Teriyaki Salmon in Air Fryer – Only 3 Ingredients!

Looking for a quick, healthy dinner that’s packed with flavor and comes together in minutes? This easy air fryer teriyaki salmon is the answer. Made with just 3 simple ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and anyone craving an easy Japanese-inspired meal. You’ll get juicy, perfectly cooked salmon with a delicious sweet-savory glaze, all in under 15 minutes! If you love simple recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor, this 3-ingredient salmon recipe will become a weeknight favorite.

If you prefer a miso-glazed salmon that’s just as easy, check out my Air Fryer Miso Salmon recipe. Both recipes deliver perfectly juicy salmon in under 15 minutes, making them ideal for busy nights. I keep these on rotation whenever I need a quick, high-protein meal. Give them both a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super fast (under 15 minutes)
• Fool proof recipe
• Minimal cleanup
• High in protein and omega-3s
• Kid- and weeknight-friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Salmon fillets (fresh or frozen) – Salmon is the star of this recipe. You can use either fresh or frozen fillets-both work great in the air fryer. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them fully and pat dry to remove excess moisture, which helps the glaze stick better. I usually use skinless fillets, but skin-on salmon works just as well.
• Soy sauce – Soy sauce brings the deep umami flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of honey. It acts as the salty base of your simple teriyaki-style glaze. Use regular soy sauce for a bold taste, or opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Honey – Traditional teriyaki sauce is made with a blend of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. In this recipe, I’ve simplified it by using just soy sauce and honey. It cuts down on ingredients without sacrificing flavor. The honey adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully in the air fryer. Trust me—it still tastes just as delicious with fewer steps! You can also substitute maple syrup or brown sugar if preferred.
• Optional: sesame seeds, green onion, or lemon slices for garnish

How to Make Teriyaki Salmon in the Air Fryer

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. This recipe is perfect for 1–2 servings, and most standard air fryers can handle that amount comfortably. However, if you’re doubling the recipe, make sure to give each salmon fillet enough space in the air fryer basket. Proper air circulation is key to even cooking. Cook in batches if needed, especially if your air fryer has a smaller basket.
• Check internal temp (145°F recommended). For perfectly cooked salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. The doneness of your salmon will depend on the thickness and size of the fillet. Thicker cuts may take a minute or two longer than thinner ones. A good sign that the salmon is done is when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque throughout. Overcooking will dry it out, so monitor it closely, especially in the last couple of minutes.
• Parchment for easy cleanup. I like to line my air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. It not only saves time on scrubbing afterward, but also keeps the salmon and glaze from sticking to the basket or burning.
• Foil to cover the salmon so the sauce does not burn. Foil is a great tool when air frying salmon, especially with sticky or sugary glazes like honey-teriyaki. It helps keep your air fryer clean by preventing the sauce from dripping or burning onto the basket. More importantly, it locks in moisture, keeping the salmon tender and juicy. If you’re using a sweet glaze, loosely covering the salmon with aluminum foil during cooking helps shield it from direct heat, preventing the sugars from burning or turning bitter. For a slightly caramelized finish, simply remove the foil in the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or salad
• Great for bento boxes or meal prep

Storage & Reheating Teriyaki Salmon

• Storing:
  • If you have any leftovers, let the salmon cool completely before storing. Place the pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2–3 days. Be sure to keep any remaining sauce with the salmon to help it stay moist and flavorful when reheating. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can use either the microwave or air fryer:
  • Microwave: Place the salmon on a microwave-safe bowl/ plate and cover with plastic wrap. Heat in 30 second intervals until warmed through. This method is helps retain moisture without drying out the fish.
  • Air Fryer: Reheat at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes. Wrap the salmon loosely in foil to prevent it from drying out or overcooking. This method restores a bit of that just-cooked texture while keeping the glaze intact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Teriyaki Salmon

• What if I don’t have an air fryer? No air fryer? No problem! You can easily make this teriyaki salmon in a conventional oven as well. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the salmon in foil and parchment paper to lock in moisture and prevent the glaze from burning. Place the wrapped fillets on a baking tray and bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily and is cooked through. It’s just as delicious and still super easy!
• Can I use frozen salmon? Yes both frozen and fresh salmon work just a well for this recipe! If you use frozen salmon, make sure it is fully thawed. Make sure to wipe off excess moisture before using.
• What kind of teriyaki sauce is best? If you want to use store-bought teriyaki sauce, that is perfectly fine! I like Bachan’s teriyaki sauce.
• How do I keep salmon from drying out in the air fryer? I recommend wrapping the salmon in foil before placing it in the air fryer. This helps lock in moisture, ensuring the salmon stays tender and juicy while preventing the honey-soy glaze from burning. It’s an easy way to get perfectly cooked, flavorful salmon every time!