Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon with Broccoli offers a delightful and comforting take on a classic Asian-inspired dish. The rich, glossy teriyaki glaze beautifully coats tender salmon fillets, while fresh broccoli adds a crisp, vibrant touch, making the meal both satisfying and visually inviting.
This dish masterfully balances sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors from the teriyaki sauce, combined with aromatic garlic and ginger. The salmon’s buttery richness contrasts perfectly with the bright, crunchy broccoli, creating a harmony of textures and tastes in every bite. Together, these elements deliver a meal that’s both hearty and refreshing.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and efficiency, ideal for busy home cooks. The air fryer method crisps salmon skin to perfection and roasts broccoli simultaneously, cutting down on cooking time and cleanup. The result is an elegant, nutritious meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dinner served right at home.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon with Broccoli recipe offers a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and texture for a wholesome meal you can trust. It’s quick to prepare, packed with vibrant flavors, and suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
- Effortless Preparation: Minimal ingredients and one appliance streamline cooking, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
- Balanced Taste Profile: Sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with fresh garlic and ginger harmonizes rich salmon and green broccoli.
- Textural Contrast: Crisped salmon skin and tender yet crunchy steamed broccoli provide a satisfying bite.
- Versatile Appeal: Family-friendly and elegant enough for entertaining or casual meals alike.
- Easy Cleanup: Cooking salmon and broccoli together in the air fryer basket reduces dishes and simplifies kitchen duty.
What You’ll Need to Make It
With straightforward, wholesome ingredients, you can create a gourmet and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition.
- Fresh Salmon Fillets with Skin: Maintains moisture and crisps beautifully for rich flavor and texture.
- Soy Sauce or Tamari: Infuses the sauce with umami, providing depth and savoriness.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: Adds natural sweetness to balance salty and tangy notes in the glaze.
- Fresh Garlic & Ginger: Essential aromatics that give the teriyaki sauce its signature warm, fragrant flavor.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Provides a nutrient-rich, crunchy vegetable side that roasts perfectly in the air fryer.
- Rice Vinegar or Mirin: Adds mild acidity to brighten and balance the sauce’sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: Enhances the flavor with subtle nuttiness and helps crisp the broccoli edges.
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon with Broccoli
This recipe combines effortless cooking techniques with bold, savory-sweet flavors to deliver an impressive dish in under 20 minutes. Using the air fryer ensures the salmon skin crisps nicely while keeping the flesh juicy and the broccoli vibrant. The teriyaki glaze caramelizes beautifully, tying together all components for a delightful meal.
- Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Mix well to combine the sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that will complement the salmon perfectly. Set aside to allow the sauce to meld.
- Pat the Salmon Dry and Marinate: Use paper towels to dry salmon fillets thoroughly, especially the skin side. This step is crucial for crisping the skin during air frying. Then, brush or lightly coat the salmon with the teriyaki glaze, reserving some for glazing after cooking.
- Air Fry the Salmon and Broccoli: Arrange the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Toss broccoli florets with a bit of sesame oil and a sprinkle of salt, then add them to the basket ensuring they don’t overcrowd. Cook at 375-64F for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking.
- Double Glaze for Extra Flavor: Once cooked, brush the salmon fillets with the reserved teriyaki sauce again for a glossy, sticky finish that enhances both appearance and taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions over the salmon and broccoli for added texture and fresh flavor. This finishing touch elevates the dish’s presentation and complexity.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon with Broccoli
Pair this flavorful dish with light, fresh sides to maintain a balanced meal that satisfies without heaviness. Consider options that complement the Asia-inspired profile and keep the focus on nutritious, palate-pleasing ingredients.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant, fluffy base that soaks up teriyaki glaze beautifully.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that stays light and veggie-packed.
- Quinoa Salad with Citrus Dressing: Adds a refreshing zing and a boost of protein.
- Cucumber Salad with Rice Vinegar and Sesame: Crisp and cooling, balances savory salmon notes.
- Edamame Beans: Simple steamed beans add texture and plant-based protein.
- Miso Soup: A warm, umami-rich broth to start the meal with soothing flavors.
- Pickled Ginger: Cleanses the palate and offers a traditional touch to the meal.
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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Keep your Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon with Broccoli tasting fresh and delicious with these storage and reheating tips.
- Cool the salmon and broccoli completely before placing them in airtight containers to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Reheat in a conventional oven wrapped loosely in foil at 32564F until warmed through, preserving moisture and crispness.
- For quick reheating, microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Freeze cooked portions in sealed containers for up to two months to maintain flavor and texture.
- Add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce before reheating to help maintain moisture and flavor intensity.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh broccoli is preferred for a crisp texture and even cooking, but you can use frozen. Just thaw and pat dry well to prevent sogginess before air frying.
Can I prepare the salmon in advance?
Yes, marinate the salmon up to 30 minutes before cooking. Avoid longer marinating to prevent the acidic ingredients in the glaze from softening the fish too much.
How do I avoid overcooking the salmon?
Cook at 37564F and air fry for 10-12 minutes depending on thickness. Check for flakiness and moisture to ensure it stays tender and juicy.
Is this recipe suitable for keto or low-carb diets?
Absolutely. By using a low-carb sweetener like erythritol in the glaze and serving with low-carb sides, it fits well within keto guidelines.
How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Replace salmon with firm tofu or tempeh and ensure the teriyaki sauce ingredients are vegan-friendly (use tamari instead of honey). Air fry the tofu alongside broccoli for a satisfying plant-based version.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon with Broccoli
Equipment
- Air Fryer For cooking the salmon and broccoli efficiently
- Small Bowl To whisk together teriyaki sauce ingredients
- Brush To glaze the salmon with sauce
Ingredients
- 4 fillets salmon fillets skin-on preferred
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons mirin or honey
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic grated or minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated or minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch optional, for thickening sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil or avocado oil
- salt to taste, for broccoli seasoning
- toasted sesame seeds for garnish, optional
- chopped green onions for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the teriyaki sauce by whisking together soy sauce, mirin or honey, grated garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. If using cornstarch, mix it with a little water and add to the sauce to thicken it.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and brush them evenly with half of the teriyaki sauce. Let them marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature to absorb flavors without becoming overly salty or mushy.
- Toss the broccoli florets with sesame or avocado oil and a sprinkle of salt.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket and arrange the broccoli florets around them (or cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the broccoli is crisp-tender.
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the salmon with the remaining teriyaki sauce to build a glossy, caramelized coating.
- Remove from the air fryer and let the salmon rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices. Serve with broccoli, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- Dry the broccoli well after washing to keep it crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy textures.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently to maintain moisture and texture.
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute salmon with firm tofu or tempeh and use plant-based teriyaki ingredients.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!