Jan 23, 2023

Maple Mustard Salmon

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
5 from 5 votes
This simple salmon recipe is great for weeknight dinners.
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Pieces of salmon are seasoned with salt and pepper then topped with a simple combination of maple syrup, whole grain mustard and Dijon mustard and baked in the oven for a flavorful glaze. The sweetness of the maple balances the spicy and tangy flavors of the mustard. Serve this maple mustard glazed salmon recipe with a side of Brussels sprouts (you can roast them on the same baking sheet!) and quinoa or rice for an easy well-rounded dinner. I recommend pairing with balsamic sriracha roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts with bacon.

maple mustard salmon on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & easy. Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Balanced flavor. The sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard glaze complement rich, flaky salmon beautifully.
  • Versatile. Delicious with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, and easy to scale for family dinners or entertaining.

Key Ingredients in This Recipe 

  • Salmon – I use Atlantic salmon for this recipe which is much thicker than most wild Alaskan salmon varieties and will take longer to cook. If using any wild salmon varieties I recommend cooking for less time in the oven so it doesn’t overcook. I typically plan about 6 to 8 ounces (170g to 227g) of salmon per person. 
  • Maple syrup – I love the natural sweetness and slight nutty flavor the maple syrup adds to this salmon recipe. Be sure to use real maple syrup and not pancake syrup (which is mainly corn syrup). Maple syrup is a labor intensive product which is why it’s so expensive. A little goes a long way in this recipe to balance the flavors of the mustard. 
  • Whole grain mustard – I use both whole grain mustard and Dijon mustard in this recipe. Whole grain mustard is only partially blended with some seeds still visible which gives it a grainy texture. Because the seeds are left mostly whole they have a milder flavor than Dijon. 
  • Dijon mustard –  Dijon is made from finely ground mustard seeds with a spicier flavor than whole grain mustard. I like using both for the most well rounded flavor. 

A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

fillets of salmon.

The Best Temperature for Cooking Salmon

Salmon doesn’t take long to cook, even when the filets are thicker. Cooking salmon at a high heat (400ºF/ 200ºC) in this recipe, ensures the salmon cooks quickly giving it a buttery texture without drying it out. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 6 minutes of cooking time per half inch of thickness. Keep in mind it will continue to cook as the salmon cools so I prefer to cook until it’s just cooked through. To check if the salmon is done, use a fork to flake a piece off the side.

How to Make Salmon in an Air Fryer

Set the air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC). Arrange seasoned filets of salmon in the air fryer basket and air fry until just cooked through, about 7 to 9 minutes depending on the thickness. 

How to Make Maple Mustard Salmon (Step-by-step)

maple mustard glaze.
Step 1: Make the maple mustard glaze. 
In a small bowl whisk together the maple syrup, whole grain mustard and Dijon. Set aside until ready to use.
salmon with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Arrange salmon on a baking sheet. 
Heat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Arrange salmon filets on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
uncooked maple mustard salmon on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Top with maple mustard sauce.
Drizzle with the maple mustard mixture evenly spreading it over the salmon.
cooked maple mustard salmon on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the salmon.
Bake until just cooked through and tender, about 12 minutes. Serve warm with roasted vegetables and grains.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
  • Reheat gently in a low oven (~300°F) or microwave (cover to preserve moisture).

Serving suggestions for Maple Mustard Salmon

While this recipe is great with simple roasted vegetables and grains, it pairs well with these recipes: 

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best temperature to cook salmon in the oven?

Salmon doesn’t take long to cook, even when the filets are thicker. I prefer cooking salmon at a high heat (400ºF/ 200ºC). This ensures the salmon cooks quickly giving it a buttery texture without drying it out. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 6 minutes of cooking time per half inch of thickness.

Can you make maple mustard salmon in the air fryer?

Yes! Set the air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC). Arrange seasoned filets of salmon in the air fryer basket and air fry until just cooked through, about 7 to 9 minutes depending on the thickness. 

What should I serve with maple mustard salmon?

While this recipe is great with simple roasted vegetables and grains, it pairs well with roasted Brussels Sprouts Grain Salad, Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta, Blistered Shishito Peppers, balsamic sriracha roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts with bacon.

How should store and reheat leftover maple mustard salmon?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (~300°F) or microwave (cover to preserve moisture).

Other Recipes to Try

If you enjoy this maple mustard salmon recipe, give these a try and follow me on Instagram for more updates: 

Thanks for cooking with me! If you made this recipe, leave a 🌟 rating and share your thoughts or tips below. I’d love to hear from you!

Maple Mustard Salmon

5 from 5 votes
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maple mustard salmon over quinoa and roasted brussels sprouts.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • pounds Atlantic salmon, cut into 4 filets
  • Kosher salt, as needed
  • Freshly ground black pepper, as needed

Instructions:

  • In a small bowl whisk together the maple syrup, whole grain mustard and Dijon. Set aside until ready to use.
  • Heat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Arrange salmon filets on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
  • Drizzle with the maple mustard mixture evenly spreading it over the salmon.
  • Bake until just cooked through and tender, about 12 minutes. Serve warm with roasted vegetables and grains.

Notes:

To make this maple mustard salmon in the air fryer: Set air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC). Arrange seasoned filets of salmon in the air fryer basket and air fry until just cooked through, about 7 to 9 minutes depending on the thickness. 

Nutrition:

Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 863mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 72IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg
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5 from 5 votes

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Recipe Rating




  1. 5 stars
    So simple and so delicious! This is going to be one of my new go-tos recipes for salmon. I served it with long grain rice and roasted cauliflower.

  2. 5 stars
    Wow! Made this tonight for dinner with some roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze and goat cheese crumbles and it was amazing. I also made a side of rice, and it was very very filling! Can’t wait to make again. My mom loved it.

  3. 5 stars
    Excellent! I cut everything in half for 2 of us. I wish I had made the whole amount of sauce to drizzle while it cooks plus save out a little at the end, for serving. Next time!

  4. 5 stars
    The salmon was exquisite, it was soooo good. We cooked some buck wheat and baked carrots. After baking the carrots we put them und a pan with some teriyaki sauce. But I will definately try this also with brussel sprouts. Thanks for the great recipe! It will be a new regular in our kitchen!

    • Oh what an amazing pairing!! That sounds delicious! So glad you enjoyed! Thank you for sharing!!

  5. 5 stars
    Delicious and so easy! I made this last night and my husband and I both loved it. It pairs nicely with Brussels sprouts and is a tasty healthy dinner with very little effort. I plan to also try the glaze on chicken!