmon can dry out quickly once it's fully cooked.
FAQs
Yes! You can cook salmon from frozen in the air fryer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time and check for doneness to ensure it flakes easily in the center.
Teriyaki salmon in the air fryer is done when it flakes easily with a fork, and the center is opaque but still moist. Overcooking can make it dry, so start checking a minute or two before the suggested time.
Absolutely! Homemade teriyaki marinade sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. It actually develops more flavor after sitting for a few hours.
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Recipe
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 salmon fillet 200 grams
- 2 tablespoons homemade teriyaki sauce
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt add more to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper add more to taste
- generously pinch ichimi togarashi chili pepper (optional)
- pinch toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer at 380°F (195°C). Set at 15 minutes.
- Pat salmon fillet dry on all sides and score the salmon skin without cutting all the way through the flesh.
- Gently transfer the scored salmon fillet onto Air Fryer tray and lightly coat with oil, then season with ichimi togarashi (if using), salt, and black pepper. Slowly insert the Air Fryer tray with the seasoned salmon fillet into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch.
- Air Fry for 10 minutes, then brush all sides, except the skin, with the homemade teriyaki sauce. Return to the Air Fryer for 2 to 5 minutes and until the teriyaki-coated salmon is moist and flaky, reaching an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) and rest for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and enjoy.
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