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 cooking method.

I call this "the fish recipe for people who don't love fish." My family doesn't like fish, but they will eat this recipe because it doesn't taste fishy, 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, leaving you eager for your next bite. This recipe and hot smoked salmon are two of my favorite ways to enjoy this fish.
• 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 depends on your preferences. Many who enjoy this recipe aren't big fish fans; you will want to purchase a mild salmon if that is you.

Atlantic salmon is an excellent choice for those just entering the world of eating fish. If a mild flavor is what you are looking for, look for a light pink filet that is labeled Atlantic, Norweigan, or Scottish Salmon.

If you really enjoy the flavor of salmon, there are some full-flavored options! You'll want to look for dark pink, wild Pacific salmon. Many consider King salmon to be the best-tasting. Sockeye is another deep red fish with full flavor.

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

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Salmon: This recipe uses 1 pound of salmon, which can be one large piece 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: Olive oil fats 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. 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.
• Removing the skin from cooked salmon is much easier than cutting it off raw salmon. Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer, then after it cooks, remove it from the flesh before serving.
• 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.

Serving Suggestions 

• Sprinkle sesame seeds over the cooked salmon before serving. Chopped cilantro or green onions add additional flavor and texture!
• I almost always serve this with Savory Coconut Rice. The coconut's creaminess beautifully balances the salmon's spiciness of the honey Sriracha!
• For vegetables, keep it simple and serve this alongside steamed asparagus or green beans. For more flavor, try these Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts!
• Break the fish into chunks and stir it into this salmon and cream cheese pasta. The honey sriracha flavor is so good combined with the other ingredients in this dish!

More Air Fryer Recipes

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 and some additional tips. Here is one of the images from the original post!