Salmon with Mustard Sauce – Baked, Pan-Seared or Air Fryer

There’s something special about gathering around the table after a long day, sharing a meal that feels both comforting and elegant. That’s exactly what inspired this Salmon with Mustard Sauce. On Eminent Recipes, I focus on creating approachable, family-friendly dishes that balance flavor and simplicity. This baked salmon with mustard sauce is a perfect example—quick to prepare, customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Salmon with Mustard Sauce is the ultimate balance of flavor and convenience. Whether you’re making baked salmon with mustard sauce for a busy Tuesday or pan seared salmon with mustard sauce for guests, this recipe adapts effortlessly. The creamy Dijon mustard sauce enhances the richness of the salmon while fresh lemon juice adds brightness.

You’ll love how quickly this salmon with Dijon mustard sauce comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for meal prep, elegant enough for entertaining, and simple enough for beginners. The best mustard sauce for salmon should be tangy, slightly sweet, and creamy—this one delivers every time.

This recipe also works beautifully as salmon with mustard sauce air fryer style, giving you crisp edges and tender flakes. You can adjust the sweetness for salmon with Dijon mustard and honey or keep it savory with a simple mustard sauce for salmon. However you prepare it, this Salmon with Mustard Sauce guarantees bold flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients for This Recipe

The beauty of Salmon with Mustard Sauce lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Fresh salmon fillets provide a rich, flaky base that pairs perfectly with a creamy mustard sauce for salmon. Dijon mustard adds sharp depth, while whole grain mustard brings texture. Lemon juice brightens the sauce, honey balances the tang, and garlic enhances savoriness. Heavy cream transforms it into the best mustard sauce for salmon, creating a silky finish ideal for baked salmon with mustard sauce or salmon with Dijon mustard sauce variations.

Ingredients for salmon with mustard sauce
Salmon with Mustard Sauce – Baked, Pan-Seared or Air Fryer 13

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Lemon slices (for serving)

For the Mustard Sauce:

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional for texture)
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ cup heavy cream (for creamy version)
OR 2 tablespoons olive oil (for lighter version)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This Recipe

Making Salmon with Mustard Sauce is simple and flexible. Start by seasoning the salmon generously to build flavor from the base. For baked salmon with mustard sauce, roasting ensures even cooking and flaky texture. If you prefer pan seared salmon with mustard sauce, searing locks in moisture and creates a golden crust. The creamy mustard sauce for salmon comes together quickly on the stovetop, blending Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and lemon into a velvety finish.

🛒 Steps:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) for baked salmon with mustard sauce.
Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Bake 12–15 minutes until flaky, or pan sear 4–5 minutes per side.
In a saucepan, whisk Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, garlic, and lemon juice.
Stir in heavy cream for creamy mustard sauce for salmon and simmer 2–3 minutes.
Spoon salmon with Dijon mustard sauce over cooked fillets and garnish with parsley.

Cooking salmon with mustard sauce in skillet
Salmon with Mustard Sauce – Baked, Pan-Seared or Air Fryer 14

Expert Cooking Tips

Perfect Salmon with Mustard Sauce starts with quality salmon and balanced seasoning. Always pat salmon dry before cooking to achieve better browning for pan seared salmon with mustard sauce. For baked salmon with mustard sauce, avoid overcooking—salmon should flake easily but remain moist inside. The best mustard sauce for salmon combines tangy Dijon with a touch of sweetness and creaminess for depth.

💡 Expert Tips:

Use center-cut salmon for even cooking.
Let salmon rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
For salmon with mustard sauce air fryer style, cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
Add extra honey for salmon with Dijon mustard and honey variation.
For a lighter option, swap cream with olive oil for simple mustard sauce for salmon.
Finish with fresh herbs and lemon zest for bright flavor.

Baked and pan seared salmon with mustard sauce variations
Salmon with Mustard Sauce – Baked, Pan-Seared or Air Fryer 15

FAQs

Can I make baked salmon with mustard sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salmon and mustard sauce separately, then reheat gently before serving to maintain moisture.

What is the best mustard sauce for salmon?

A creamy Dijon-based sauce with lemon and honey offers the perfect balance for salmon with Dijon mustard sauce.

Can I use the air fryer for salmon with mustard sauce?

Absolutely. Salmon with mustard sauce air fryer method cooks quickly and keeps the inside tender.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, Salmon with Mustard Sauce stores well for up to three days and reheats beautifully.

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Salmon with Mustard Sauce is a flavorful, versatile dish that brings together simplicity and elegance. Whether you choose baked salmon with mustard sauce, pan seared salmon with mustard sauce, or salmon with mustard sauce air fryer style, the creamy Dijon flavor elevates every bite. It’s quick enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and customizable to your taste. This recipe proves that balanced, comforting meals can be both easy and unforgettable.

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Salmon with mustard sauce served on white plate

Salmon with Mustard Sauce


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 1015 minutes 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Tender, flaky salmon topped with a rich and tangy mustard sauce made with Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon, and a touch of honey or cream. This easy yet elegant dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions and pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

  • Lemon slices (for serving)

For the Mustard Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional for texture)

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • ½ cup heavy cream (for creamy version)
    OR 2 tablespoons olive oil (for lighter version)

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon (Choose Your Method)

Option 1: Baked Salmon with Mustard Sauce
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until flaky and cooked through.

Option 2: Pan-Seared Salmon with Mustard Sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook 4–5 minutes. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Option 3: Salmon with Mustard Sauce Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook salmon for 7–10 minutes, depending on thickness.

Step 3: Make the Mustard Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, garlic, and lemon juice.

For a creamy mustard sauce for salmon, stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

For a simple mustard sauce for salmon, whisk ingredients together without cream and warm gently.

Season with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh parsley.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

 

Spoon the warm mustard sauce over the cooked salmon. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Best mustard sauce for salmon: Use high-quality Dijon mustard for smooth texture and bold flavor.
  • Sweet variation: Add extra honey for salmon with Dijon mustard and honey.
  • Crispy top: Brush sauce on salmon before baking and broil for 1–2 minutes.
  • Doneness tip: Salmon is ready when it flakes easily and reaches 125–145°F internally (depending on preference).
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course / Dinner
  • Method: Baked / Pan-Seared / Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American / European Inspired

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