As a mom and wife, I’m always looking for ways to make dinner feel special without turning it into a big production. This Air Fryer Plank-Grilled Sweet Soy Salmon does exactly that. It has that lightly smoky, grilled flavor you’d expect from an outdoor cookout, but it’s made right in the air fryer — no grill, no weather worries, and no extra cleanup.
The sweet soy glaze is simple but incredibly flavorful. It’s salty, slightly sweet, and deeply savory, and it pairs beautifully with rich salmon. Cooking the salmon on a soaked wood plank in the air fryer adds a subtle smoky aroma that makes this dish feel restaurant-worthy, even though it comes together easily on a busy night.
This is one of those meals I make when I want to slow down dinner just a bit, light a candle, and enjoy something that feels thoughtfully made — even if the kids are still asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 cedar grilling plank, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the sweet soy glaze
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Soak the plank
Place the cedar plank in water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This prevents it from burning and helps release that gentle smoky aroma while cooking. - Prepare the glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined. - Prep the salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. - Assemble on the plank
Place the soaked plank on a towel and pat dry. Arrange the salmon fillets on top, leaving a little space between each piece. - Brush with glaze
Generously brush the sweet soy glaze over the top of each salmon fillet. Reserve a small amount of glaze for finishing. - Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. - Air fry the salmon
Carefully place the plank into the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–14 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125–130°F for medium or 135°F for well-done. - Finish with glaze
Brush the salmon with the remaining glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking for a glossy finish. - Rest and garnish
Remove the plank carefully and let the salmon rest for a few minutes. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Why This Works in the Air Fryer
Using a plank in the air fryer might sound unusual, but it’s surprisingly effective. The circulating heat cooks the salmon evenly while the damp plank slowly releases aroma, mimicking a grilled effect. The glaze caramelizes just enough without burning, and the salmon stays tender and juicy inside.
For me, this recipe is a reminder that you don’t need fancy equipment to make meals feel elevated — just a few thoughtful techniques.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure the plank fits comfortably in your air fryer basket
- Don’t oversoak the plank longer than 2 hours
- Thicker salmon fillets work best for plank cooking
- If glaze starts browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil
- Always check doneness early to avoid overcooking
For more seafood cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Seafood Recipes Guide.
Serving Ideas
This salmon pairs beautifully with simple sides that let it shine:
- Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
- Garlic green beans or broccolini
- Cucumber salad with sesame dressing
- Roasted sweet potatoes
On busy nights, I’ll serve it over rice bowls with leftover veggies, and on slower evenings, I plate it with sides and let everyone sit a little longer at the table.
Storage & Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F for a few minutes
- Flaked leftovers are amazing in rice bowls, wraps, or salads
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Plank-Grilled Sweet Soy Salmon is one of those recipes that feels calm and intentional. It’s flavorful without being heavy, simple without being boring, and impressive without being stressful. As a mom and wife, that balance matters so much in my kitchen.
It’s proof that even everyday dinners can feel a little special — and that sometimes, the air fryer really can do it all.
