Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy salmon with a caramelized glaze and crispy exterior. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or as a tasty appetizer. The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce pairs beautifully with the rich flavor of salmon, and the air fryer gives them a golden, crispy texture without the need for deep frying.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
salmon filletssaltpeppergarlic powdercornstarcholive oilsoy saucehoneygarlic (minced)rice vinegarred pepper flakes (optional)green onions (for garnish)sesame seeds (for garnish)
directions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes and pat dry with paper towels.
Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Toss the salmon pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
Lightly spray or brush with olive oil.
Place salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
While the salmon cooks, make the honey garlic sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Toss the cooked salmon bites in the warm honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 9 minutesSauce time: 2-3 minutesTotal time: 20-22 minutes
Variations
Add a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicier kick.
Swap honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
Serve over rice or with stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.
storage/reheating
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Do I need to marinate the salmon?
No marinating is necessary, making this a quick and easy recipe.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I keep them from sticking in the air fryer?
Use parchment paper or lightly grease the basket.
Can I use other fish?
Firm white fish like cod or halibut can work well with this recipe.
Is the sauce very sweet?
It’s a balanced sweet and savory glaze, but you can adjust the honey to your taste.
What size should I cut the salmon?
Aim for 1 to 1.5-inch cubes for even cooking and crispiness.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes, cook and store the bites and sauce separately, then reheat and toss before serving.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, there are no dairy ingredients in this recipe.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, especially if you skip or reduce the red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
Crispy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a delicious, fast, and healthy way to enjoy salmon any day of the week. With their crispy texture, sweet-savory glaze, and ease of preparation, they’re bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Perfect as a snack, dinner, or appetizer, these salmon bites are proof that fast food can still be flavorful and nourishing.
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites (20-Minutes)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are bite-sized pieces of salmon cooked to perfection in the air fryer and coated with a sticky, flavorful honey garlic sauce. A quick and healthy meal or appetizer ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7-9 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- If using, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce and simmer for another 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and toss them in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Use skinless salmon for easier preparation and better texture.
- Adjust the garlic and honey amounts to taste.
- Serve with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a full meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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