If you’re in the mood for a mouthwatering meal that’s crispy, sweet, and spicy, look no further than this Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon. The combination of crispy salmon paired with a sweet and spicy honey-sriracha glaze creates an irresistible dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a salmon lover or looking to add a new dish to your weeknight dinner rotation, this recipe is sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make this Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon recipe. From the origin of the recipe to the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for variations, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
What is Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon?
Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon is a simple yet flavorful dish where salmon fillets are cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer and then glazed with a spicy, sweet, and tangy honey-sriracha glaze. The air fryer makes it quick and easy, ensuring the salmon comes out crispy on the outside while staying moist and tender inside. The glaze combines honey for sweetness, sriracha for heat, and a touch of soy sauce and garlic for depth of flavor.
This dish is the perfect balance of flavors — the natural richness of the salmon complements the sweet-spicy glaze, making it a crowd-pleasing meal.
Origin of Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon
While the exact origin of this recipe isn’t known, the trend of combining honey and sriracha is a popular one in the culinary world. The combination of sweet and spicy is a staple in many Asian-inspired dishes, where honey, soy sauce, and sriracha are often used to create a glaze or sauce for meats, seafood, or vegetables. The introduction of the air fryer into home kitchens has made preparing crispy dishes faster and healthier, and it’s no surprise that it has become the preferred method for cooking this crispy honey sriracha salmon.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon (2–3 servings)
For the Salmon:
- 2–3 salmon fillets (skin on or off, depending on preference)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
For the Honey Sriracha Glaze:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1–1.5 tbsp sriracha (adjust the heat level to your preference)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic (or garlic powder for convenience)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Prep the Salmon:
- Pat dry the salmon fillets with a paper towel. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, then season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (optional). Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
2. Mix the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the glaze:
- Honey
- Sriracha
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar or lime juice
- Minced garlic
The glaze should be thick and flavorful, with the right balance of sweetness and spice. Adjust the sriracha if you want a milder or spicier kick.
3. Air Fry the Salmon:
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, if applicable.
- Air fry the salmon for about 5 minutes to allow the exterior to begin crisping up.
- After 5 minutes, brush a thick layer of the honey-sriracha glaze on top of the salmon fillets.
- Continue to air fry for another 3–5 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 125–135°F for moist, tender salmon.
4. Caramelize (Optional but Delicious):
If you want the glaze to become extra crispy and caramelized:
- Brush on extra glaze and air fry for an additional 1 minute. This will create a crispy, caramelized edge that’s full of flavor.
Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon
Here are some ideas to complete your meal with Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon:
- Serve the salmon over a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
- Pair it with steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a light and refreshing cucumber salad.
- For extra flavor, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions to add a pop of color and a hint of crunch.
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon
- For extra crispiness: Drizzle a tiny bit of oil on top of the salmon before the final minute of air frying.
- Want it spicier? Add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to kick up the heat.
- For a stickier glaze: Add an extra spoonful of honey to make the glaze thicker and sweeter.
Variations of Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon
While this recipe is already amazing, there are several ways you can customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs:
1. Sweet and Savory with a Hint of Ginger:
Add a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger to the glaze for an aromatic twist that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey and the heat of the sriracha.
2. Tropical Twist with Pineapple:
For a tropical variation, try adding pineapple juice or a bit of diced pineapple to the glaze. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the sriracha, creating a fruity, spicy flavor profile.
3. For Keto-Friendly Salmon:
If you’re following a keto diet, use a sugar-free honey substitute and adjust the glaze ingredients to ensure it’s low in carbs while still deliciously sweet and spicy.
4. Use Other Fish:
While salmon is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with trout, mackerel, or cod. Just adjust the cooking times based on the thickness of the fish fillets.
FAQs about Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon
Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best results. If using frozen salmon, increase the air frying time by a few minutes.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.
Q3: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the salmon for about 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Add the glaze during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow it to caramelize.
Q4: Can I make the glaze in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before using.
Q5: Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice depends on how much sriracha you use. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha to suit your preference.
Conclusion: Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon – A Quick and Flavorful Delight!
There you have it—Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon, a dish that’s quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. With its crispy exterior, tender salmon inside, and sweet-spicy glaze, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at a dinner party, this salmon dish is sure to become a favorite. So fire up your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this deliciously crispy, sweet, and spicy meal tonight!
