Quick Description
This Air Fryer Maple Mustard Salmon is a delicious, quick, and easy meal. The salmon is coated with a savory mustard-maple glaze, then air fried to perfection. It’s a perfect low-carb, keto-friendly dinner option!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients List
- 2 salmon fillets, boneless (about 1 ¼ inches thick)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or substitute with 1 tablespoon brown sugar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon thyme, dried or fresh
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon:
-
Season the Salmon:
- Season the salmon fillets all over with kosher salt and ground pepper.
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Make the Mustard Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, whole grain mustard, maple syrup (or brown sugar), minced garlic, and thyme until well combined. The consistency should be a thick paste.
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Coat the Salmon:
- Spread the mustard-maple mixture evenly over the top of the salmon fillets.
Cook the Salmon in the Air Fryer:
-
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating is important to ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and quickly.
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Arrange the Salmon:
- Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket or tray, skin side down.
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Air Fry the Salmon:
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 6–8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Check the salmon with a fork to ensure it’s cooked to your desired doneness. The flesh should flake easily when done.
Serve:
-
Serve the Salmon:
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair it with air fryer roasted broccoli or asparagus for a complete low-carb meal!
Additional Notes
- Air Fryer Tip: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your fillets and the brand of air fryer. Always check the salmon’s doneness by gently flaking with a fork.
- Thick Salmon Fillets: If your fillets are thicker than 1 ¼ inches, you may need to increase the cooking time by 2–3 minutes.
- Mustard Options: If you prefer a spicier mustard, you can use Dijon mustard instead of whole grain mustard for a more intense flavor.
Dietary Info
- Keto-Friendly
- Low-Carb
- High-Protein
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Maple Syrup: If you’re looking for a no-sugar option, you can use a sugar-free maple syrup or erythritol-based syrup to keep it keto-friendly.
- Mustard: Use Dijon mustard or yellow mustard if you prefer a milder taste.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic works best, but you can substitute with garlic powder if necessary.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Vegetable Pairings: Serve with a side of air fryer roasted broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower rice for a well-rounded meal.
- Add Heat: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Zesty Lemon: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the salmon before serving for an added burst of freshness.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to maintain the crispness of the glaze.
- Freeze: This salmon can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 6 g
- Net Carbs: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You may need to cook them a few extra minutes.
Q: Can I make this dish without a grill pan?
Yes, you can use any oven-safe skillet or baking tray. Just be sure to check the salmon frequently to avoid overcooking.
Q: Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Yes! You can substitute sugar-free maple syrup or erythritol-based sweeteners if you’re keeping it low-carb.
Optional Personal Story
This Air Fryer Maple Mustard Salmon is one of my go-to weeknight meals. It’s so simple but bursting with flavor! I love the combination of the sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard, and the air fryer makes it so easy to cook to perfection.
Call-to-Action
Try this Air Fryer Maple Mustard Salmon for your next meal! It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for anyone looking to eat healthy while still enjoying a delicious dinner.
