Name: Easy Maple Dijon Salmon Recipe (Air Fryer Option) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tbsp maple syrup; ¼ cup Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp water; 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred spice level); 2 salmon filets (4 oz each), skin-on; Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Description

This Easy Maple Dijon Salmon recipe combines sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard with spicy red pepper flakes to create a flavorful glaze for perfectly seared salmon filets. Using a cast-iron skillet or an air fryer, this quick and simple dish is ready in just 13 minutes and serves two, making it ideal for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Salmon and Glaze

3 tbsp maple syrup
¼ cup Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp water
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred spice level)
2 salmon filets (4 oz each), skin-on
Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prep: Pat the salmon filets dry on both sides using paper towels. Season liberally with salt and freshly cracked pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the fish.
Preheat: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the olive oil and let it heat fully to prepare for searing the salmon.
Sear Salmon: Place the salmon filets skin side up in the hot oil. Allow them to cook untouched for about 3 minutes or until the flesh develops a crispy, deep golden-brown crust.
Prepare Sauce: While the salmon sears, whisk together the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, water, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl to create the flavorful glaze.
Flip and Sauce: Turn the salmon filets over so the skin side is down. Pour the prepared glaze into the pan and add the unsalted butter.
Baste and Finish Cooking: Spoon the melted butter and glaze over the salmon continuously as it cooks for another 3-4 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Serve: Remove the salmon from the skillet and serve warm, spooning extra sauce over the top for a rich, flavorful finish.

Notes

For a variation, this recipe can be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to spice preference or omit for a milder taste.
Ensure the skillet is properly heated before adding salmon to achieve a perfect sear.
Use skin-on salmon filets for a crispy texture and added flavor.
Leftover salmon and sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.