Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? These Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are perfect! You’ll love how simple they are to make. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s full of flavor. In this article, I’ll guide you through each step, from creating the sweet marinade to air frying the salmon to crispy perfection. Let’s get cooking and enjoy a delicious meal tonight!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb skinless and boneless salmon fillet
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Optional Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Sesame seeds for garnish
– 2 green onions, finely chopped for garnish
Seasoning
– Sea salt to taste
– Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Let’s break this down. First, we need fresh salmon. The skinless and boneless fillet is perfect for our bites. This fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice.
Next, honey and soy sauce combine for a sweet and salty flavor. Honey adds a nice glaze when air frying. Fresh garlic and ginger give the salmon a zesty kick. They also enhance the aroma while cooking.
You might want to add olive oil. It helps to keep the salmon moist. For garnish, sesame seeds and green onions add color and crunch. The seeds give a nutty flavor, while green onions add freshness.
Finally, season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. These simple seasonings elevate the dish without overpowering the main flavors.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to make delicious air fryer honey garlic salmon bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
Start by gathering your ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Use a whisk to mix these well. You want a smooth and tasty marinade.
Marinating the Salmon
Next, take 1 pound of skinless and boneless salmon fillet. Cut it into even bite-sized cubes. Coat each piece in your marinade. Make sure every cube gets a nice layer. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Allow it to marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps the flavors soak in.
Air Frying the Salmon
Now, it’s time to cook! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, remove the salmon from the fridge. Let any extra marinade drip off. Arrange the salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid crowding the pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Cook the salmon bites for about 8 to 10 minutes. At the halfway mark, give the basket a gentle shake. This will help the salmon crisp up nicely. For extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds over the salmon bites during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Once done, carefully take them out. Garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh touch before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Even Cooking
To get the best results, always arrange the salmon bites in a single layer. This way, the hot air can move around each piece. If they are stacked, some pieces may cook unevenly. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps, too. It lets each bite get crispy and brown all over.
Flavor Enhancements
For the best taste, marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it soak for up to an hour. This helps the flavors sink in deep. You can also add sesame seeds for a nice crunch. Sprinkle them on top during the last two minutes of cooking for added texture.
Presentation Tips
When serving, place the salmon bites on a nice platter. Drizzle a little extra sauce over them for shine. Garnish with finely chopped green onions for color. Adding a slice of lime or lemon on the side brightens the dish and gives a fresh kick.

Variations
Gluten-Free Option
If you need a gluten-free choice, use tamari. Tamari is a great substitute for soy sauce. It has a similar taste but does not contain wheat. This change keeps the dish tasty and safe for those sensitive to gluten. Simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari in the marinade. Your air fryer honey garlic salmon bites will still shine with flavor.
Alternative Proteins
You can also try this recipe with chicken or tofu. Just cut chicken breast or firm tofu into bite-sized pieces. Follow the same marinating steps. Both proteins soak up the flavors well. Chicken gives a classic taste, while tofu adds a nice plant-based option. Both are delicious when air-fried.
Additional Flavor Profiles
Feel free to mix in different spices or herbs. Adding a pinch of chili flakes will give it heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add freshness. For a smoky flavor, try adding paprika. Experimenting with these flavors makes the dish your own. You can create a new favorite each time!
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store your leftover honey garlic salmon bites, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure to let them cool to room temperature before sealing. Store them in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating Instructions
The best way to reheat salmon bites is in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket. Heat them for about 4-5 minutes, shaking halfway through. This keeps them crispy and warm. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also use a microwave. Heat them in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking each time to avoid overcooking.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze honey garlic salmon bites for later. To do this, let them cool completely first. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you want to cook them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Cook them in the air fryer straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just remember to thaw it first. Place the salmon in your fridge overnight or use the quick method. For the quick method, seal the salmon in a bag and submerge it in cold water. This usually takes about 30 minutes. After thawing, dry the salmon well before cutting. This helps the marinade stick better.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
To check if the salmon is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for these signs: the salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If it’s still shiny and raw in the middle, cook it a bit longer.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the marinade?
Absolutely! If you want it less sweet, cut back on the honey. Start with one tablespoon instead of two. You can also add more soy sauce to balance the taste. For a sweeter flavor, add a bit more honey. Just taste the marinade before adding the salmon. This way, you can find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
This blog covered how to make tasty air-fried salmon. You learned about the main and optional ingredients. I shared tips on marinating, cooking, and storing. You can even try variations for different flavors.
In the end, this dish is easy and fun. It’s a great way to enjoy salmon, and you can customize it to fit your taste. Get cooking, and enjoy your meal!


