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Air Fryer Pomegranate-Glazed Salmon

This Air Fryer Pomegranate-Glazed Salmon recipe offers a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal combining fresh salmon fillets with a tangy-sweet pomegranate glaze. Ready in under 20 minutes and cooked to perfection in an air fryer, this dish is perfect for nutritious weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 4 fresh salmon fillets, skin-on (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Pomegranate Glaze

  • 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to help the glaze stick properly. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper evenly.
  2. Make the Pomegranate Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the pomegranate molasses, honey or maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined to create a balanced sweet-tart glaze.
  3. Apply the Glaze: Brush a generous layer of the pomegranate glaze over the top of each salmon fillet, reserving some glaze to add after cooking for extra flavor and shine.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  5. Cook the Salmon: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching for proper air circulation. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, checking at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking; the salmon should flake easily with a fork and have a glossy, sticky glaze.
  6. Finish and Serve: Brush the reserved glaze over the cooked salmon for an extra burst of flavor and shiny appearance. Let rest for 1 minute before transferring to plates for serving.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space between fillets for even cooking and crisp edges.
  • Applying glaze before and after cooking maximizes flavor without burning.
  • Use a meat thermometer aiming for 125°F internal temperature for medium-rare salmon.
  • Consider using perforated parchment paper liners made for air fryers to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, air fryer, pomegranate molasses, healthy dinner, quick recipe, gluten free, seafood, easy salmon glaze