Air Fryer Ponzu Salmon
Updated Nov 24, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Air Fryer Ponzu Salmon is quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Salmon filets are marinated in a tangy ponzu sauce, then broiled until tender and finished with a glossy drizzle of reduced marinade. Serve it with rice, avocado, and cucumber salad for a balanced meal that’s light yet satisfying.
Looking for more salmon recipes? Try my Easy Coconut Curry Salmon or Miso Glazed Salmon!
Watch how to make it here!
Why You'll Love this Ponzu Salmon
- Quick Marinade, Big Flavor: Combine a few simple ingredients then marinate for 30 minutes.
- Quick Cleanup: Broiling in the air fryer oven means dinner is on the table with minimal effort and cleanup.
- Healthy & Versatile: High in protein, full of flavor, and delicious with rice, vegetables, or light salads.
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients with exact quantities.
- Ponzu Sauce: A Japanese citrus-based sauce with a savory, tangy flavor. Most store-bought versions are ponzu shoyu, which means they include soy sauce. That’s the kind you’ll want for this recipe. I purchased mine at Trader Joe's.
- Salmon: You’ll need about 1 ½ pounds salmon (4 filets, ~6 oz each). Skin-on or skinless both work, but skin-on helps keep the fish moist and the skin peels off easily after cooking. For best results, choose filets of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
Air Fryer Ponzu Salmon (Step-by-Step Instructions)
See the recipe card below for the full list of instructions.
- Make sure to use a ponzu sauce with soy sauce. This is the most common type sold in stores.
- Whisk together all ingredients except for the salmon to create the ponzu marinade.
- Add the salmon filets to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Place the marinated salmon filets on a baking sheet.
- Broil on high for 7-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reach 125–130°F for medium.
- Boil the ponzu marinade while the salmon broils to form a thickened sauce. Drizzle over the cooked salmon and serve.
Ready to try it? Scroll to the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full instructions.
Air Fryer Ponzu Salmon FAQ's
Yes! I cooked mine in the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer on broil for 7–10 minutes. In a full-size oven, broil on high for 8–12 minutes, or bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
Cook salmon at 400°F for 7–9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the filets.
Yes, you could get away with marinading for about an hour. Avoid marinating longer because the citrus in ponzu can begin to break down the fish and affect the texture.
Salmon is best when the internal temperature reaches 125–130°F for medium. It should flake easily with a fork but still look slightly glossy in the center.
This salmon pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, avocado, Japanese cucumber salad, green onions, furikake, and a drizzle of Japanese chili oil.
Did you try this Air Fryer Ponzu Salmon recipe? Leave a Review!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! If you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a rating and review. And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or TikTok so I can see your creations!
Air Fryer Ponzu Salmon
Equipment
- Air Fryer See recipe notes for alternatives
Ingredients
- ½ cup Ponzu Sauce, Use ponzu with soy sauce (the type most commonly sold in stores)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil, or a neutral oil of your choice
- 1 teaspoon Japanese Chili Oil, or chili oil of choice (optional)
- 1 ½ pounds Salmon, about 4 filets, 6 oz each
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients except the salmon. Add the salmon filets, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the broiler on high. (I used my Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer — see recipe notes for oven and air fryer alternatives.) Place the salmon directly on a baking sheet or on a wire rack set over the sheet.
- Broil the salmon for 7–10 minutes, or until lightly charred on top and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 125–130°F for medium. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- While the salmon cooks, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened. (This ensures the marinade is safe to eat.)
- Drizzle the thickened sauce over the salmon and serve immediately. See recipe notes for serving suggestions.
Video
Notes
- Recipe Note: Cooking times may vary depending on your oven or air fryer. I used the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer on high broil for 7–10 minutes. In a basket-style air fryer, cook at 400°F for 7–9 minutes. In a regular oven, broil on high for 8–12 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice with avocado and cucumber salad. Top with green onions, furikake, and a drizzle of Japanese chili oil.
- Storage:Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold in salads or grain bowls.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
