Air Fryer Pomegranate-Glazed Salmon
Air Fryer Pomegranate-Glazed Salmon is a quick and easy dish that delivers perfectly crispy salmon with a luscious, sweet-tart pomegranate glaze. Ready in under 20 minutes, this healthy and flavorful recipe combines the rich omega-3 benefits of salmon with a tropical, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, offering a gourmet experience any day of the week.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Modern American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Healthy
Salmon
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Glaze
- 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt, a pinch
- Black pepper, a pinch
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh pomegranate seeds
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside while you prep the salmon.
- Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then lightly brush both sides with olive oil. This helps achieve the perfect crispy skin in the air fryer.
- Brush the Glaze: Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top of each salmon fillet with the pomegranate glaze, ensuring every corner is covered for maximum flavor.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the air fryer basket, spacing them apart for even cooking. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the glaze caramelizes beautifully.
- Final Glaze and Rest: Once cooked, brush another thin layer of glaze on top of the salmon for added shine and taste. Let the fillets rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to lock in moisture.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon fillets to prevent overcooking.
- Preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes for the crispiest skin.
- Use skin-on salmon fillets to achieve a crunchy texture and retain moisture.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; space out fillets for even air circulation and cooking.
- If the glaze is too thick, thin it out with a small amount of lemon juice or water before brushing.
- This recipe is naturally gluten free, but verify pomegranate molasses ingredients if gluten sensitivity applies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: air fryer salmon, pomegranate glazed salmon, healthy salmon recipe, quick salmon recipe, gluten free salmon