There’s something truly delightful about the moment you pull out perfectly cooked salmon bites from the air fryer, their golden brown exterior hinting at the tender, juicy fish inside. These Air Fryer Salmon Bites come together in under 30 minutes and are a perfect way to enjoy a healthy yet indulgent dish that bursts with flavor. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and smoked paprika creates a marinade that elevates the salmon beautifully.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want a quick, impressive dish without the hassle. They can be effortlessly prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge, ensuring they are ready for you whenever the cravings hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The air fryer gives these bites a crispiness that perfectly contrasts with the tender salmon.
- The tangy marinade infuses the fish with an irresistible flavor profile.
- Cook time is minimal, making it easy to whip up a delicious meal in a flash.
- The accompanying bang bang sauce adds a delicious kick that you can adjust to your spice preference.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make delicious Air Fryer Salmon Bites.
For the Salmon
- 1 ½-2 lb center cut salmon filets, skin removed and cut into approx. 1 inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce, tamari for gluten free
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- ½ – 1 tbsp sriracha, vary to desired spice level
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Soy sauce can be substituted with coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Salmon can be replaced with white fish.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup.
- Mayonnaise can be swapped for Greek yogurt.
- Sriracha can be replaced with your favorite hot sauce.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to create your Air Fryer Salmon Bites.
Cut
Cut salmon into approximately 1 inch cubes, making them as uniform in size as possible, and add them to a medium bowl.
Marinate
Combine all of the salmon marinade ingredients in a small bowl and whisk well. Toss the marinade with the salmon to fully coat. Marinate for up to 30 minutes, but do not let this sit for more than that as the acid in the lemon will cause the salmon to become mushy.
Air Fry
Add the salmon bites to the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can work in batches if needed. Set the air fryer to 400°F and air fry for about 7-10 minutes, turning or shaking halfway through is optional. Salmon is ready when the outside is brown and crisp, and the internal temperature reads 145°F or desired doneness.
Whisk
While the salmon cooks, whisk the bang bang sauce ingredients together and adjust spiciness to taste.
Serve
When the salmon is cooked, allow to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving with a generous drizzle of bang bang sauce.
How to Store It
Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: no, as the texture may change.
Reheat: in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure your salmon is as fresh as possible for the best flavor.
- Marinate no longer than 30 minutes to avoid mushiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Adjust the spice level in the bang bang sauce to fit your preference.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an appetizer at your next gathering.
- Pair with a fresh salad for a light dinner option.
- Enjoy with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
