Air Fryer Miso Salmon is a quick, healthy, and downright delicious meal. It combines bold flavors with simplicity. The miso glaze offers a savory-sweet umami punch, while the air fryer guarantees perfectly cooked salmon every single time.
This recipe has become a staple in my house. Even when i’m busy or for a date night dinner, I know Iit’s whip this up in no time and wow everyone at the table. I’ll show you how how you can make this effortless dish that feels like it came straight from a fancy restaurant.
Want more salmon inspiration? Check out these easy-to-make Air Fryer Salmon Bites, another quick and flavorful option that’s just as irresistible.
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Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Miso Salmon
- Big flavor, minimal effort: The miso glaze is packed with rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that make the salmon irresistible.
- Quick cooking time: The air fryer gets the salmon perfectly cooked in under 10 minutes—yes, really!
- Healthy and satisfying: Adjust the glaze to your liking or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Customizable: Loaded with omega-3s and protein, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Once you try this recipe, I promise it’ll become one of your go-to meals.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Air Fryer Miso Salmon, you only neYou’llew ingredients, but each one packs a punch of flavor:
- Salmon Fillets (4): Skin-on or skinless, about 6 ounces each.
- White Miso Paste (2 tbsp): This fermented soybean paste is the star ingredient, bringing savory umami flavor.
- Soy Sauce (1 tbsp): Adds depth and saltiness. Use low-sodium if you prefer.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (1 tbsp): Balances the salty miso with a touch of sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds brightness and tanginess to the glaze.
- Sesame Oil (1 tsp): Gives the glaze a nutty, aromatic finish.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): A must-have for extra flavor.
- Optional Garnishes: Green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges for serving.
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How to Make Air Fryer Miso Salmon
Prepare the Miso Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. The result should be a smooth, thick glaze that clings perfectly to the salmon.
Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with the paper towels. This step is key because it helps the glaze stick and ensures even cooking.
Glaze the Salmon
Generously brush the miso glaze over the top and sides of each salmon fillet. Make sure they’re evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to exactly 375°F and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
Cook the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if applicable. Be sure to leave some space between each fillet for even cooking. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon, until the fillets are flaky and cooked through.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the salmon from the air fryer and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds and a wedge of lime. Serve it hot with your favorite sides!
My Tip: Keep an eye on the salmon while it cooks—air fryers can vary slightly in cooking time.
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Tips for the Best Air Fryer Miso Salmon
Choose high-quality salmon: Fresh salmon will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry.
Don’t skip the glaze: The miso glaze caramelizes slightly in the air fryer, creating a sweet-and-savory crust you don’t want to miss.
Preheat the air fryer: This ensures the salmon cooks evenly and develops a slightly crisp extDon’t.
Avoid overcrowding: Leave space between the fillets in the air fryer basket for even airflow and cooking.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Miso Salmon
Serve Air Fryer Miso Salmon over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the savory glaze. Roasted vegetables like Air Fryer broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a hearty, healthy touch, while an Asian-inspired slaw brings freshness and crunch. For a cozy pairing, try a warm bowl of miso soup. Garnish with lime wedges, sesame seeds, or green onions for a restaurant-quality finish.
My Tip: Garnish your plate with fresh lime wedges and sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality presentation.
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Storing and Freezing Air Fryer Miso Salmon
Storing it for later this week: Just pop the extra salmon in a sealed container in your fridge, and it’ll be good to go for about three days. Easy peasy!
Freezing: If you won’t get to Air Fryer Miso Salmon in a few days, freezing is totally an option! Let the salmon cool down completely, then wrap it up good and tight in plastic wrap – you want to make sure it’s sealed well. Then, tuck that wrapped salmon into a freezer bag, and it’s good to freeze for up to two months.
Reheating magic: When you’re ready to dig in again, your air fryer is the way to go. Just heat it up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and throw the salmon in for about 3 to 4 minutes. That’ll keep it juicy on the inside with a nice crispy outside. Seriously, try to avoid the microwave – it can make the fish dry and sad, and we don’t want that.
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Air Fryer Miso Salmon Variations & Substitutions
Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick. For gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. This miso glaze also works beautifully on cod, halibut, or shrimp, and for vegetarians, try it on tofu or eggplant. These easy variations keep the dish fresh and exciting while staying flavorful.
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FAQs About Air Fryer Miso Salmon
I don’t have an air fryer, can I bake this instead?
Absolutely! No worries at all if you don’t have an air fryer. Just pop your salmon in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, then bake it for about 12 to 15 minutes or until it’s nice and flaky and cooked all the way through.
I’ve got a different color miso – can I swap it out?
Totally! You’ve got options with the miso. Red miso will give you a stronger, saltier punch, and yellow miso will be a little more mellow. So, just pick whichever one sounds best to you. They’ll both work great!
How do I keep the salmon from sticking?
No problem, sticking happens! Just line your air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper, or if you don’t have that, give it a light brush with some oil. That will make sure the salmon doesn’t get stuck to the bottom.
Can I get ahead and make the glaze beforehand?
Smart thinking! Yes, absolutely! Go ahead and whip up the glaze, stick it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll be good to go for up to a week. It saves you time on busy nights.
How can I REALLY know when the salmon is ready?
Great question! The easiest way to know is when the salmon flakes easily when you poke it with a fork. For safety and peace of mind, the internal temp should be between 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit if you’ve got a thermometer. But yeah, flaking with a fork is the quick way!
Easy 20 Minutes Air Fryer Miso Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
Quick and easy 20-minute air fryer miso salmon with a savory glaze. Amazing for a healthy and flavorful dinner any night of the week!
Ingredients
- Salmon Fillets 4 (about 6 ounces each skin on or skinless)
- White Miso Paste 2 tbsp
- Soy Sauce 1 tbsp (use low sodium if preferred)
- Honey or Maple Syrup 1 tbsp
- Rice Vinegar 1 tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1 tsp
- Garlic 1 clove minced
- Optional Garnishes Green onions sesame seeds lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Miso Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This ensures the glaze sticks well and promotes even cooking.
- Glaze the Salmon: Generously brush the miso glaze over the top and sides of each salmon fillet, ensuring even coverage.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down (if applicable). Ensure there’s space between fillets for even cooking. Air fry for 8–10 minutes or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the air fryer. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a wedge of lime. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.
- Double the Glaze: For extra flavor, make a little extra glaze to drizzle over the cooked salmon before serving.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 25 g
