Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

Name: Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 19 min
Ingredients: 16 -18 ounces salmon filets (3 pieces about 5.5 ounces each); 1 cup bottled teriyaki sauce (you may need less); Toasted sesame seeds; Sliced Green onions (chives); Red pepper flakes (optional)

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This air fryer teriyaki salmon is the perfect easy weeknight meal. This delicious dinner cooks up in less than 10 minutes and is full of flavor. The whole family will love it and will beg for it again and again.

Love salmon? Try my easy baked Sweet Chili Salmon recipe.

air fryer teriyaki salmon on a plate with rice

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Why you'll love it

Healthy main dish - feel good feeding yourself and your family a dinner that's full of omega-3 fatty acids. These important fats are often touted for their health benefits like fighting inflammation and improving heart health.

Teriyaki flavor - If you love Asian inspired taste, you'll love the addicting umami flavor of this teriyaki salmon.

Delicious weeknight meal - we're all about getting good food on the table on those busy weeknights when we don't have hours to spend cooking and cleaning up.

Simple ingredients - fresh salmon and store bought bottled teriyaki sauce are readily available items you can pick up the next time you run to the local grocery store.

Easy air fryer recipe - we love our air fryer because it uses hot air instead of hot oil to cook foods perfectly crispy.

Ingredients

Fresh salmon - I used fresh (not frozen) salmon so cooking time is based on that. My filets were a little over 5 ounces each. If you have frozen salmon it's best to thaw it first so it can be marinated in the teriyaki sauce. I used skinless salmon, but if you can use it with the skin on. If you plan to eat the skin, be sure the scales have been removed.

Bottled teriyaki sauce - it's important to use a high quality teriyaki sauce because this is where the flavor is coming from. I used Three Dragons and it is so delicious. Soy Vay also has one as well as many different flavor profiles if you want to change up the taste a little bit. There are gluten free versions as well as sugar free versions available on Amazon.

Toasted sesame seeds - you can buy them already toasted or toast them yourself.

Garnishes like sliced green onions, chives, picked red onions, and cucumbers.

Instructions

Pat salmon filets dry with paper towels. Run your fingers over the filets to be sure all the bones have been removed. If you find a bone, use tweezers of your fingernails to pull it out.

Pour about ¼ to ⅓ cup of the teriyaki sauce in a large bowl or shallow dish. Place filets in the bowl and coat both sides (if skin is on, you only need to marinate the meat side). Let salmon marinate for 10 to 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes.

Place parchment paper that's been cut to fit in the air fryer basket. (Aluminum foil will also work, just be sure to spray it with non-stick cooking spray first). Take salmon out of the teriyaki marinade and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. (Place salmon skin side down if that's what you are using).

Set air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F. Cook salmon for 7 to 9 minutes (mine was done at 7 minutes) or until a meat thermometer measures an internal temperature of 135 to 140 degrees F at the thickest part. When done, salmon should flake easily with a fork.

While the salmon cooks, warm up ¼ cup of the teriyaki sauce in a small saucepan or microwave.

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top of the salmon. Serve with a warmed sauce to dip or pour over.

Tips

Cook times will vary based on the thickness of the fish. I recommend checking fish at the 5 or 6 minute mark so you can determine how much longer it needs to cook. Use a meat thermometer for best results.

Try this parchment paper that's cut especially for the air fryer.

Quick facts

How do I toast sesame seeds?

Add sesame seeds to a hot, dry skillet that's been heated over medium high heat. Cook stirring the seeds around for about one minute or two minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.

How do I make homemade teriyaki sauce?

You'll need ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup mirin, ¼ cup sake, and ¼ cup water. Add all ingredients to a saucepan and cook over medium heat until reduced by half (½ cup). If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon of white sugar, brown sugar or maple syrup.

Is teriyaki sauce and teriyaki glaze the same thing?

Sauces are usually used during cooking and glazes are usually used after cooking. This recipe uses a sauce that is thick enough to use as a marinade, sauce and glaze.

How to store and reheat

Store leftover air fryer teriyaki salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheat in the microwave at medium power until hot, just a minute or two. Reheat in the oven, covered in foil, at 300 degree F until heated through. Reheat in the the air fryer at 300 degree F for 2 or 3 minutes or until heated through.

Reheated salmon is likely to dry out so it's best to have some extra sauce to drizzle over. Or serve cold with a salad.

Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat as described above.

What goes good with Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon?

We love white rice or brown rice with our cooked salmon. You may also like these recipes:

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