Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites (18 Minutes)

Salmon bites are what happens when you cut a fillet into cubes and let the air fryer do its thing: more surface means more crispy, caramelized edges, and the centers stay tender.

A quick honey garlic glaze ties it all together. Serve them over rice with cucumber, or straight from the basket with toothpicks.

Why you will love this air fryer salmon bites

• Fast: less than 20 minutes start to finish.
• Kid friendly: sweet, savory and bite size.
• Healthy: rich in protein and omega-3 fats.
• No splatter: the air fryer keeps the kitchen clean.

Ingredients and swaps

• Salmon: skinless fillets are easiest to cube. Frozen salmon works once fully thawed and patted dry.
• Honey: maple syrup makes it honey-free.
• Soy sauce: use tamari for gluten free or coconut aminos for soy free.
• Smoked paprika: adds color and a gentle smoky taste.

How to make air fryer salmon bites

Cut the salmon into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes so they cook evenly. Toss with oil and the dry spices.

Air fry in a single layer at 200°C (400°F) for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. The bites are done when they flake easily or reach 145°F (63°C).

While they cook, warm the honey, soy sauce, garlic and lemon in a small pan for 1 to 2 minutes. Toss the hot bites in the glaze and finish with sesame seeds and green onion.

Tips for the best result

• Do not crowd the basket; cook in two batches if needed.
• Glaze at the end: honey burns if it goes into the air fryer.
• Air fryers vary. Check at 6 minutes the first time.
• Line the basket with a perforated parchment liner for easy cleanup.

Easy variations

• Spicy: add sriracha or chili crisp to the glaze.
• Cajun: skip the glaze and use Cajun seasoning.
• Oven: bake at 220°C (425°F) for 8 to 10 minutes on a lined tray.

What to serve with it

Rice bowls with cucumber, avocado and edamame; a big salad; or roasted broccoli and quinoa.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 2 to 3 minutes, or enjoy cold on salads.

You might also like: One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs (30 Minutes)

recipe card

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites (18 Minutes)

Cubed salmon air fried until crispy at the edges, tossed in a honey garlic glaze.

Tried & tested

Prep10 min

Cook8 min

Total18 min

Makes4 servings

CuisineAmerican

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Ingredients −

4

+ servings

• 680 g (1 1/2 lb) skinless salmon fillets, cut into 2.5 cm cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Glaze
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onion, to serve

Steps

1. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
2. Toss the salmon with the oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika and garlic powder.
3. Arrange in a single layer. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway, until the salmon flakes easily (145°F / 63°C).
4. Meanwhile, simmer the honey, soy sauce, garlic and lemon juice in a small pan for 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Toss the salmon in the glaze. Top with sesame seeds and green onion.

Calories418

Protein34 g

Carbs9 g

Fat25 g

Sugar9 g

Sodium560 mg

Nutrition per serving, estimated from standard ingredient data. It varies with brands and portions.

Cook's notes

• Cook in two batches if your air fryer is small.