🍯🧄 Garlic Honey Butter Salmon (Air Fryer or Oven)
⏱ Time
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Prep: 10 minutes
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Cook: 8–12 minutes
🍽 Serves
2–4
🧾 Ingredients
Salmon
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2 large salmon fillets (skin on or off)
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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1 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
Honey Garlic Butter Glaze
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3 tbsp melted butter
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
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3 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1 tsp lemon juice (optional but recommended)
Finish
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Chopped parsley or thyme
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Extra melted butter (optional 😏)
🧑🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Salmon
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Pat salmon dry
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Season with salt, pepper, and paprika
2️⃣ Make the Glaze
Mix together:
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Melted butter
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Honey
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Soy sauce
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Garlic
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Lemon juice
Brush generously over salmon (save a little for later).
3️⃣ Cook
🔥 Air Fryer (Best for that look)
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Preheat to 400°F / 200°C
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Place salmon in basket (no overlap)
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Cook 7–9 minutes
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Brush again halfway through
For extra caramelization:
➡️ Add 1–2 minutes at the end
🔥 Oven Method
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Preheat oven to 425°F / 220°C
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Bake on lined tray 10–12 minutes
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Broil last 1–2 minutes for color
4️⃣ Finish
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Brush with remaining glaze or melted butter
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Sprinkle fresh herbs
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Rest 2 minutes, then serve
❓ Q & A / Troubleshooting
Q: How do I know when salmon is done?
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Internal temp: 125–130°F (52–55°C)
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Flakes easily but still juicy
Over 140°F = dry 😬
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes!
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Thaw completely
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Pat VERY dry
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Add 1 extra minute cook time
Q: My glaze burned—why?
Honey burns fast.
Fixes:
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Lower heat slightly
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Brush glaze midway, not all at once
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Add a splash of water to glaze if needed
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Oh absolutely 🔥
Add:
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½–1 tsp chili flakes
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OR 1 tsp sriracha
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OR hot honey instead of regular
Q: Can I swap honey?
Yes:
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Maple syrup
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Brown sugar + 1 tsp water
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Agave
Q: What sides go best?
Elite pairings:
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Garlic rice or buttered noodles
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Roasted broccoli or asparagus
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Mashed potatoes
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Lemon couscous
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Crusty homemade bread (obviously 😌)
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Yes, but:
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Store airtight up to 3 days
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Reheat gently (microwave low power or skillet)