Simple Honey Mustard Salmon Recipe That Kids Will Love

Succulent salmon takes center stage in this mouthwatering honey mustard salmon recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors creates a delightful harmony on your plate.

Tender fish glazed with a golden, rich sauce brings restaurant-quality dining right to your kitchen.

Each bite delivers a burst of incredible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Simple ingredients combine to create a dish that looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated.

Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from the plate, this salmon recipe will become a weeknight dinner staple.

Prepare to impress with this effortlessly elegant meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Why Honey Mustard Salmon Tastes Amazing

• This honey mustard salmon recipe delivers incredible taste with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a gourmet meal without complex techniques.
• Versatile recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions like herbs, ensuring you can adapt the dish to personal preferences or available pantry items.
• Air fryer technique provides a crispy exterior while keeping the salmon incredibly moist, reducing oil usage and creating a lighter, nutritious meal compared to traditional frying methods.
• Minimal prep time and straightforward steps mean you can have a restaurant-quality salmon dish on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for hectic family dinners or last-minute meal planning.

What You Need for Honey Mustard Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Rich, omega-3 packed fish that forms the delicious centerpiece of this recipe.

• Honey, Whole Grain Dijon Mustard: Sweet and tangy combination that creates a complex flavor profile for the salmon.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and helps tenderize the fish.

• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall depth and complexity of the dish's flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that provides a fresh, green accent and visual appeal to the finished salmon.

Simple Steps to Honey Mustard Salmon

Step 1: Create Zesty Marinade

In a small bowl, combine honey, whole grain Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lemon juice.

Whisk the ingredients until they blend smoothly.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

The marinade will infuse the salmon with incredible taste and depth.

Step 2: Coat Salmon Fillets

Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.

Pour two-thirds of the prepared marinade over the fish.

Gently toss to ensure complete coverage.

For maximum flavor absorption, let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

If pressed for time, a quick coating works just as well.

Step 3: Prepare Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400F (200C).

Remove marinated salmon from the refrigerator and allow it to rest at room temperature for a few minutes.

This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the fish from becoming tough.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon

Carefully arrange salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.

Brush the remaining marinade over the top of each fillet.

Cook for 7-8 minutes, keeping a close eye on the fish to prevent overcooking.

Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the cooked salmon to a serving plate.

Drizzle any remaining sauce over the fillets for an extra flavor boost.

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges
• Sliced green onions

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the tender, flavorful salmon.

Tips for Perfect Honey Mustard Salmon

• Let salmon sit in the honey mustard sauce for 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Check salmon's internal temperature reaches 145°F to ensure it's fully cooked without becoming dry.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to guarantee even cooking and crispy exterior for each fillet.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives right before serving to add bright, zesty notes and vibrant color.
• Swap salmon with chicken or tofu for a versatile recipe that works with different dietary preferences.

Store and Heat Honey Mustard Salmon

• Seal leftover salmon in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is tightly closed to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap individual salmon portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Place salmon in a baking dish, add a splash of water or lemon juice to retain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.

Sides for Honey Mustard Salmon

• Zesty Wine Pairing: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the honey mustard's tangy profile, cutting through the salmon's richness with bright, citrusy notes.
• Fresh Herbal Accompaniment: Serve alongside a light quinoa salad with fresh dill, cucumber, and lemon zest to enhance the dish's bright, clean flavors and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich salmon.
• Citrus-Infused Side Dish: Prepare roasted asparagus with lemon wedges to mirror the recipe's citrus undertones, creating a harmonious flavor connection that brightens the entire meal and adds nutritional balance.
• Crisp Beverage Match: Pour a chilled sparkling water with a splash of lime or a light wheat beer to cleanse the palate and balance the sweet-tangy sauce, ensuring each bite of salmon tastes vibrant and clean.

Flavor Options for Honey Mustard Salmon

• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace whole grain Dijon mustard with gluten-free mustard and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium honey mustard or create a salt-free version by omitting added salt and using herb seasonings for flavor enhancement.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for those who enjoy a zesty, heated flavor profile with their salmon.
• Herb-Infused Alternative: Incorporate fresh chopped dill, rosemary, or thyme into the marinade to create a more complex and aromatic salmon dish.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of mustard?

You can substitute whole grain Dijon with regular Dijon mustard. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious. Avoid yellow mustard as it’s too mild and won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

• Is honey mustard salmon healthy?

Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. The honey and mustard sauce adds minimal calories while providing a boost of flavor. It’s a nutritious and heart-healthy meal option that’s low in carbohydrates.

• How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145F and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should look opaque and have a firm texture. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the fish dry and tough.

• Can I make this recipe with frozen salmon?

Thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before marinating. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming in the air fryer.

Honey Mustard Salmon Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent honey mustard salmon delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy exterior and moist interior promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 salmon fillets (5–8 ounces/140–225 grams each)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a tantalizing honey mustard sauce by whisking together honey, whole grain Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lemon juice in a small mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
2. Submerge salmon fillets in the prepared sauce, ensuring thorough coating. Marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow flavor penetration, or quickly coat if pressed for time.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400F (200C). Remove salmon from refrigerator and let rest at room temperature for several minutes to promote even cooking.
4. Position salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Generously baste with remaining marinade to intensify flavor. Cook for 7-8 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent overcooking.
5. Carefully transfer cooked salmon to serving plate. Drizzle with any remaining sauce and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the succulent, flavor-packed dish.

Notes

• Check salmon freshness by ensuring it has a mild ocean scent and firm, shiny flesh without discoloration.
• Choose wild-caught salmon for more omega-3 fatty acids and a more robust flavor profile compared to farm-raised options.
• Customize the marinade’s sweetness by adjusting honey levels or substituting with maple syrup for a different depth of flavor.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions by using gluten-free mustard and swapping honey with agave nectar for vegan-friendly alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg