Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender salmon with a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a tasty snack, they combine crispy edges with a luscious honey garlic sauce.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Pat the salmon cubes dry and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Gently toss to coat without breaking the salmon.
3. Step 3: Arrange the salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between pieces. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until the edges are lightly caramelized and salmon is just cooked through.
4. Step 4: While the salmon cooks, combine honey, soy sauce, butter, vinegar, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often until smooth and glossy. For a thicker sauce, whisk in the cornstarch dissolved in water and simmer for 30–60 seconds until slightly thickened.
5. Step 5: Transfer the cooked salmon to a serving bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the salmon and gently toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, pat the salmon cubes very dry before seasoning and air frying.
• Swap out rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar to add a milder tang.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Serve over rice or steamed vegetables to turn it into a full meal.

Storage

Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the salmon soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed salmon to ensure even cooking and proper texture in the air fryer.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The outside should be lightly caramelized but not burnt.

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 104 reviews

Delicious and easy-to-make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites featuring tender salmon cubes air fried to perfection and coated in a glossy, flavorful honey garlic sauce. This recipe offers a quick, healthy seafood dish with a sweet and savory glaze that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Seafood
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 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

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket to prevent the salmon from sticking during cooking.
2. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Gently toss to coat the salmon cubes evenly without breaking them apart.
3. Air Fry the Salmon: Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through cooking. The salmon should be lightly caramelized on the outside and cooked through.
4. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: While the salmon cooks, combine honey, soy sauce, unsalted butter, rice vinegar, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch mixed with water into the saucepan and simmer for an additional 30–60 seconds until slightly thickened.
5. Toss and Serve: Transfer the hot cooked salmon cubes to a serving bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the salmon and gently toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure the salmon cubes are dry before seasoning to achieve better caramelization in the air fryer.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to allow even cooking.
• Adjust the honey garlic sauce thickness by adding or omitting the cornstarch slurry based on your preference.
• This recipe is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Use fresh garlic for optimal flavor in the sauce, or substitute with garlic powder in a pinch.

Keywords: air fryer salmon, honey garlic salmon, salmon bites, easy salmon recipe, quick seafood, air fryer seafood, healthy salmon bites, honey garlic sauce