Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Printable Version)

Tender salmon pieces air-fried crispy and coated with a sweet honey garlic glaze for a flavorful bite.

# What You Need:

→ Salmon

01 - 1.1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp salt
04 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
05 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

→ Honey Garlic Glaze

06 - 3 tbsp honey
07 - 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
08 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
09 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
10 - 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
11 - 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

→ Garnish

12 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
13 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
02 - In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
03 - Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the salmon is cooked through and edges are lightly crisp.
04 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until the glaze thickens. Remove from heat.
06 - Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic glaze over and gently toss to coat evenly.
07 - Arrange the glazed salmon bites on a serving plate. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're ready in under 20 minutes, which feels almost like cheating when you want something that tastes fancy.
  • The glaze is the real star—sweet, savory, and garlicky enough that everyone asks what your secret ingredient is.
  • Salmon bites are naturally portion-controlled, so you can serve them as an appetizer or stretch them into a light dinner without any fuss.
02 -
  • Don't skip the cornstarch slurry or your glaze will stay thin and runny; that slurry is what makes the magic happen.
  • The air fryer temperature and timing can vary wildly between models, so check your salmon at the 6-minute mark the first time you make this.
  • Pat your salmon dry before air frying—excess moisture is the enemy of that crispy edge.
03 -
  • Invest a few seconds in mincing your garlic finely instead of using a press or jarred garlic—it dissolves into the glaze so much more smoothly and avoids those harsh raw garlic bites.
  • If your glaze seems too thick after thickening, just whisk in a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen it back up, because salmon deserves a glossy coat, not a thick paste.

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