Honey Dijon Air Fryer Salmon

I made this Honey Dijon Air Fryer Salmon a few months ago for dinner and it got inhaled at dinner time. Both our 6-year-old and 18-month-old crushed it and my husband raved about how good it was. So, clearly, it had to make it on the blog.

What makes this recipe so good is a mix of flavour and the cooking technique. In the flavour department, the combination of honey, dijon, and lemon really brightens up the flavour and provides a bit of depth to it. The air fryer also does a great job of not overcooking the fish but still leaving some crispy edges.

Wondering what to serve with the Honey Dijon Air Fryer Salmon? Try these:

• Honey Dill Carrots
• Strawberry Avocado Salad
• Mediterranean Pasta Salad
• Rainbow Quinoa Salad
• Salmon: Your Skin’s BFF

Salmon: Your Skin’s BFF

We regularly recommend salmon and other cold-water fatty fish to our acne clients in The Clear Skin Solution. Why? Because it’s packed full of skin-nourishing nutrients.

Let’s dig into a few of my favourite salmon benefits for acne sufferers.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These healthy fats have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce acne-causing inflammation.

2. Skin Moisturization: Acne-prone skin often suffers from excess oil production and dehydration. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon help promote healthy skin cell membranes, allowing for better moisture retention. This can help balance the skin’s oil production and improve overall hydration, leading to a healthier complexion.

3. Nutrient Powerhouse: salmon also contains great amounts of both vitamins B12 and D. These two nutrients support cell regeneration and overall skin health. As well, salmon’s a great source of the mineral, selenium. Being an antioxidant, selenium helps protect the skin from free radical damage.

4. Protein-Rich: protein is vital for the body to repair and rebuild tissues (skin included). Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, providing the amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis. Collagen is a structural protein that maintains skin elasticity and strength (bye-bye, fine lines).

Sourcing Salmon

When it comes to choosing the most sustainable and healthiest salmon, there are a few factors to consider:

1. Wild-Caught or Farmed: When it comes to salmon, you have two primary options: wild-caught or farmed. Wild-caught salmon is generally considered more sustainable as it is caught in its natural habitat. Look for sustainably certified labels such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). These certifications ensure that the fishery or farm meets specific environmental and social standards.

2. Species: Salmon comprises various species, each with its unique characteristics. Opt for species that are abundant and have healthy population numbers. Examples include Alaskan wild-caught salmon (Chinook, Coho, Sockeye) and Atlantic salmon from sustainable aquaculture sources.

3. Geographic Origin: different regions of the world have varying levels of both fishing regulations and environmental standards. Look for salmon from well-regulated fisheries/farms that follow sustainable practices.

4. Traceability: Look for salmon products that provide detailed information about their origin, fishing or farming methods, and sustainability certifications. Transparent supply chains allow you to make informed choices and support responsible fisheries.

5. Mercury Content: While salmon typically contains lower mercury levels compared to larger predatory fish, it is still important to be mindful. Younger, smaller salmon tend to have less accumulated mercury. Additionally, wild-caught salmon often contains lower mercury levels than some farmed varieties.

Here are some salmon options to consider:

• Alaskan wild-caught salmon (ie. Chinook (King), Coho, and Sockeye)
• Norwegian or Scottish Farmed Organic Atlantic Salmon
• Pacific Northwest Troll-Caught Coho Salmon

More safe fish options:

• Alaskan cod (caught with a longline, pot or jig)
• Alaskan sablefish
• Anchovies
• Atlantic mackerel
• Farmed rainbow trout
• Herring
• Pacific halibut
• Red snapper
• Wild-caught Pacific sardines (opt for BPA-free can)

Honey Dijon Air Fryer Salmon

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Katie Stewart

Equipment

• Air fryer

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb skin-on salmon fillet
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp sea/pink salt

Instructions

• Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
• In a small bowl, mix together the avocado oil, honey, dijon, lemon juice, sea salt, garlic powder and onion powder.
• Brush onto the salmon fillet.
• Place in the preheated air fryer and cook for 20 minutes. If you’re using smaller fillets, lower your cooking time and use a meat thermometer to test for doneness (see notes).
• Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

Best Results: Make sure the air fryer has come to full temperature.

Air Fryer: I have a Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro with a stainless steel, mesh tray. If you have a non-stick-coated air fryer, consider lining the basket or tray with unbleached parchment paper to lessen your exposure to the non-stick chemicals. 

Internal temperature: According to the USDA, the ideal internal temperature for salmon is 145°. However, many chefs target a finished temperature of 125° for moist salmon (it will continue to cook as it rests outside of the oven/air fryer).