If you’ve never tried salmon collar before, you’re seriously missing out. It’s one of the richest, fattiest cuts of the fish, and this recipe lets its buttery flavor shine with a simple honey soy glaze.

I don’t see salmon collar on restaurant menus very often, which is such a shame because this cut is delicious with a capital D. The meat is rich, tender, and incredibly flavorful, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why it isn’t more popular.

The good news is, it’s very easy to cook. Just season the fish, pop it in the air fryer, and brush it with a simple 3-ingredient honey soy glaze. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll be ready to eat.

What Is Salmon Kama?

Salmon kama, also known as salmon collar, is the cut located just behind the gills and below the head of the fish. It’s one of the fattiest, most flavorful parts of the salmon, yet it’s often overlooked compared to fillets.

Because it’s so well-marbled, salmon kama has a rich, buttery flavor and an incredibly tender, juicy texture. When cooked in the air fryer, the skin becomes wonderfully crisp while the meat gets moist and flakes apart easily.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Salmon kama (salmon collar). This flavorful cut comes from the area just behind the head of the fish. It’s rich, buttery, and naturally fatty. You can find it at Japanese markets, Asian grocery stores, or your local fish market.
• Salt. A simple sprinkle of salt is all you need to bring out the salmon’s natural flavor.
• Soy sauce. Adds a savory, umami-rich base to the glaze.
• Mirin. This slightly sweet Japanese rice wine balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and helps the glaze caramelize.
• Honey. Adds sweetness and creates a glossy glaze as the salmon cooks.

How to Cook Salmon Collar in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Brush the air fryer basket lightly with oil. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.

2. Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon collar dry with paper towels, then season both sides with the salt.

3. Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, and honey until smooth.

4. Air Fry the Salmon

Arrange the salmon collar in the air fryer basket skin-side down, leaving a little space between each piece. Air fry for 8 minutes.

5. Glaze the Salmon

During the last 3 minutes of cooking, brush the salmon generously with the honey soy glaze.

6. Serve

Transfer the salmon collar to a serving plate and brush with more glaze before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Salmon Kama

• Pat the salmon dry. Removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up in the air fryer.
• Preheat the air fryer. Starting with a hot air fryer helps the salmon cook more evenly and gives the skin a better texture.
• Brush on the glaze near the end. Since the glaze contains honey, adding it during the last few minutes prevents it from burning.
• Serve it with rice. Salmon kama is rich and fatty, and the rice balances it out perfectly while soaking up the extra glaze. 

How to Store Salmon Collar

To Store: Let the salmon cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Reheat: Reheat in a 375°F air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also warm it in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes.

More Salmon Recipes You’ll Love

Air Fryer Salmon Belly

Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Salmon Sushi Bake

Air Fryer Salmon Collar Recipe (Salmon Kama)

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Prep 5 minutes mins

Cook 11 minutes mins

This easy salmon kama recipe features rich, buttery salmon collar brushed with a sweet and savory honey soy glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes.

Servings 2 servings

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Ingredients

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• ▢ 1½ pounds salmon collar salmon kama
• ▢ ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

Honey Soy Glaze

• ▢ 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ▢ 2 tablespoons mirin
• ▢ 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

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1. Brush air fryer basket with oil. Preheat to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. Pat the salmon collar dry with paper towels, then season both sides with the salt.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, and honey until smooth.
4. Arrange the salmon collar in the air fryer basket skin-side down, leaving a little space between each piece.
5. Air fry for 8 minutes. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, brush the salmon generously with the honey soy glaze.
6. Transfer the salmon to a serving plate and brush with more glaze. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary depending on the size and meat-to-bone ratio of the salmon collars, the specific ingredients and brands used, the amount of oil used, and how much glaze is consumed.

Nutrition

Serving1 servingCalories535 kcalCarbohydrates20 gProtein42 gFat32 gSaturated Fat6 gPolyunsaturated Fat8 gMonounsaturated Fat13 gCholesterol115 mgSodium1850 mgPotassium760 mgSugar18 gVitamin A170 IUCalcium35 mgIron1.3 mg