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If you’re on the lookout for a dish that combines irresistible sweetness with savory, garlicky goodness, look no further than this Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe. These salmon bites are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside, then coated in a luscious honey garlic glaze that will keep you reaching for more. Thanks to the air fryer’s magic, this recipe comes together quickly and mess-free, making it an ideal weeknight treat or a showstopping appetizer that feels fancy yet is incredibly simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe lies in its uncomplicated but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, offering a balance of flavors and textures—from the tender salmon cubes to the rich, buttery honey garlic sauce that brings it all together.
- Salmon fillets (1½ lbs, skin removed & cut into 1½-inch cubes): Fresh, high-quality salmon ensures tender, juicy bites that aren’t fishy but full of flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps the seasoning stick and creates a slight crispiness during air frying.
- Salt (¾ tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors in the salmon and seasoning.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning blend.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Provides a punch of garlic flavor without overpowering the glaze.
- Smoked paprika (½ tsp): Introduces a smoky warmth and beautiful color to the bite-sized pieces.
- Honey (¼ cup): The star sweetener that makes the glaze sticky, shiny, and addictive.
- Soy sauce (3 tbsp): Brings savory saltiness and umami that balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and a creamy silkiness to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) (1 tbsp): Provides a gentle tang that cuts through the sweetness and keeps the flavor bright.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Fresh garlic that makes the sauce freshly vibrant and aromatic.
- Cornstarch (½ tsp) + water (1 tbsp) (optional): A simple slurry for thickening the sauce if you prefer a more luscious glaze.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
First things first, set your air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket. This little step prevents the salmon from sticking while it crisps up beautifully on the outside.
Step 2: Season the salmon
Pat those salmon cubes dry to ensure they sear perfectly. Then, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Gently toss them so every bite gets a lovely coat of seasonings without breaking apart your tender fish.
Step 3: Air fry the salmon
Place the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer inside the basket, making sure they’re not crowded. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through so they get cooked evenly and pick up a gorgeous caramelized exterior while staying tender inside.
Step 4: Make the honey garlic sauce
While your salmon is air frying, combine honey, soy sauce, butter, vinegar, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the sauce turns smooth and glossy. If you like your glaze thicker, whisk in a cornstarch slurry and simmer for another 30 to 60 seconds to see it cling perfectly to every salmon bite.
Step 5: Toss and serve
Transfer the hot salmon cubes to a serving bowl and drizzle that warm, irresistible honey garlic sauce over the top. Give everything a gentle toss so each piece is luxuriously coated. Serve immediately—this dish is best enjoyed fresh and saucy!
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich honey garlic flavors beautifully. A few toasted sesame seeds also add a subtle crunch and nutty accent that pairs perfectly with the glaze.
Side Dishes
These salmon bites shine when paired with steamed jasmine rice or buttery garlic mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of that sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp Asian-style slaw or roasted green beans with a hint of lemon brightness keeps the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe on skewers for a fun finger food idea. You can also nestle the bites on a bed of fluffy quinoa or even turn this recipe into a gorgeous salmon bowl topped with avocado slices and pickled ginger for a delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover salmon bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors deepen after resting, but the salmon is best enjoyed within this timeframe for optimal freshness and texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, note that salmon’s texture may slightly change once thawed. If you’d like to freeze, do so in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your salmon bites in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 4 minutes, which helps retain crispness without drying out the fish. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave with a loose cover works in a pinch but may sacrifice crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon cubes if you thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. Air frying from frozen may result in uneven cooking, so fully thawing is best for the Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe.
Is it necessary to remove the skin from the salmon?
Removing the skin is recommended for this bite-sized recipe as it makes tossing in the sauce easier and creates a more uniform bite. If you prefer skin-on, just crisp it well and enjoy, though the skin might curl during air frying.
Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just warm it gently before pouring over the freshly air fried salmon bites to keep that glossy finish.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the salmon cubes in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture will be slightly different, but the sauce and seasoning still make for an amazing dish.
How do I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?
If you want a thicker honey garlic sauce without cornstarch, simmer it a little longer on low heat to reduce and intensify the glaze. Keep stirring to prevent burning and watch it turn beautifully syrupy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and exciting about the Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe that makes it a must-try for anyone craving a quick, flavorful meal that feels special. The combination of crispy salmon cubes enveloped in a sticky, garlicky glaze is simply irresistible. I promise once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a cherished favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and quick Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites made with tender salmon cubes coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or a light main course, these salmon bites are crispy on the outside and tender inside, cooked effortlessly in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- 1½ lbs salmon fillets (skin removed & cut into 1½-inch cubes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket so nothing sticks.
- Season the salmon: Pat the salmon cubes dry and add them to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Gently toss to coat, being careful not to break up the salmon.
- Air fry: Arrange the salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the outside is lightly caramelized and the salmon is just cooked through.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: While the salmon cooks, add the honey, soy sauce, butter, vinegar, and minced garlic to a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often, until smooth and glossy. For a thicker sauce, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 30–60 seconds, just until slightly thickened.
- Toss and serve: Transfer the hot salmon to a serving bowl. Spoon the warm sauce over the top and gently toss to coat. Serve right away.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon pieces are uniformly cut to cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; air needs to circulate for crispy edges.
- The cornstarch slurry in the sauce is optional but helps to thicken the glaze for better coating.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the honey garlic sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on the soy sauce used.
