If you're looking for a quick and easy yet flavorful meal, try this Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon recipe!
I absolutely LOVE cooking salmon in the air fryer.
It's so easy, fast, and the salmon turns out so flavorful.
And when I'm craving air fryer salmon with an Asian-flavored twist, I love to make this Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon.
Table of contents
Kitchen tools and equipment
For this recipe, you just need a few basic kitchen tools:
Air fryer - I air fry this salmon in my Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL multicooker, or in my Instant Pot Vortex air fryer. You can use any basket style or tray-style air fryer that you have.
Parchment paper - You'll need to cut out a sheet of parchment paper to fit your air fryer basket or trays. This helps keep the flavor in the salmon and keeps the salmon from sticking to your air fryer.
Ingredients to make air fryer teriyaki salmon
Salmon - You'll need four salmon fillets that are between 4 and 6 ounces each. You can also make this with three salmon fillets if that's all you have. But if you make this with more than four salmon fillets, be sure to increase the amount of the seasonings to cover all of the fillets. You will also likely need to cook your salmon in batches.
Make sure you slice the salmon into similar-sized fillets. This helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.
Olive oil - You'll need some extra virgin olive oil for this dish.
Soy sauce - Use your favorite soy sauce. I love using this brand of coconut aminos that are gluten-free.
Ginger - You'll want to grate the ginger finely using a grater or zester.
Garlic- To keep the garlic from burning, the garlic should be in small pieces, either very finely minced or grated.
Light brown sugar - I use a small amount of light brown sugar to add a bit of caramel flavor to the salmon. I would not add more than what the recipe calls for.
Apple cider vinegar - Apple cider vinegar adds a slight tang to the sauce.
Optional: chives and sesame seeds - To really add to the visual appeal and to enhance the teriyaki flavors, try adding sliced chives or scallions and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
Step-by-step instructions
In a shallow dish, whisk together the soy sauce, ginger, garlic, light brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
Place the salmon fillets down, skin side up, and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Just before the 20 minutes are up, preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Line the air fryer basket or trays with parchment paper.
Take the salmon out of the refrigerator and place onto the lined air fryer trays or basket, skin side down. Depending on the size of your salmon fillets, you may need to cook them in batches of two fillets at a time. Or, you can use a rack to cook two on top of the two on the bottom of the basket.
Air fry at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes (see temperature guidelines for doneness levels).
Serve immediately.
Recipe FAQs
You do not need to flip the salmon in this recipe. The heat circulates in the air fryer, cooking all sides of the salmon.
Yes. Instead of parchment paper, you can put aluminum foil down in the air fryer basket or tray. Spray the top of the foil with avocado oil spray to keep the salmon from sticking.
Use a meat thermometer placed in the thickest part of the salmon fillet to check for doneness.
The USDA recommends cooking salmon to 145°F for well done salmon. However, if you are using high quality salmon from a trusted source, most food experts agree that you can cook it to medium rare or medium.
Salmon is cooked when the temperature reaches:
Medium-Rare: 125°F
Medium: 130° to 135°F
Well Done: 140°F
Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving. The salmon will continue to cook slightly during this rest period, usually bringing the final cook temperature to about 5°F more than the initial thermometer reading.
This air fryer salmon is best eaten right after it is cooked. However, you can allow the salmon to cool then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
What to serve with teriyaki salmon
I love eating teriyaki salmon over a bed of white rice.
This dish is also delicious when served with any of the following side dishes:
Best wine pairings for teriyaki salmon
Many of the wines that traditionally pair well with salmon will also pair well with this teriyaki salmon dish. You just need to be careful because the teriyaki does add a whole new level of umami to the palate.
I love to pair this teriyaki dish with an Albariño. This white wine has high acidity, a hint of salinity, and citrus notes that pair well with both teriyaki flavors and salmon.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 (4 to 6 ounce) salmon fillets, with the skin or without
- ¼ cup soy sauce*
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- sesame seeds and sliced green onions or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the soy sauce, ginger, garlic, light brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Place the salmon fillets down, skin side up, and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Just before the 20 minutes are up, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Line the air fryer basket or trays with parchment paper. Take the salmon out of the refrigerator and place onto the lined air fryer trays or basket, skin side down. Air fry at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes (see temperature guidelines for doneness levels). Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Medium-Rare: 125°F
- Medium: 130°F
- Well Done: 140°F
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
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Carrie Robinson says
This teriyaki glaze is absolute perfection! Such a great idea to make salmon in the air fryer. :)
Wanda says
Salmon is one of my favourite fishes! I'm putting an air fryer on my birthday wish list so I can make this recipe!
Tavo says
One of the best salmon recipes I have tried so far! Thanks for sharing!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Yay! So glad you love it, Tavo!
Jess says
I love the teriyaki flavor of this salmon. Such a yummy twist on classic salmon!
Shanika Graham-White says
I love my air fryer! Trying this recipe ASAP. Thank you!!