Honey Sriracha Salmon

Get a flavorful dinner on the table in under 30 minutes with this Honey Sriracha Salmon! It is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy! I will show you how simple it is to make in the air fryer, but this recipe also includes stovetop and oven instructions if you prefer a different cook method.

I call this "the fish recipe for people who don't love fish." My family doesn't really like fish, but they will eat this recipe because it doesn't have a fishy taste, and the sweet honey and spicy sriracha flavors are so tasty! 

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This is such an easy meal for those nights when you just don't feel like cooking. The sauce is made with just a few simple ingredients, and with quick marinating and cooking times, you can start it right now and have it on your table in less than 30 minutes!
• Sweet and Spicy Flavors: Isn't there something so crave-worthy about sweet and spicy dishes? This honey sriracha sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and heat that will leave you eager for your next bite.
• Full of Nutrients: Salmon is considered by many to be one of the most nutritious foods on the planet!  It is packed with heart-healthy protein and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and potassium. I think this recipe is one of the best ways to enjoy salmon!
• Can Be Made Ahead: Make the marinade in the morning before work or whatever you have going on in your day. When you get home, add the salmon, and 15 minutes later it is ready to cook!

If you are looking for more easy recipes with a similar flavor profile, check out the Air Fryer Orange Chicken and Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipes!

How to Buy Salmon

The type of salmon you should purchase really depends on what you are looking for. Many who enjoy this recipe aren't big fish fans, and if that is you then you will want to purchase a mild salmon.

Atlantic salmon is often mild and is a great choice for those just entering the world of eating fish. It is usually farm-raised, which means it is not quite as nutrient-dense as its wild Pacific counterpart. If a mild flavor is what you are looking for, look for a light pink filet that is labeled Atlantic, Norweigan, or Scottish Salmon.

Now if you are one who really enjoys the flavor of salmon then there are some full-flavored options that are great for you! You'll want to look for dark pink, wild Pacific salmon. Many consider King salmon to be the best tasting. It is high in healthy omega fats and is deep red in color. Sockeye is another deep red fish with full flavor.

For all salmon, look for fillets that are firm to the touch with a moist and shiny appearance. Avoid fillets with any signs of discoloration, dryness, or an overly fishy smell.

Key Ingredients

See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full list of ingredients, including measurements.

Salmon: This recipe uses 1 pound of salmon. It can be one large piece of fish or individual fillets. If you are using frozen salmon be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Honey: This adds sweetness to balance the spicy flavor of the Sriracha. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be substituted.

Sriracha: The amount of sriracha can be adjusted according to your preferences. The recipe has a medium heat as written.

Olive Oil: The fats in olive oil help the marinade flavors infuse into the fish. Melted butter or your favorite oil can be used in its place.

Lime juice: Lime juice provides acidity that balances the dish. An equal amount of fresh lemon juice can be substituted. Or if you do not have fresh citrus juice, substitute rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Soy sauce: Adds umami flavor and depth. If you are gluten-free use tamari or coconut aminos.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds the most flavor, but ½ teaspoon of garlic powder can also be used.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon

1) Whisk Marinade

• Place all of the sauce ingredients into a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
• This can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

2) Marinate Salmon

• Place the salmon in a shallow bowl or pie plate and pour the sauce over the top.
• The sauce flavors will begin to penetrate the salmon in as little as 15 minutes.
• The longer it marinates the more flavorful it will be, but after 1 hour the fish may start to get mushy and break down.

3) Cooking Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon

• Preheat your air fryer so that it is nice and hot before you add the salmon. This will help the outside of the salmon get a little crispy.
• Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray or use a disposable liner.
• Place the salmon fillets in your air fryer basket, skin side down. Leave space around each piece of salmon so that the hot air can circulate.
• Do not discard the marinade! Pour it into a pan to make a sauce!
• Different air fryer models heat differently, and the thickness of your salmon also impacts the cooking time, so start checking for doneness after 6 minutes.
• Insert an instant thermometer in the thickest part of the salmon to check the internal temperature.
• The USDA recommends that salmon is cooked to 145°F (63°C) which will give you well-done salmon but I find that's pretty dry. I prefer salmon cooked to125°F (52°C).

4) Reduce Sauce

• While the salmon cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
• Let it simmer over medium heat until it reduces into a thick sauce.
•  Whisk the sauce constantly as it cooks so that it does not burn.
• When the salmon is ready, portion it onto individual plates and pour the remaining sauce over the top of each piece.

Other Cooking Methods

No matter how you decide to cook your Honey Sriracha Salmon follow the recipe instructions for marinating the meat. If you want to cook using someone other than an air fryer, choose one of these cooking methods:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and set the salmon on top of it. Salt and pepper, to taste. Bake for 12-15 minutes, then broil on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the edges of the salmon char slightly.
• Stovetop: Heat about a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side.
• Grill: ​Heat your grill to 500°F (260°C) and oil the grates. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grates and close the lid. Cook for 6-7 minutes, then open the lid and turn the salmon over. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until done.

Serving Suggestions 

• Sprinkle some sesame seeds over the cooked salmon before serving. Add additional flavor and texture with some chopped cilantro or green onions!
• I almost always serve this with Savory Coconut Rice. The creaminess of the coconut balances the spiciness of the honey sriracha in the salmon quite beautifully!
• For vegetables, keep it simple and serve this alongside steamed asparagus or green beans. Or for more flavor, try these Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts!

Storing & Reheating Honey Sriracha Salmon

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

I prefer to enjoy leftover salmon cold, on top of a salad, or on a bagel. But if you would like it to be reheated, keep it low and slow. Wrap the salmon in foil and place in the oven at 275°F (140°C) for 12-15 minutes, or in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 5 minutes.

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Recipe

This recipe was originally published on March 5, 2020, as Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon. It was updated on April 21, 2023, to add other cooking methods, along with some additional tips. Here is one of the images from the original post!