If you’re on the hunt for a quick yet flavorful dinner option that brings the taste of the Pacific Rim to your kitchen, look no further than this Air-Fryer Teriyaki Salmon. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to whip up a restaurant-quality meal in a fraction of the time. The rich, savory sauce combined with tender, flaky salmon makes for a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Plus, using an air fryer means less mess and a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Air-Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is a delightful combination of simplicity and flavor. Here are a few reasons to fall in love with this dish:
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of around 10 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious meal in no time.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is not only delicious but also good for your heart.
- Flavorful Sauce: The homemade teriyaki sauce is a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy, elevating the salmon to new heights.
- Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Ingredient Checklist
Before we get cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delectable Air-Fryer Teriyaki Salmon:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 4 salmon fillets (about 5 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water for slurry
Equipment Breakdown
To make this Air-Fryer Teriyaki Salmon, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Air Fryer: The star of the show that allows for quick and healthy cooking.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the teriyaki sauce ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure the sauce is well mixed.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula or Tongs: For flipping the salmon fillets in the air fryer.
Directions: Air-Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Ready to create this flavorful dish? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the salmon, making sure each fillet is well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour for more intense flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. This will help thicken the remaining teriyaki sauce for serving.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden color.
Step 5: Cook the Salmon
Remove the salmon from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
While the salmon is cooking, pour the remaining teriyaki sauce into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the salmon is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over the salmon fillets and serve immediately. Enjoy with your choice of rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
Spring to Winter: Ideas
This Air-Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is incredibly adaptable. Here are some ideas to switch things up throughout the seasons:
- Spring: Serve with a fresh cucumber salad and quinoa for a light, refreshing meal.
- Summer: Pair with grilled asparagus and a cold noodle salad for a delightful summer feast.
- Fall: Accompany with roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts for a cozy autumn dinner.
- Winter: Serve over a bed of warm jasmine rice with steamed broccoli for a comforting winter dish.
Little Things that Matter
The little things can make a big difference when cooking. Here are some tips to enhance your Air-Fryer Teriyaki Salmon experience:
- For extra flavor, consider adding sesame seeds or sliced green onions as a garnish.
- If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
- Always ensure your salmon is fresh for the best taste and texture.
- Experiment with different types of fish, such as trout or tilapia, for a variation on this recipe.
Storage & Reheat Guide
If you have leftovers (which is a rarity with this dish!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, gently warm the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it on a low setting, but this may affect the texture.
Reader Questions
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Absolutely! Fresh ginger will add a wonderful zing to your teriyaki sauce. Just make sure to peel and grate it before adding it to the mixture.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use coconut sugar or honey as a substitute. Keep in mind that using honey will slightly alter the flavor profile.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you have a meat thermometer, it’s a handy tool to ensure perfect doneness.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can definitely double the recipe! Just be sure to cook the salmon in batches if your air fryer cannot accommodate all the fillets at once for even cooking.
In Closing
This Air-Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation, thanks to its delightful flavors and ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s a dish that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen. Enjoy every bite of this savory, sweet salmon, and remember that cooking at home can be both fun and rewarding. Happy cooking!
Air-Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the salmon, making sure each fillet is well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour for more intense flavor.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. This will help thicken the remaining teriyaki sauce for serving.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden color.
- Remove the salmon from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
- While the salmon is cooking, pour the remaining teriyaki sauce into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Once the salmon is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over the salmon fillets and serve immediately. Enjoy with your choice of rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding sesame seeds or sliced green onions as a garnish.
- If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
- Always ensure your salmon is fresh for the best taste and texture.
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