Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the glaze stick better and promotes crispiness.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and garlic powder until smooth and combined. The mixture should be thick and glossy, ready for glazing.
Brush the honey mustard glaze evenly over the top and sides of each salmon fillet, ensuring a generous coating. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to allow the glaze to slightly set.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
Carefully place the glazed salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching to allow for even crisping.
Cook the salmon at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. You’ll hear a faint sizzle and crackling as the glaze begins to caramelize and set, creating a glossy, slightly sticky coating.
Check for doneness by gently pressing the thickest part of the fillet; it should be firm with a slight bounce. The glaze should be bubbling lightly and have a shiny, crispy appearance.
Use tongs to carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer, letting any excess glaze drip back into the basket. Transfer to a serving plate and let rest for 2 minutes.
Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or thyme if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the crispy, caramelized glaze and tender, flaky salmon.
