When I first landed in the U.S., I longed for quick dinners that felt homemade and comforting. This honey glazed salmon recipe quickly became my go-to weeknight winner. It’s easy enough for busy nights, bursting with rich flavor, and you can master it three ways: pan-sear to broil, bake, or air fryer. You’ll love how simple and delicious honey-glazed salmon can be.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Versatile Cooking Options: Choose from pan-seared then broiled, oven-baked, or air fryer methods to suit your schedule and kitchen setup.
- Fast and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes so you can have a healthy dinner on the table fast.
- Flavor-Packed: The perfect balance of sweet honey, smoky paprika, savory soy sauce, and a little heat from sriracha creates irresistible glaze.
- Foolproof Every Time: Simple steps with reliable results, even if you’re new to cooking fish.
Choosing the Best Salmon
Picking the right salmon can transform your honey glazed salmon into a restaurant-worthy meal. Here’s a quick guide to popular types:
- Atlantic Salmon: Milder flavor, softer texture, great for beginners.
- King Salmon: Rich, buttery, and fatty—ideal if you love decadent salmon.
- Coho Salmon: Medium fat, balanced flavor, works well with glazes.
- Sockeye Salmon: Deep red, firmer flesh, stronger taste.
Thawing Frozen Salmon: To use frozen salmon safely, thaw it overnight in the fridge or place the sealed package in cold water for a quicker method. Avoid microwaving or leaving at room temp, which can spoil texture and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 (6 oz each) salmon filets
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/4 tsp blackening seasoning (optional)
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 Tbsp water
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sriracha sauce
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
Low-sodium soy sauce is best because it keeps the glaze balanced and prevents it from becoming too salty. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering the honey’s sweetness. The combination of butter and olive oil ensures a rich, silky glaze with a perfect pan-sear.
Honey Glaze Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soy sauce | Tamari or coconut aminos | Great for gluten- and soy-free diets. |
| Honey | Maple syrup | Keeps sweetness with a slightly different flavor. |
| Butter | Margarine or coconut oil | Use plant-based for dairy-free options. |
Mastering the Honey Glaze
The honey glaze blends three flavor pillars: sweet honey, salty soy sauce, and bright lemon juice. Together, they create a rich, balanced finishing sauce for your salmon. The exact nutrition information for honey glazed salmon can vary based on ingredients and portion size.
- Glaze is too thin? Simmer a little longer off the heat to thicken it gently.
- Glaze too thick or sweet? Add a splash of water or more lemon juice to balance.
- Glaze burning? Keep the oven rack in the middle to avoid the sauce scorching under the broiler.
How to Make Honey Glazed Salmon (Our Favorite Method)
- Pat salmon dry then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and blackening seasoning (if using). Set aside.
- Adjust oven rack to middle position, then preheat broiler. If you broil with the rack up high, the sauce will burn.
- Add butter and oil to a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once butter melts, add garlic, water, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice. Cook about 30 seconds until the sauce heats through.
- Add salmon, skin side down if using salmon with skin, and cook 3 minutes. Baste often by spooning pan sauce over the top.
- Broil salmon for 5-6 minutes, basting once during broiling, until caramelized and cooked to your liking.
- Garnish with minced parsley if desired.
Alternative Cooking Methods for Honey Glazed Salmon
Oven-Baked Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare salmon as usual with seasoning and glaze in a baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes until cooked through and glaze is sticky.
- Pros: Very hands-off and even cooking; great when multitasking.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Place seasoned salmon in the basket, skin side down.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, basting halfway through with glaze.
- Pros: Fastest method with perfectly crispy edges and caramelized glaze. This is a great option for busy weeknights, and you can find more easy air fryer dinner recipes on our site.
What to Serve with Honey Glazed Salmon
Quick Veggie Sides
- Steamed or roasted broccoli
- Sautéed green beans with garlic
- Air-fried asparagus spears
Hearty Grains & Starches
- Fluffy jasmine or brown rice
- Quinoa mixed with fresh herbs
- Creamy mashed potatoes
Fresh Salad Pairings
- Simple cucumber and tomato salad
- Arugula with lemon vinaigrette
- Asian slaw with sesame dressing
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftover honey glazed salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat without drying:
- Warm gently in a low oven (275°F) covered loosely with foil for 10-15 minutes, or
- Reheat carefully in a non-stick pan over low heat, spooning leftover sauce on top.
Frequently Asked Questions about Honey Glazed Salmon
How do I know when salmon is cooked without a thermometer?
The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. It will also feel firm but still slightly springy.
How do I get crispy salmon skin?
Pat the skin dry, use a hot pan with oil, and cook skin-side down without moving until crisp before flipping.
Can I make this recipe on the grill?
Yes! Use a fish basket or foil to prevent sticking, and baste with the glaze frequently while grilling.
Why did my salmon stick to the pan?
This usually happens if the pan isn’t hot enough or if the salmon wasn’t dry before cooking. Make sure your pan is properly preheated, and the salmon is patted dry.
Conclusion and Your Turn!
This honey glazed salmon recipe is such a win when you want a quick, delicious dinner that feels special. Whether you pan-sear and broil, bake it low and slow, or zap it quickly in the air fryer, the result is always comforting and flavorful. Which method will you try first: pan-seared, baked, or in the air fryer? I’d love to hear how it turns out for you in the comments below!
Honey Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and blackening seasoning (if using). Set aside.
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat broiler.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, water, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice. Cook for 30 seconds until heated through.
- Add salmon to the skillet, skin side down, and cook for 3 minutes, basting frequently with the sauce.
- Broil salmon for 5-6 minutes, basting once, until caramelized and cooked to desired doneness.
- Garnish with minced parsley if desired.
