If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful dinner that doesn’t feel like a compromise, our air fryer salmon bites are just what you’re looking for.
They’re crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and can be ready in about 10 minutes.
The air fryer didn’t invent crispy salmon, but it sure made it weeknight-friendly. Fast and delicious. That’s a win-win in my book!
Instead of pan-searing or broiling, we’re using circulating hot air to caramelize the exterior quickly without drying out the fish. Our bite-sized pieces mean more flavor, more texture, and less cooking time.
Whether you’re building rice bowls, stuffing tacos, topping salads, or just grabbing them straight off the tray (no judgment here), this is one of those recipes you’ll make time and time again.
If you love salmon, make sure to try our Baked Salmon and Rice and Pan-Seared Salmon recipes.
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Ingredients
Gather the ingredients to prepare our air fryer salmon bites recipe. Culinary professionals call this the “Mise en Place,” which means “everythingin its Place.”
Setting up your ingredients not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures you have all the necessary items on hand to make the recipe.
Recipe Variations
Garlic Lemon Butter – Toss the cooked bites in melted butter, fresh garlic, and lemon zest.
Honey Sriracha – Add a drizzle of honey mixed with sriracha for a touch of sweetness and heat.
Teriyaki Style – Marinate in teriyaki sauce before air frying.
Blackened Salmon Bites – Coat with Cajun seasoning for a spicy, bold flavor.
Mediterranean – Toss with olive oil and oregano. Serve with pita bread and tzatziki.
Brown Sugar Crust – Add a light dusting of light brown sugar to add caramelization and contrast.
Soy + Dijon Glaze Finish – Brush with a soy Dijon glaze in the last 2 minutes.
Panko Crunch Coating – Lightly coat in seasoned panko for nugget-style texture.
How to Make Air-fryer Salmon Bites
Follow along with my simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make air-fryer salmon bites in your home kitchen.
Pat the salmon dry lightly with a paper towel.
We used a piece of salmon that already had the skin removed. You can leave the skin on or remove it if you prefer.
Add sea salt, garlic powder, ginger, brown sugar, and black pepper to a small bowl.
Mix together to combine the seasoning blend
Add the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cayenne pepper to a small mixing bowl.
Whisk together the ingredients to make a honey-soy glaze for the salmon bites.
Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
Sprinkle the seasoning over the pieces and let them marinate for 10-15 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F., while your salmon bites marinate
Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Add the salmon bites and cook for 5 minutes.
Brush the salmon bites with the honey-soy glaze and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Remove them from the air fryer and brush the remaining honey glaze over the top while still hot.
Chef Tips
Pat the salmon dry before seasoning.
Cut pieces evenly for consistent cooking.
Let the seasoned salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking,
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Preheat the air fryer to 390-400° F for perfect, crispy edges.
Cook to an internal temperature of 125-130°F for moist, tender salmon.
Pull early, the salmon will continue to cook after removal.
Salmon is one of those proteins that can be ruined with just a few minutes of overcooking. It cooks fast. Really fast. If you wait until it “looks done,” it’s probably already dry.
Air fryers vary, so don’t walk away. Check early, pull early, and let carryover heat do the rest. Crispy outside, and juicy on the inside, that’s what we’re looking for.
Our air fryer salmon bites are easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and versatile enough to turn into bowls, tacos, salads, or snackable bites straight off the tray.
Sometimes the best meals are the simple ones. Crispy salmon bites, a squeeze of lemon, a bowl of rice. and barely any cleanup. That’s a win in my kitchen.
Serving Suggestions
Build a grain bowl with quinoa, avocado, and pickled red onion.
Toss into a chopped salad with feta and cucumbers.
Serve in mini slider buns with spicy aioli.
Use as a protein in meal-prep containers with broccoli and jasmine rice.
Serve over or top with white or brown rice.
Serve with your favorite roasted or steamed vegetables.
Salmon Caesar Salad – Serve over romaine with homemade croutons and grated Parmesan cheese.
In a sushi-style bowl with avocado and edamame.
Beverage Pairing
Non-Alcoholic Beverage: Sparkling water with lime or a citrus iced tea is bright and refreshing, balancing the richness of salmon.
Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay offers crisp acidity that pairs well with salmon and garlic/citrus flavors.
Beer Pairing: Pilsner or light wheat beer is clean and refreshing and doesn’t overpower the salmon.
How to Store and Reheat
Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I don’t suggest freezing.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, then finish with a quick squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely. Place the salmon bites on a baking sheet on the top rack of the oven, and bake for 6-9 minutes at 390 degrees F.
Yes, but thaw it completely first and pat it very dry. Excess moisture prevents crispness and causes the seasoning to slide off. Fresh salmon offers the best texture, but thawed frozen salmon works well if prepared correctly.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful dinner that doesn’t feel like a compromise, our air fryer salmon bites are just what you’re looking for. They’re crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside.
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Ingredients
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Instructions
Pat the salmon dry lightly with a paper towel
We used a piece of salmon that already had the skin removed. You can leave the skin on or remove it if you prefer.
Add sea salt, garlic powder, ginger, brown sugar, and black pepper to a small bowl and combine.
Add the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cayenne pepper to a small mixing bowl and whisk together to combine.
Slice the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
Sprinkle the seasoning over the salmon and allow it to marinate for 10-15 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees while your salmon bites marinate.
Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray, then add the salmon bites.
Place the salmon bites into the air-fryer and cook for 5 minutes.
Brush the salmon bites with the honey glaze and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Once done, remove from the air fryer and brush more of the honey glaze over the top of the salmon bites while still hot.
Serve on its own with toothpicks as a great party appetizer, or over a bed of rice with your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
Garlic Lemon Butter – Toss the cooked bites in melted butter, fresh garlic, and lemon zest.
Honey Sriracha – Add a drizzle of honey mixed with sriracha for a touch of sweetness and heat.
Teriyaki Style – Marinate in teriyaki sauce before air frying.
Blackened Salmon Bites – Coat with Cajun seasoning for a spicy, bold flavor.
Mediterranean – Toss with olive oil and oregano. Serve with pita bread and tzatziki.
Brown Sugar Crust – Add a light dusting of light brown sugar to add caramelization and contrast.
Soy + Dijon Glaze Finish – Brush with a soy Dijon glaze in the last 2 minutes.
Panko Crunch Coating – Lightly coat in seasoned panko for nugget-style texture.
Chef Tips
Pat the salmon dry before seasoning.
Cut pieces evenly for consistent cooking.
Let the seasoned salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking,
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Preheat the air fryer to 390-400° F for perfect, crispy edges.
Cook to an internal temperature of 125-130°F for moist, tender salmon.
Pull early, the salmon will continue to cook after removal.
Salmon is one of those proteins that can be ruined with just a few minutes of overcooking. It cooks fast. Really fast. If you wait until it “looks done,” it’s probably already dry.
Air fryers vary, so don’t walk away. Check early, pull early, and let carryover heat do the rest. Crispy outside, and juicy on the inside, that’s what we’re looking for.
Serving Suggestions
Build a grain bowl with quinoa, avocado, and pickled red onion.
Toss into a chopped salad with feta and cucumbers.
Serve in mini slider buns with spicy aioli.
Use as a protein in meal-prep containers with broccoli and jasmine rice.
Serve over or top with white or brown rice.
Serve with your favorite roasted or steamed vegetables.
Salmon Caesar Salad – Serve over romaine with homemade croutons and grated Parmesan cheese.
In a sushi-style bowl with avocado and edamame.
Beverage Pairing
Non-Alcoholic Beverage: Sparkling water with lime or a citrus iced tea is bright and refreshing, balancing the richness of salmon.
Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay offers crisp acidity that pairs well with salmon and garlic/citrus flavors.
Beer Pairing: Pilsner or light wheat beer is clean and refreshing and doesn’t overpower the salmon.
How to Store and Reheat
Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I don’t suggest freezing.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, then finish with a quick squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this in the oven?
Absolutely. Place the salmon bites on a baking sheet on the top rack of the oven, and bake for 6-9 minutes at 390 degrees F.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely first and pat it very dry. Excess moisture prevents crispness and causes the seasoning to slide off. Fresh salmon offers the best texture, but thawed frozen salmon works well if prepared correctly.
Nutrition
Calories: 518kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 47gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 1770mgPotassium: 1211mgFiber: 1gSugar: 41gVitamin A: 302IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 3mg
