Air Fryer Bourbon Glazed Salmon

Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice. If using, add ginger or honey for extra flavor. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until it reduces to a thick glaze, stirring occasionally. Let it cool slightly.

Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the bourbon glaze over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is well-coated. Reserve the remaining glaze for later. Let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and gets a nice glaze.

Air Fry the Salmon: Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is cooked through and has a nice glaze on top.

Baste with Glaze: Halfway through cooking, brush the salmon with some of the reserved glaze for extra flavor and a beautiful sheen.

Check for Doneness: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Serve: Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Drizzle the remaining bourbon glaze over the fillets before serving.

Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.