Air Fryer Honey Soy Salmon, Rice and Chilli Cukes
Your next speedy dinner – air fryer honey soy salmon with rice & chilli cubes
If you’re still on the fence about cooking salmon in an air fryer, let me put your mind at ease: this method is a total game-changer. I know some people think an air fryer is “too intense” for delicate fish — but let’s be real. If people are out here poaching salmon in dishwashers (?!), then using an air fryer is practically gourmet. Plus, the air circulation results in even cooking, without any underdone fishy bits or pesky burnt bits.
This honey soy salmon recipe proves how easy, quick, and actually delicious air fryer fish can be. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have beautifully caramelised salmon fillets with sticky edges and a juicy, flaky interior — no overcooked fish in sight.
What to serve the salmon with?
To complete the meal, I serve the salmon with fluffy white rice, beautifully crisp tenderstem broccoli, and a refreshing chilli cucumber salad (or “chilli cukes” if you’re feeling spicy). This salad adds crunch, heat, and a hint of vinegar tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey soy glaze.
And for those of you who want to show off a little on socials — I spiralised my cucumber for this recipe (because why not?). It’s surprisingly simple, wildly satisfying, and looks very “chef-y” with minimal effort.
What makes this air fryer salmon recipe so good?
Quick: The salmon cooks in 7-9 minutes.
Healthy: Packed with omega-3s, protein, and fresh veg.
Minimal clean-up: One air fryer basket and a pot of rice — done.
Customisable: Swap the salmon for tofu or chicken if needed.
This recipe also features in my Sunday Times BESTSELLER (still can’t believe I get to write that) — The Actually Delicious Air Fryer Cookbook. But because I love you lot, I’m sharing this one for free, right here. We should all be eating more fish… especially when it tastes this good.
FAQs
What if I don’t have honey?
You can use maple syrup or agave as an alternative sweetener.
Can I make this dish low-carb?
Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or serve with a big green salad. I’m a carb lover so don’t usually have to worry about this hehe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
What else can I serve this with?
I like grilled spring onions, crispy shallots (the ones from the supermarkets), some picked veg, or with soba noodles and longstem broccoli. You could also use sweet potato as the base with whatever veg you fancy.
Air Fryer Honey Soy Salmon, Rice and Chilli Cukes
By Poppy Cooks
https://www.poppycooks.com/recipes/air-fryer-honey-soy-salmon-rice-and-chilli-cukes/
Ingredients
For the rice
- 200g washed basmati rice
- 400ml cold water
Metric
Imperial
For the chilli cukes
- 1 pack baby cucumbers
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- Yuzu or lemon juice to taste
- Chilli crisp oil, salt and pepper to taste
Metric
Imperial
For the honey soy salmon and broccoli
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp runny honey
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 small thumb sized piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
- 300g tenderstem broccoli
Metric
Imperial
Instructions
- Mix together all of the ingredients for the salmon marinade and coat the salmon fillets in the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Pop the rice into a large saucepan with the cold water and bring to a boil, then boil for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover with cling film and a tight fitting lid, then leave to stand for 11 minutes.
- Bash or slice the cucumbers into a spiral - put a chopstick on both sides of the baby cucumber and slice at a 45º angle close together. When you have done this, flip the cucumber over and cut on a 90º angle and it will form an accordion cut. Mix together all of the ingredients for the cucumber marinade and toss the cucumbers in the mix. Leave to marinade while you finish the rest of the dish.
- Preheat your airfryer to 180ºc/350ºf. Toss the tenderstem broccoli in oil, salt and pepper then lay this at the bottom of your airfryer basket. Top with the salmon fillets and cook for 7-9 minutes until the salmon is flaky.
- Scoop the leftover marinade into a small pan and add a large dash of water. Stir together, bring to the boil and use this to brush over the salmon when it comes out of the air fryer. Fluff up the rice with a fork and dish up.
Poppy Says
This is the perfect midweek meal for the family! Change up the marinade by adding in some new flavours like chilli honey, sesame seeds or a spicy chipotle paste!