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Juicy air fryer orange salmon fillet glazed with citrus sauce and served with fresh orange slices
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Air Fryer Orange Glazed Salmon - Bright, Zesty, and Ready in Minutes

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 5–6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but recommended)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh is best)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water (slurry)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Sliced scallions or chives, for garnish (optional)
  • Orange wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Prep the salmon. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes while you make the glaze.
  • Make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 3–4 minutes.
  • Thicken it. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer 30–60 seconds until glossy and slightly thickened. Remove from heat. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon.
  • Preheat the air fryer. Set to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly mist the basket with oil or line with a perforated parchment designed for air fryers.
  • First cook. Place salmon in the basket, skin-side down if using skin-on. Air fry for 5 minutes.
  • Glaze and finish. Brush a generous layer of orange glaze over the tops. Air fry 2–4 more minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 125–130°F for medium or 135°F+ for well-done. Brush with a little extra glaze right after cooking.
  • Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions if you like. Serve with extra glaze and orange wedges.