Balsamic Glazed Salmon

Name: Balsamic Glazed Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup balsamic glaze; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 tablespoon mustard; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar; 4-5 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 8 skinless salmon filets; Kosher salt and black pepper

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

My Balsamic Glazed Salmon is flavorful, easy to make, and ready in less than 20 minutes! The delicious balsamic glaze caramelizes on the outside, and the inside stays flaky and moist. You are going to love everything about this recipe!

Salmon is my favorite type of seafood to cook! It’s flaky and flavorful without being too fishy. There are many different ways to prepare it; like this Tomato Cheese Stuffed Salmon, these Air Fryer Salmon Bites, and this amazing Creamy Tuscan Salmon.

A white bowl with rice topped with 2 salmon fillets and tomato salad garnish.

This Balsamic Glazed Salmon has the most incredible flavor! As the filets cook, the sauce gets sweet, tangy, savory and sticky – the perfect complement to the salmon. In addition, this recipe could not be easier to make! Simply, mix up the marinade, coat the salmon with it and then cook it in the oven or air fryer. Dinner is ready in less than 20 minutes!

Serve it with some rice like this cilantro lime rice or this lemon parsley couscous.

Recipe highlights
Ingredients you’ll need
How to make Balsamic Glazed Salmon
Recipe tips
Frequently asked questions
Serving suggestions
Storage recommendations
More salmon recipes
Balsamic Glazed Salmon Recipe

Recipe highlights

It’s nutritious: This recipe is not only incredibly delicious and easy, but it’s also rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and packed with protein. You get wonderful taste and nutrition in one bite!
Easy to make: This dish is simple to prep in just minutes and then it only takes about 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer!
Wonderful flavor and texture: You will love this super moist, flaky baked salmon and the glaze is really something special!

Ingredients you’ll need

This recipe is made with simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Follow the recipe card below for exact measurements.

Balsamic glaze: Different from balsamic vinegar, balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter, thanks to the added sugars and reduction process.
Avocado oil: For moisture and to help everything stick together.
Mustard: Gives the sauce a sharp, slightly tangy taste.
Tomato paste: Adds depth of flavor and a savory umami quality.
Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the flavor and helps to tenderize the salmon.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic will taste best but you can use jarred in a pinch.
Oregano: Has a deep, earthy taste.
Smoked paprika: Provides a hint of warm smoky flavor. If you’re not into smoky, sweet paprika works well in its place.
Salmon filets: You’ll need 8 salmon filets for this recipe. I prefer to buy them skinless. However, if they have skin, it’s easy to remove after cooking.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Enhances the flavors.

How to make Balsamic Glazed Salmon

Whisking spices with avocado oil and balsamic glaze in a white bowl.

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the first 8 ingredients, just until well combined.

Step 2: Pat the salmon dry. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Marinating salmon filets in a white bowl.

Step 3: Add the salmon filets to the mixing bowl with the marinade. Toss to evenly coat on all sides.

Step 4: To bake in the oven, add the balsamic salmon filets to a large skillet or baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork.

Step 5: If using the air fryer, place half of the salmon filets inside the basket and cook for 9-10 minutes. Repeat with the remaining salmon filets.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS 😍

Recipe tips

Use the same size filets: This will help the salmon cook evenly. I recommend using wild-caught salmon if available.
Purchasing salmon: To purchase high-quality salmon, check the seafood counter of your grocery store. This is a great option because you know it’s fresh and you’ll be able to select filets of similar size. You can also use frozen fillets, just be sure to thaw before marinating.
Don’t overcook: Overcooked salmon can end up overly dry and not very tasty. Cook until it’s slightly pink and flaky to keep it moist and juicy.
Let it rest: Once the filets are cooked to perfection, allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite every time.
Cut the recipe in half: Even though these are great leftovers, if you don’t want to make eight filets, feel free to cut the recipe in half to feed four people.

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It

Frequently asked questions

How do you know when salmon is done cooking?

According to the USDA, the recommended salmon temperature is 145°F. I recommend removing your salmon from the oven or air fryer when it is about 140ºF because it will continue to cook just after being removed. Cooked perfectly, the salmon will be moist, and buttery and will flake easily.

How long does salmon need to cook in an air fryer?

Salmon typically needs to bake in an air fryer for at least 9 minutes at 400ºF and no more than about 10 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your filets. Use an instant read thermometer, to know precisely when to remove it.

Do you eat the skin on salmon?

Some people like to leave the skin on salmon and others like to remove it before eating. Eating the skin on the salmon is a personal preference and I personally don’t eat it. It’s very easy to peel off once the salmon has been cooked.

Flaked balsamic glazed salmon in a bowl with rice and cherry tomatoes.

Serving suggestions

One thing I love so much about this balsamic glazed salmon recipe is that it pairs well with so many different sides! Here are some options:

Low-carb: Try this with cauliflower rice or cauliflower mash.
Grains: It’s great served over brown rice, white rice or quinoa.
Salad: Serve a salad on the side, like this avocado tomato salad, cucumber tomato salad, or this black bean tabbouleh salad.
Veggies: Choose any favorite vegetable side dish! We love this salmon with steamed broccoli, green beans, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted asparagus, or parmesan-roasted cauliflower.

Storage recommendations

Leftovers: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to about 3 to 4 days.
To reheat: Place leftover salmon in a dish, in the oven for about 10 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also reheat in the air fryer at about 300 to 360ºF or about 5 minutes. This will help keep the outside crispy but the inside tender and flaky! You may also just reheat in the microwave for about a minute.