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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.
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
- 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
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.
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.
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Pin ItFrequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
More salmon recipes
- Baked Honey Mustard Salmon
- Creamy Tuscan Salmon
- Salmon Tacos with Corn Salsa
- Crispy Baked Salmon
- Creamy Coconut Lime Salmon
- Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Salad
- Salmon Florentine
- Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Balsamic Glazed Salmon
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
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the first eight ingredients just until well combined.
- Pat the salmon dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Add the salmon filets to the mixing bowl with the marinade and toss to evenly coat on all sides.
- For the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large skillet or baking dish, add the balsamic salmon filets. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork.
- For the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place half of your salmon filets inside the basket and cook for 9-10 minutes. Repeat with the remaining salmon filets.
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hello Rena, I just want to thank you for your great Salmon dishes. What a nice variety of recipes to choose from. I BBQ the salmon in an aluminum foil boat with the varies ingredients. I love Salmon as my go to seafood.
Thank you so much.
Can this recipe be prepped ahead of time and frozen. do you freeze before or after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze in a freezer-safe bag marinated before baking.
I’m hoping to try this dish later today. Do I reserve any of the glaze to pour over the salmon as I plate it? Or do I just toss it.
Yes you can