These air fryer salmon bites are one of the easiest weeknight dinners that my kids will actually eat. With a sweet and sticky, honest garlic glaze and crisp edges, this twenty-minute dinner is one I turn to again and again.
This air fryer salmon recipe is your new twenty-minute weeknight dinner! It is perfect for those days when anything more complicated is not happening.
With a sticky and garlicky glaze, all you have to do is serve them with a bowl of Instant Pot rice and vegetables. (Marinated broccoli is a make-ahead side perfect for busy weeknights.)
And judging by how quickly these disappeared, I’m not the only one who loves them. My son tried one of these salmon bites, and then went quiet in a way that means he is busy eating. Then he asked when I needed to test them again.
Around here, that is a five-star review.
This post contains affiliate links. As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying sales.
Let's Talk Ingredients
The quality of seafood you use matters. I am a big fan of Lummi Island Wild’s king salmon. I am very sensitive to fishy smells, and this had none. Honestly, it is the freshest fish I’ve worked with.
If you don’t have smoked paprika, sweet paprika works well here.
You can reduce the garlic in the sauce if you prefer it a bit less pronounced. (We love garlic flavor around here.) To keep this gluten-free, tamari or coconut aminos are good swaps.
About the Cornstarch
I wanted to explain why the cornstarch was in the salmon coating, so you wouldn’t be tempted to skip it. We do a light coating so that it dries the surface just enough to create a little crispness. It is just enough of a crust to make sure the seasoning stick.
We also use a touch of cornstarch to thicken the glaze. You can add a little more if you want the glaze even thicker; remember to always mix it with a little water before adding it to a sauce. If you add it directly, it will clump.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Determining Doneness
In general, cook your air fryer salmon bites for six to eight minutes at 400°F. But keep in mind that time is the least reliable part of this. Air fryers unfortunately vary wildly in how quickly they cook. Even at the same temperature. (I have four and have tested this.)
A basket style will almost always cook more quickly than an oven-style. Also, how you cut the cubes will make a difference.
Doneness will come down to the internal temperature. We like salmon bites cooked to 130°F, but this is a matter of personal preference. If you like yours firmer, you can take it to 145°F. Either way, use a thermometer.
And don’t crowd the basket, or they will steam instead of crisp.
No thermometer? Look at the fish. Done bites flake apart at the edges when you nudge them but still look glossy and moist in the very center.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this with Instant Pot rice and sous vide broccoli or sheet pan broccoli for a simple weeknight meal. (Feel free to sub in your favorite grain or even potatoes.)
Leftover salmon bites are great added to salads.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 ½ pounds salmon filets skin removed
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or canola or olive oil
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Honey Garlic Glaze
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- For serving: sesame seeds sliced green onion
Instructions
- Remove the salmon skin and pat dry. Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes.
- Place in a bowl and toss with the oil. In a small dish, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then toss with the salmon.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket (if your model permits; some recommend not spraying) or use an air fryer liner to prevent sticking. Air fry the salmon in a single layer for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until it reaches 130°F.
- While the salmon is cooking, make the glaze. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5 minutes. In a small dish, whisk together the cornstarch and water, then add to the glaze. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Place the salmon in a bowl and gently toss with the glaze.
- Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onion.
Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe