Tender, flaky, perfectly cooked air fryer teriyaki salmon is incredibly easy to make. This under 30-minute air fryer recipe yields a perfectly cooked salmon marinated and glazed with an aromatic, sweet, savory, and deeply umami teriyaki sauce.

This air fryer teriyaki salmon recipe features my homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, fresh garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. You can double or triple the sauce recipe to use it on your favorite protein or to meal prep the salmon in advance.

Ingredients

You can find all the ingredients for this air fryer teriyaki salmon at your local grocery store or online.

• Salmon Fillet: use fresh thick cuts of salmon for the best results.
• Ginger and Garlic: freshly minced aromatics that add a deep savory punch.
• Soy Sauce: adds the salty, umami, deep brown color in the teriyaki sauce.
• Mirin: a sweet Japanese rice wine that adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Sake: use cooking sake for a mellow umami flavor and make sure to simmer for at least 5 minutes to cook off any remaining alcohol.
• Brown sugar: adds a caramel-like sweetness to balance the rich savory flavors.
• Cornstarch: thickens the teriyaki sauce.
• Sesame Oil: adds a hint of toasted umami nuttiness to finish.
• Green onion and toasted sesame seeds: to garnish.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions

• Soy sauce alternatives: light soy sauce, tamari, coconut aminos, or gluten-free soy sauce.
• Granulated Sugar: alternative to brown sugar.
• Starch: instead of cornstarch, you can use potato starch, tapioca starch, or arrowroot starch.

Additions

• Spice: for added heat use chili flakes, chili oil, or fresh chili peppers.

How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

Here are the photo step-by-step instructions for how to make this air fryer teriyaki salmon recipe. See the recipe card below for full measurements and instructions.

1. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil ginger, and garlic. Saute for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and brown sugar. Lower the temperature to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.

2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until dissolved. Then add the cornstarch slurry and mix until the sauce has thickened. Turn off the heat, add the sesame oil, and mix until combined. Remove from heat and chill until it reaches room temperature. Reserve about 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce.

3. In a container, add the salmon and the remaining teriyaki sauce. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and line the inside of the basket with parchment paper. Place the salmon into the air fryer basket skin side down and brush a layer of marinade on top. Air fry for 7-9 minutes.

5. Brush the air fryer teriyaki salmon with the reserved teriyaki sauce, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and enjoy!

Storage Instructions

You can store this air fryer teriyaki salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: microwave covered for 2-3 minutes until warm or air fry at 350°F (176°C) for 5-7 minutes or until hot.

Freeze: you can marinate the teriyaki salmon in advance and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight before cooking in the air fryer.

Pairing Suggestions

This teriyaki salmon can be served for lunch or dinner over a bed of steamed white rice or with the following pairing suggestions.

• Appetizers such as ebi tempura (shrimp tempura) and tempura sauce, tekka maki (tuna sushi), or crispy rice salmon.
• Noodles such as spaghetti napolitan, zaru soba, or yaki udon (stir-fried udon).
• Fried rice such as omurice (Japanese rice omelet) or spam fried rice.
• Vegetables such as blistered shishito peppers, or sunomono salad (Japanese cucumber salad).

FAQ

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, if you are short on time you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce.

Can I make this air fryer teriyaki salmon in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the salmon in the freezer for up to 3 months. Alternatively, you can store the cooked salmon in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this teriyaki salmon in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the salmon skin side down at 400°F (204°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part.

Can I use teriyaki sauce for other proteins?

Yes, you can use the teriyaki sauce on chicken, pork, steak, or any other type of seafood. Check out our teriyaki tofu for a vegetarian version.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe