Quick Air Fryer Pomegranate Glazed Salmon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it delivers restaurant-style flavor with minimal effort. The air fryer keeps the salmon juicy inside while lightly caramelizing the glaze outside, and the pomegranate adds a unique balance of sweetness and tartness. I also like how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute meals.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salmon and glaze:
1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb salmon filets
2 tablespoons honey
Black pepper to taste

For the garnish:
2 tablespoons reserved pomegranate glaze
Fresh pomegranate seeds
Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Directions

I start by preheating the air fryer to 375°F. While it heats, I whisk together the pomegranate molasses, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth. I set aside about 2 tablespoons of the glaze for finishing later.

I pat the salmon dry with paper towels and cut it into 1-inch cubes. I place the salmon in a bowl and pour the remaining glaze over it, gently tossing until every piece is evenly coated.

I arrange the glazed salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. I air fry at 375°F for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through to promote even cooking. I check for doneness around the 5-minute mark and remove the salmon once it reaches 145°F and flakes easily.

I transfer the cooked salmon to a serving dish, drizzle the reserved glaze over the top, and finish with fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

I get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep time is approximately 10 minutes.
Cook time is about 15 minutes.
Total time comes to roughly 25 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add a splash of soy sauce to the glaze for a deeper savory note. When I want extra citrus brightness, I stir in a little lemon zest. I’ve also used this glaze on whole salmon fillets instead of cubes with great results.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, I use the air fryer at a low temperature for a few minutes to keep the salmon moist and avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use regular pomegranate juice instead of molasses?

I don’t recommend it because molasses is much thicker and more concentrated.

Do I need to flip the salmon while cooking?

I usually just shake the basket halfway through, which works well for even browning.

Can I make this without honey?

I’ve skipped the honey before, but I find it helps the glaze caramelize better.

Is this recipe spicy?

I find it mildly warm, but I adjust the red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I cook whole fillets instead of cubes?

I’ve done both, and whole fillets work well with a slightly longer cooking time.

Conclusion

I find this Quick Air Fryer Pomegranate Glazed Salmon to be a fresh, flavorful dish that delivers big results with little effort. The vibrant glaze, tender salmon, and quick cooking time make it a recipe I love returning to whenever I want something fast, healthy, and impressive.

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