Do salmon and pomegranate go together?

Yes, they pair beautifully. Salmon’s richness needs a contrast, and pomegranate provides just that. Its sweet-tart flavor cuts through the fat, creating a perfect balance. In this air fryer pomegranate-glazed salmon recipe, the glaze caramelizes during cooking, while fresh pomegranate arils add texture and visual appeal. It’s a bold but natural pairing that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

How do you cook salmon with glaze in the air fryer?

To cook salmon with glaze in the air fryer, start by brushing the glaze on both sides of the fillets. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 6 to 7 minutes without flipping. The glaze will thicken and caramelize as the salmon cooks. This technique ensures even cooking and a crisp, flavorful finish, just like in our air fryer pomegranate-glazed salmon recipe.

How long do you cook salmon in the air fryer?

The ideal time to cook salmon in the air fryer is 6 to 8 minutes at 400°F. For medium-rare results, 6 minutes is usually enough. Thicker fillets may need an extra minute or two. Let the cooked salmon rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. This timing creates the perfect balance between a moist center and a slightly crisp glaze, which defines a great air fryer pomegranate-glazed salmon.

Do I need to flip salmon in the air fryer?

No, flipping is not required. In fact, it’s better not to flip it. The air fryer’s design ensures even cooking from all sides. Flipping could disturb the glaze or break apart the fillet. For the best results, place your salmon skin-side down and cook it undisturbed. This method gives you the rich caramelization that makes air fryer pomegranate-glazed salmon so irresistible.

Air fryer pomegranate-glazed salmon – Bold Flavor in 20 Mins

Name: Easy Air Fryer Pomegranate-Glazed Salmon Recipe for a Healthy Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 center-cut salmon fillets (skinless); 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses; 1½ teaspoons sweet chili sauce; 1½ teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 garlic clove, grated; 2 teaspoons honey; Juice of 1 lime; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; ½ cup pomegranate arils; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small serrano pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

Description

This air fryer pomegranate-glazed salmon is sweet, tangy, and perfectly caramelized. Ready in under 20 minutes, it delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The pomegranate molasses glaze pairs beautifully with rich salmon, and the air fryer ensures a crisp top and juicy center. Ideal for weeknights or elegant dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

4 center-cut salmon fillets (skinless)
2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
1½ teaspoons sweet chili sauce
1½ teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 garlic clove, grated
2 teaspoons honey
Juice of 1 lime
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup pomegranate arils
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small serrano pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix pomegranate molasses, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, 1 tsp honey, half the lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Brush glaze generously over the salmon fillets. Season with more salt and pepper.
Place salmon in the air fryer basket with space between each piece.
Air fry at 400°F for 6 to 7 minutes until caramelized and flaky.
While cooking, mix pomegranate arils, cilantro, olive oil, serrano (optional), remaining lime juice, and honey.
Remove salmon from air fryer. Rest for 2 minutes, then top with pomegranate relish. Serve warm.

Notes

No need to flip the salmon in the air fryer.

For medium doneness, aim for 6 minutes. For firmer salmon, go up to 8 minutes.

Resting allows juices to redistribute, improving texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Air-Fryer
Method: Air-Fryer
Cuisine: Southern-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30mg
Cholesterol: 65mg