Honey Harissa Salmon is a quick and flavorful dinner that’s both sweet and spicy. Made in just 30 minutes, this dish features crispy, tender salmon fillets coated in a garlicky, honey-harissa glaze. The glaze is perfectly balanced—not too spicy, not too sweet—making it an ideal option for family dinners. It’s cooked in the air fryer for a quick, crispy finish, but can also be made in the oven or on the stove.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Honey Harissa Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 tbsp harissa paste

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp water

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp coriander

• 1 tsp cumin

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Make the Glaze:

   • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, harissa paste, garlic, butter, lemon juice, and water. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.

   • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. To thicken, mix cornstarch with water and add to the glaze. Stir continuously until it reaches your desired thickness. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Salmon:

   • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.

   • In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, paprika, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

4. Cook the Salmon:

   • Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if needed).

   • Air fry for 7-8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the outside.

5. Glaze the Salmon:

   • Brush the honey harissa glaze generously over the salmon fillets. Return them to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the glazed salmon with your favorite sides. For a complete meal, try pairing it with yellow basmati rice, veggies, and feta cheese.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving, makes 4 servings)

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 26g

• Protein: 23g

• Fat: 16g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Fiber: 2g

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy: The Honey Harissa Glaze

At the heart of this dish is the honey harissa glaze—a savory, spicy sauce that adds depth and flavor to the salmon. Harissa, a North African chili paste, is made from a mix of roasted red peppers, garlic, and spices, giving it a bold and smoky heat. When combined with honey, it becomes the perfect sweet-spicy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the salmon, creating a savory crust with just the right amount of kick.

To make the glaze, you combine honey, harissa paste, garlic, butter, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan. The honey gives it sweetness, while the harissa paste brings the spice, balanced with garlic and the richness of butter. The addition of lemon juice provides a bit of acidity that ties everything together, and water thins the sauce to the perfect consistency. To thicken the glaze, cornstarch is mixed with water and added to create a glossy, sticky texture that coats the salmon perfectly.

What makes the glaze even better is that it’s incredibly easy to make. In just 5 minutes, you’ll have a rich, flavorful sauce ready to transform your salmon into a restaurant-quality dish.

Seasoning the Salmon: Bold Flavors in Every Bite

While the honey harissa glaze is the star of the dish, the seasoning on the salmon itself adds depth and complexity. A simple mix of chili powder, paprika, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper creates a savory spice rub that complements the glaze without overpowering it. The paprika adds a smoky richness, while the coriander and cumin offer warm, earthy flavors. A bit of chili powder gives it an extra kick, and the salt and pepper round out the seasoning.

Before cooking, you pat the salmon fillets dry, ensuring they sear properly and get that crispy skin if desired. The seasoning mixture is then rubbed onto both sides of the salmon, giving it an even coating of flavor. Whether you choose to cook the salmon in the air fryer, oven, or stovetop, this simple yet effective seasoning mix ensures each bite is flavorful and satisfying.

Cooking Methods: Air Fryer, Oven, or Stove

One of the best things about Honey Harissa Salmon is its versatility when it comes to cooking methods. Here are three ways to prepare this dish, each yielding slightly different textures and flavors:

• Air Fryer: The air fryer is the quickest and easiest method for achieving crispy, perfectly cooked salmon. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), and cook the salmon for 7-8 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and golden on the outside. The hot air circulates around the salmon, giving it a crispy finish without the excess oil. For a final touch, you can return the salmon to the air fryer with the glaze for 2-3 more minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize.

• Oven: If you prefer to cook the salmon in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the fillets for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through. The glaze can be applied halfway through the baking process, allowing the sauce to set and caramelize on the salmon.

• Stovetop: For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the salmon fillets for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Once the salmon is cooked, you can drizzle the glaze over the top and allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken.

All three methods produce a delicious result, but the air fryer is particularly convenient for a quick weeknight dinner. It also results in the crispiest edges, which complement the rich and sweet glaze beautifully.

Serving Suggestions: A Complete Meal

Honey Harissa Salmon is perfect on its own or paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

• Yellow Basmati Rice: The light, aromatic flavor of yellow basmati rice is a great complement to the bold flavors of the salmon. The rice will absorb any extra glaze, adding to the dish’s richness.

• Roasted Vegetables: Pair the salmon with some roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers. The slight char from roasting adds an additional layer of flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey harissa glaze.

• Greek Yogurt or Tzatziki Sauce: For a refreshing contrast, serve the salmon with a side of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce. The cool, tangy yogurt helps balance the heat from the harissa and complements the richness of the fish.

• Salad: A light, crisp salad made with mixed greens, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh, citrusy contrast to the rich flavors of the salmon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Harissa Salmon is a meal that delivers on all fronts. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want something flavorful. The balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors makes it a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table, from spice lovers to those who prefer milder dishes.

With just a few simple ingredients and a cooking time of under 30 minutes, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and satisfying. Whether you’re using the air fryer for a crispy finish or baking the salmon in the oven, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Flavorful Dish

If you’re looking for a meal that combines bold, vibrant flavors with ease and convenience, Honey Harissa Salmon is the perfect choice. The crispy salmon fillets coated in a garlicky, honey-harissa glaze are a winning combination of sweet and spicy, making every bite exciting. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen.

Quick, easy, and full of flavor—this is one recipe you won’t want to miss!