I’m all about easy weeknight dinners, and these air fryer salmon bites check all the boxes! They come together in minutes with minimal prep, and always turn out so good!
The salmon marinates in a quick soy honey marinade that keeps it tender, moist, and lightly caramelized as it cooks. Finish with a simple glaze that pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or veggies!
On busy weeknights, I always turn to my air fryer for quick, family-friendly meals. Just like my air fryer steak bites and air fryer chicken nuggets, these Asian-inspired salmon bites are quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.
The salmon bites marinate for only 20 minutes, and cook up in the air fryer in just 6 or 7 minutes. It’s quick! To finish, drizzle the air fryer salmon bites with a glossy honey soy glaze and serve alongside coconut jasmine rice and vegetables.
For more Asian-inspired weeknight ideas, try my Glazed Miso Salmon and Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry!
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Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy. These salmon bites cook in just 6-7 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Great for meal prep. They reheat really well and pair with rice and veggies for a balanced meal.
- Delicious and juicy! The Asian-inspired soy honey marinade keeps them moist and so tasty, and caramelized.
- Versatile. My air fryer salmon bites are great for dinner, but also make amazing appetizers, especially when served with dipping sauces.
Ingredient Notes
Here are a few notes on the ingredients I use to make my air fryer salmon bites. I hope you find these helpful when ingredient shopping!
- Salmon fillet: It’s best to use thick salmon fillets since we they need to be diced into 1-inch cubes. Fresh salmon is ideal, but frozen and thawed works too.
- Light soy sauce: For the marinade. Provides salty and savory umami flavors. Use light low-sodium soy sauce so it’s balanced.
- Honey: Brings a touch of sweetness that balances the soy sauce and helps the salmon bites in the air fryer caramelize nicely.
- Vegetable oil: Helps the marinade coat the salmon evenly and prevents sticking.
- Sesame oil: A little goes a long way. Adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the soy and honey.
- Minced garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics give the salmon flavor and a kick.
- Honey soy glaze (for serving): Made with water, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. Thickens quickly to a glossy, flavorful glaze that finishes the salmon perfectly.
- Scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
As always, you can find the ingredient quantities in the recipe card below.
How To Make Salmon Bites In Air Fryer
These air fryer salmon bites come together quickly. After marinating, which can be done overnight, they cook up in just a few minutes in the air fryer.
Step 1: Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes, skin removed. Because salmon cooks quickly, larger pieces ensure the center does not overcook.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, toss the salmon cubes with vegetable oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Mix well so each piece is coated. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes or overnight.
Step 3: Preheat the 6-quart air fryer to 400 F. Arrange the salmon in a single layer so they cook evenly, cooking in batches as needed. A large 6-quart air fryer is especially helpful here.
Step 4: Air fry the salmon for just 6 to 7 minutes. High heat and relatively short cook time ensures a golden, caramelized exterior.
Step 5: Meanwhile, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, and honey. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in a cornstarch slurry and gently simmer until thickened.
Step 6: Time to serve the air fryer salmon bites! Drizzle the glaze on top, and serve with your favorite sides!
Tips for Success
- Salmon: Find thicker filets of salmon so you can dice them into 1-inch cubes.
- If using frozen salmon, thaw before using.
- Pre-heat the air fryer about 5 minutes in advance This will help with more even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding. Cook in a single layer and in batches if needed.
- Marinating time: 20 minutes is all it takes, but overnight works too.
- More dipping sauce for air fryer salmon bites: Try my homemade teriyaki sauce recipe or finish with the sauce I use in my bang bang shrimp bowl recipe.
Make Ahead
Marinate salmon overnight: Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes and add the marinade. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate overnight. Cook as directed in the air fryer the next day.
Cook and reheat (meal prep): Cook the air fryer salmon bites as directed, let them cook completely, and pack in containers. Reheat in the microwave oven until warm or in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for just 3 minutes until warm.
More Cooking Methods
Bake: Bake at 400 degrees F for 8 minutes, then broil for 2 or 3 minutes to get nice, caramelized edges.
In the skillet: Sear over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Recipe FAQs
I’d recommend a 6-quart air fryer or larger.
Yes, but it should be fully thawed before adding the marinade.
Yes, absolutely!
It depends on how you like it. I prefer mine medium (130 F) or medium-well (135 F) so they stay moist and tender. Well-done would be 140 F.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
Need more weeknight dinner ideas? Try my Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl!
I’d love to hear from you! If you loved my recipe, please consider leaving a 5-star rating and a comment down below. Sign up for my newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds thick salmon filets - skin removed
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger - or minced
- Sliced scallions - for garnish
- Sesame seed - for garnish
Honey soy glaze (for serving)
- ⅓ cup water
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- 3 to 4 tablespoons honey - to taste
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch - dissolved with ½ tablespoon water
Instructions
- Cut salmon into evenly sized 1-inch cubes. Tip: This size is perfect to get a nice caramelization on the outside while still keeping the center moist.
- Marinade for salmon: In a bowl, mix light soy sauce, vegetable oil, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until evenly combined. Add this marinade to a large resealable bag or bowl, then add the cubed salmon and toss until evenly combined. Seal and marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes or overnight.
- Make the honey soy glaze (for serving): In the meantime, in a saucepan combine glaze ingredients (⅓ cup water, ¼ cup soy sauce, and honey). Bring to a simmer and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Then, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch dissolved with room temp water) and stir for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Cook: Arrange the marinated salmon on the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 6 to 7 minutes until caramelized and cooked to your liking (130F for medium, 135 for medium-well, 140F for well-done). Tip: Do this in batches as needed to prevent overcrowding.
- Serve the salmon bites with a generous drizzle of the prepared honey soy glaze, alongside your favorite sides. Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Equipment: 6-quart air fryer or larger.
- Prep tips: Cut salmon into even 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. This size is best to allow for nice exterior caramelization without overcooking the center.
- Marinate salmon for at least 20 minutes so the flavors fully absorb, or overnight.
- Other cooking methods: Bake at 400°F for 8 minutes, then broil 2–3 minutes. Or pan-sear in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes per side.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350F for 3-5 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
Patricia says
So easy and full of flavor! Also works with steak or chicken.