Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon with Basil & Honey
You have never tasted salmon like this
This Air Fryer Salmon recipe is quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to deliver crisped and golden edges with a buttery and juicy center every single time. With fresh basil, a blend of whole grain and Dijon mustard, a touch of honey, and olive oil, this is a salmon recipe that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something amazing.
The air fryer makes this dish minimal effort and truly foolproof—you’ll never have to worry about salmon that’s dry or overcooked again. In fact, this recipe is made in 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, or even a quick dinner party main. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this is your new go-to healthy air fryer salmon recipe.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 380
Protein: 34g
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
· Quick and easy air fryer salmon with honey mustard glaze.
· Works with marinades, rubs, or simple seasonings.
· The air fryer basket gives the salmon that caramelized finish.
· High-protein, low-carb, gluten-free.
· Packed with protein, omega-3s, and nutrients.
· Delicious for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or healthy lunches.
· Perfect for air fryer beginners, meal preppers, or clean eaters.
Ingredients
· 1 lb salmon, skin-on fillets recommended
· 30 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· 1 tablespoon honey
· 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
· ½ tablespoon salt
· 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together basil, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
3. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels, then place salmon on parchment paper.
4. Coat the salmon evenly with the basil honey mustard glaze.
5. Lay the parchment paper with salmon down in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
6. Air fry at 380°F for 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet. No need to flip.
7. Salmon should flake easily and reach an internal temp of 145°F.
8. Serve hot with lemon wedges or your favorite air fryer side dishes.
Nutritional Breakdown
· Calories: 380
· Protein: 34g
· Fiber: 0g
Variations & Substitutions
· Keep skin on for a crisp finish and extra nutrients.
· Skip the honey for a low-sugar version.
· Add lemon zest and garlic powder for a citrusy twist.
· Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
· Pair with Greek yogurt dill sauce or Caesar dressing.
· Swap mustard for teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired versionss.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Make the basil-mustard sauce up to 24 hours ahead and store in the fridge.
Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F.
Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or eat chilled over salads.
Great paired with roasted veggies, quinoa, or salad for healthy dinner meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen salmon with no thaw?
A: Yes! Just add 4–6 extra minutes of cook time. Works great for air fryer frozen salmon no thaw recipes.
Q: How do I get crispy salmon skin in the air fryer?
A: Preheat the air fryer and cook skin-side down for the best results.
Q: Is this good for weight loss?
A: Absolutely. It’s low calorie, low carb, and has 22g of protein to keep you full.
Q: Can I make it skinless?
A: Yes! Just cook as directed. It works great as an air fryer skinless salmon recipe.
Q: Is air fryer salmon family-friendly?
A: Definitely. The mild basil-mustard flavor is kid-approved, and you can adjust seasoning as needed.
Q: What’s the best air fryer salmon cooking time at 400°F?
A: 7–8 minutes for a standard 180g fillet. Add 1–2 minutes for thicker cuts.
Final Thoughts
This Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon is everything you want in a weeknight recipe: crisped and golden on the outside, buttery and juicy inside, and ready in just 15 minutes. With a flavorful basil-mustard-honey marinade, it’s proof that salmon can be both minimal effort and never dried out.
Whether you’re a beginner making air fryer salmon for the first time or an experienced cook looking for a new spin, this recipe guarantees a perfect texture every time. Pair with vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a complete healthy, high-protein meal that’s versatile enough for meal prep or family dinners.
Tried this recipe? Let us know what you think leave a comment below—What twists would you make?
“Fish in the hands of a skilled cook can become an inexhaustible source of gustatory pleasures.”
