Teriyaki-Glazed Air Fryer Salmon (Because We All Need a Win Sometimes)

Serves 4 | Prep + Cook: 25-30 Minutes | A Hug from Your Kitchen

Hey, fellow beautiful parents— Some nights, I just need a dinner that feels like a pat on the back. This teriyaki-glazed salmon is my go-to when I want something delicious, quick, and even a little impressive to impress everyone, including myself. It’s sticky, sweet, and ready in less than 30 minutes. Kids’ favorite and healthy for late-night dinner.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp orange juice (squeeze fresh juice if available)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp minced ginger (fresh if you’re feeling it, or skip if you’re not)
• 4 salmon fillets (frozen works too—just thaw them in the fridge overnight)
• 1 ½ tsp sesame seeds

How We’re Doing This:

1. Make the Sauce: Grab a small pan, toss in the soy sauce, orange juice, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Heat it up over medium, stirring for about 4 minutes until it smells amazing and thickens a little. Set it aside.
2. Air Fryer Love: Spray your air fryer basket with some olive oil spray. Lay the salmon fillets in there, skin-side down if they’ve got it. Give the tops some oil spray too. Set it to 400°F and let it cook for 8 minutes while you sip your favorite wine.
3. Glaze Time: Brush a couple of tablespoons of that sauce over the salmon. Let it fry for 4 more minutes.
4. The last step: Garnish those sesame seeds on top, then air fry for 2 more minutes—or until the salmon flakes with a fork. Done when you’re ready.
5. Dish It Up: Serve it warm, drizzle the extra sauce over the top, and take your time.

Real Mama Moment:

I love this with some well-cooked basmati rice or whatever veggies are in the fridge. Make a salad as a side, and let the whole family devour it with joy.

Why It Feels Like Home:

It’s quick enough for those chaotic nights, full of flavor to remind me I’m still a person, and simple enough that I don’t cry over the cleanup. Share it with your people.

"Delicious food brings smiles to my family’s faces, and those gentle, glowing smiles are worth everything to me."