Name: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 garlic cloves minced; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening); Sliced green onions; Sesame seeds

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If you’re searching for a mealtime game changer that’s bursting with flavor, delightfully tender, and ridiculously simple to prepare, Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites deserve a spot at the top of your list. Sweet and savory glazed bites of salmon, finished to golden perfection in minutes, bring restaurant-level flair to your weeknight table with minimal fuss and cleanup. Whether you’re an air fryer veteran or a curious newcomer, this recipe is primed to impress your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share your meal!

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines thanks to a handful of kitchen staples and just a few fresh essentials. Each ingredient brings its own unique touch, whether that’s a punch of umami, a subtle smokiness, or pure honeyed bliss—all combining in every irresistible bite.

Salmon Fillet: Use skinless, fresh salmon for tender, juicy results—cube it evenly for consistent cooking.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps ensure the seasonings cling beautifully to each salmon piece.
Salt & Black Pepper: The dynamic duo that enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the fish.
Smoked Paprika: Provides a whisper of smokiness and a hint of color that brightens the plate.
Garlic Powder: Layers in that deep, savory background note that makes every bite extra delicious.
Honey: The star of the glaze, its natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the garlic and soy.
Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Brings bold salty depth—choose tamari if you’re keeping things gluten-free.
Garlic Cloves (minced): Fresh garlic takes the sauce to another level of aromatic goodness.
Rice Vinegar: Its gentle acidity balances the sweetness and keeps the sauce lively.
Cornstarch & Water (optional): Create a quick slurry to thicken the glaze if you adore a sticky finish.
Sliced Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: Perfect for a fresh, toasty garnish that makes your bites pop!

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures the salmon cooks quickly and evenly from the moment it hits the basket, giving your bites that irresistible outer crisp.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

In a mixing bowl, gently toss the cubed salmon with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This step infuses each piece with layers of flavor and readies them for their quick trip through the hot air fryer.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon

Arrange your seasoned salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through so every edge crisps up beautifully. The salmon will emerge golden, moist, and perfectly cooked right in the center.

Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

While your salmon is transforming in the air fryer, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it bubble away for 2 to 3 minutes. If you love a thick glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another minute until deliciously syrupy.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Pop the hot salmon bites into a bowl, then drizzle over your warm honey garlic sauce. Gently toss until each piece is shimmering with the sticky, glossy glaze. That’s it—your Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are now ready for the spotlight!

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Garnishes

Finish your salmon bites with a shower of freshly sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. They bring color, crunch, and a burst of fresh, toasty flavor that accentuates the glaze beautifully.

Side Dishes

For a nourishing meal, serve your Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites atop fluffy steamed rice, nutty quinoa, or alongside tender stir-fried veggies. The sweet and tangy glaze pairs especially well with crisp greens or a cool cucumber salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Try tucking the glazed salmon bites into lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on dinner. Or thread them onto skewers for party-style appetizers—they’re guaranteed to disappear in minutes. You can even pile them onto a grain bowl with pickled veggies and avocado for lunch on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 2 days. The sticky glaze helps keep the bites moist and flavorful, making them a worthy addition to salads or quick bowls the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your salmon bites, let them cool completely first. Lay them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer container for up to 2 months. Store the glaze separately if possible for best texture upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the bites back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or warm them gently in a nonstick skillet. If they seem a little dry, add a splash of water or extra sauce to help revive that glossy, sticky finish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely, then pat it dry before seasoning and air frying. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness—so a quick blot with paper towels works wonders.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or another certified gluten-free soy sauce. Everything else in the recipe is gluten-free, making this a naturally allergy-friendly meal option.

How do I know when the salmon bites are cooked through?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done. A cook time of 6–8 minutes is usually perfect if your cubes are about 1 inch, but keep an eye out—every air fryer is a little different!

What if I want extra crispy salmon bites?

For an extra layer of crunch, lightly dust the salmon pieces with cornstarch before seasoning and air frying. This creates an extra-thin, crispy coating that locks in the juicy interior.

Can I double the recipe?

You can absolutely double the ingredients, but be sure to cook the salmon in batches to avoid crowding the air fryer basket. Giving the bites space ensures they crisp rather than steam, and every batch will turn out just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making dinner just for yourself or looking to wow your family with something new, Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites make it easy to eat well and feel good. Take the plunge, toss together a batch, and see just how quickly this recipe becomes a beloved staple at your house!

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Succulent salmon pieces are coated in a tasty honey garlic glaze and air-fried to crispy perfection. Serve these delectable bites with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Bites:

1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Honey Garlic Glaze:

1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

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Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Prepare Salmon: Toss salmon cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Place salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook Salmon: Air fry salmon for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Make Glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Thicken with cornstarch slurry if desired.
Coat Salmon: Toss cooked salmon bites in the honey garlic sauce until coated.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.