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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish

    Honey Sriracha Salmon

    Published: Apr 21, 2023 by Erin · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

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    Pinterest pin: Honey sriracha salmon on a plate with a fork that has pieces of salmon on it.

    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.

    3 fillets of salmon on a white plate with honey sriracha sauce, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro.
    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • How to Buy Salmon
    • Key Ingredients
    • How to Make Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon
    • Other Cooking Methods
    • Serving Suggestions 
    • Storing & Reheating Honey Sriracha Salmon
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Air Fryer Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    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

    Showing an overhead view of all of recipe 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.
    4 imaes showing recipe steps: bowl of marinade, salmon marinating, in air fryer, and sauce in pan.

    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.

    Close up of a fillet of salmon with flaky pieces on a fork.

    Recipe FAQs

    Do I need to remove the skin before cooking the salmon?

    It is much easier to remove the skin after the salmon has cooked versus cutting it off the raw salmon. Simply cook it skin-side-down, then peel it from the flesh before serving.

    Is the marinade good on any other types of meat?

    Honey sriracha chicken is delicious! Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes, then cook in the air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for about 20 minutes, turning it over halfway through the cook time. You can also use this sauce with diced chicken or pork, and cooked in a skillet for a stir fry!

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    • Close up of sliced steak with lime wedges on top and 2 slices of jalapeno in corner.
      Air Fryer Flank Steak with Jalapeno Lime Marinade
    • Close of of teriyaki chicken pieces, with sesame seeds and green onion.
      Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
    • Platter of breaded chicken cutlets on a platter with lemon wedges.
      Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
    • Air fryer basket filled with chicken fajitas.
      Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

    Let me know how you like this recipe by leaving a review! And follow along on Instagram @stateofdinner for behind-the-scenes and to be among the first to know when new recipes post!

    Recipe

    3 pieces of salmon in vertical rows on a plate, with honey sriracha sauce, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro.

    Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon

    Recipe by: Erin
    Simple to make and flavorful to eat! This air fryer honey sriracha salmon takes less than 30 minutes, including the time for marinating!
    5 from 46 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 7 minutes mins
    Marinating Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 27 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 288 kcal

    Equipment

    • air fryer

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb salmon 3-4 fillets, pins removed
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ⅓ cup honey
    • ¼ cup sriracha
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice about 1 lime
    • 2 tablespoon soy sauce low sodium
    • 2 garlic cloves minced (about 1 teaspoon)
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
    • sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions optional, to serve
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Mix the olive oil, honey, sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic in a small bowl.
      1 tablespoon olive oil, ⅓ cup honey, ¼ cup sriracha, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 2 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 garlic cloves
    • Place the salmon in a shallow bowl or a large zip-top bag. Pour the sauce over the salmon.
      1 lb salmon
    • Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or as long as one hour, turning periodically to cover all of the salmon.
    • Preheat the air fryer to 330°F (165°C) for 3 minutes. Spray the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray if you are not using a liner.
    • Remove the fish from the marinade (reserving the marinade) and place it in the basket, skin side down. If you are using individual fillets make sure they have some air around them and are not touching.
    • Season the salmon with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook for 6 minutes and then check doneness. The salmon will be opaque and flakey when done. Depending on the thickness of the fillets and your model of air fryer it may take 6-10 minutes.
      ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • While the salmon is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for about 2 minutes, until it thickens. Spoon the sauce over the salmon and top with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or sliced onions before serving.
      sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions

    Notes

    How to know when your salmon is done: Cook salmon to 125°F (52°C) for medium doneness and 145°F (63°C) for well-done salmon.
    Other Ways to Cook Salmon:
    • 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.
    Storage: 
    Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 1241mg | Potassium: 623mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 72IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Share a photo of your creation with your friends!Mention @stateofdinner or tag #stateofdinner!

    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!

    Honey Sriracha Salmon Thumbnail

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Christine Harz

      December 28, 2021 at 11:08 am

      5 stars
      I like fish but hate cooking it because it usually makes a stinky mess. This recipe was easy, so delicious and clean up was simple. My new favorite way to prepare salmon!

      Reply
      • Erin

        December 29, 2021 at 1:31 pm

        Yay, thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    2. Lillie

      August 04, 2020 at 8:26 am

      5 stars
      How did you know I was having a salmon craving??? Yum!

      Reply
      • Erin

        August 04, 2020 at 9:55 am

        5 stars
        I hope you love it!

        Reply
    3. Jeff Albom

      August 03, 2020 at 3:28 pm

      5 stars
      I love salmon and this recipe is a great twist to spice it up. I like making it in the air fryer to keep the fish from getting to oily.

      Reply
      • Erin

        August 03, 2020 at 4:36 pm

        5 stars
        Great tip on the air fryer reducing the oiliness is the fish!

        Reply
    4. Soheila

      August 03, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      5 stars
      So I hardly ever cook fish but I am a big lover of spice and this just made me fall in love with spicy fish dishes. Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to explore more spicy seafood dishes.

      Reply
      • Erin

        August 03, 2020 at 1:40 pm

        5 stars
        Spice makes everything better!

        Reply
    5. Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food

      August 03, 2020 at 6:19 am

      5 stars
      This is so easy to make. My family also are not fans of fish, but they DID eat this. I think that the tangy flavors counter the strong flavor of the salmon well. This is going into the regular weeknight dinner rotation!

      Reply
      • Erin

        August 03, 2020 at 1:39 pm

        5 stars
        I’m so glad you loved it! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    6. Joanna

      August 02, 2020 at 10:11 pm

      5 stars
      I love seafood but my family doesn’t, so when you write that it’s a recipe for those who don’t really like fish my eyes lit up. I’ll definitely try it. Have to bake it grill because I don’t have an air fried but I think it will work out fine.

      Reply
      • Erin

        August 03, 2020 at 8:34 am

        5 stars
        The grill works great! Also the oven at 400 for 15 minutes. Enjoy!

        Reply
    7. Farrah

      August 02, 2020 at 10:02 pm

      5 stars
      This was awesome--you combined so many of my favorite things into the same recipe!! Super tasty + loved having another excuse to use my air fryer!

      Reply
      • Erin

        August 03, 2020 at 8:31 am

        5 stars
        Isn't the air fryer one of the best inventions? So glad you liked this recipe!

        Reply

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    Welcome! I'm Erin: Wife, mom, lover of great food, and former food safety administrator. I am passionate about cooking mostly from scratch recipes that bring comfort, without spending all day in the kitchen. Most recipes on this site can be made in under 30 minutes! This approach to cooking allows me to provide delicious meals for my family while freeing up time to spend with those I love.

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