Air Fryer Salmon with Mustard Sauce Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon slices (for garnish, optional)
For the Mustard Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the salmon fillets. Brush each fillet with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Check for doneness by using a fork to flake the salmon; it should easily flake apart and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- While the salmon is cooking, prepare the mustard sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice over low heat. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the salmon is done, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to serving plates. Drizzle the mustard sauce over the salmon fillets.
- Garnish the salmon with fresh dill or parsley, and if desired, lemon slices.
- Serve your air fryer salmon with mustard sauce immediately. You can pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Recipe Notes:
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. If your salmon fillets are large, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Thicker fillets may require a slightly longer cooking time, while thinner ones may cook more quickly.
- Feel free to customize the mustard sauce to your taste. If you like it spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- You can also marinate the salmon fillets in the mustard sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add a nice touch of freshness and color to the dish but are optional.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy air fryer salmon with mustard sauce!
- Crispy Skin: If your salmon has the skin on, you can achieve a crispy skin by placing the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer. This will allow the skin to get crispy as it cooks.
- Flavorful Marinade: Before air frying, you can marinate the salmon in your favorite flavors. A simple marinade could include olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Different Mustards: Experiment with different types of mustard for the sauce. Whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard can add unique flavors to your dish.
- Sweeteners: If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as a sweetener for the mustard sauce.
- Creamy Mustard Sauce: If you prefer a creamy sauce, you can add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or Greek yogurt to the mustard sauce. Just be sure to whisk it in thoroughly.
- Nutty Flavor: Enhance the flavor profile by adding chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans) to the mustard sauce for a crunchy texture and nutty taste.
- Side Dish Ideas: Serve your air fryer salmon with mustard sauce alongside roasted vegetables, quinoa, couscous, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This is the recommended safe temperature for cooked salmon.
- Leftovers: If you have leftover salmon, it makes for a fantastic addition to salads, sandwiches, or wraps the next day.
- Serving Presentation: If you want to make your dish look even more appealing, consider garnishing with some lemon zest, capers, or finely chopped chives in addition to fresh herbs.
Remember that cooking times can vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so keep an eye on the salmon as it cooks, especially the first time you make it in your air fryer. Enjoy your flavorful and easy-to-make air fryer salmon with mustard sauce!
