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Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon - Quick, Sticky, and Flavor-Packed

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Salmon fillets: 4 skin-on fillets (about 6 ounces each), preferably center-cut for even cooking.
  • Honey: For sweetness and that glossy finish.
  • Sriracha: The heat and tang in the glaze.
  • Soy sauce (or tamari): Adds saltiness and umami.
  • Lime juice: Fresh-squeezed for brightness.
  • Garlic: 1–2 cloves, minced, for aromatic depth.
  • Ginger (optional): 1/2 teaspoon grated, for a warm kick.
  • Sesame oil (optional): A few drops for nuttiness.
  • Avocado or olive oil: For lightly coating the basket and brushing the fish.
  • Salt and black pepper: To season the salmon.
  • Green onions and sesame seeds (optional): For garnish.
  • Lime wedges: To serve.

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon dry. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dry fish browns better and helps the glaze cling.
  2. Season simply. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Don’t overdo the salt since the glaze has soy sauce.
  3. Mix the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons honey, 1–1.5 tablespoons sriracha (to taste), 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and ginger if using. Add a few drops of sesame oil for extra depth.
  4. Reserve a little glaze. Set aside 1–2 teaspoons of the glaze for brushing at the end. This keeps the final layer bright and sticky.
  5. Brush the salmon. Lightly brush the tops of the fillets with oil, then coat with about half of the remaining glaze. Don’t drench—too much can burn.
  6. Preheat the air fryer. Set to 390°F (200°C) for 3–4 minutes. A hot basket helps prevent sticking and promotes crisp edges.
  7. Prepare the basket. Lightly oil the air fryer basket or use a piece of perforated parchment made for air fryers. This minimizes sticking.
  8. Cook skin-side down. Place fillets in a single layer, skin down, with space between them. Air fry for 6 minutes.
  9. Glaze again. Open the basket and brush the fish with the remaining glaze (not the reserved final bit). Air fry another 2–4 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and registers 125–130°F in the thickest part for medium.
  10. Finish with a final brush. As soon as the salmon comes out, brush on the reserved 1–2 teaspoons of glaze. This adds shine and fresh flavor.
  11. Rest briefly. Let the salmon sit for 2 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime.