There’s something magical about these air fryer salmon bites that transforms dinner from ordinary to extraordinary in just minutes. These tender, juicy salmon cubes are coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze then air fried to perfection, creating that irresistible contrast of slightly crispy edges and melt-in-your-mouth centers.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
As a mom with a busy household, I’m always searching for recipes that bring smiles to my kids’ faces while also being nourishing and quick to prepare. These air fryer salmon bites have become one of our family favorites – they’re the perfect combination of crispy edges and tender, flaky centers that make dinnertime special without the fuss.
My kids absolutely love salmon, and it’s one seafood I can serve week after week that my whole family eagerly devours. The bite-sized pieces cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer, allowing the sweet-savory marinade to caramelize slightly on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly moist. The teriyaki and honey create a glaze that’s irresistible – slightly sweet with that wonderful umami depth that complements salmon’s natural richness perfectly.
Air fryer recipes have become some of my absolute favorites and get made weekly in my house. If you enjoy these salmon bites, you might also love my air fryer salmon which is a recipe I make time and time again. For more air fryer seafood inspiration, my quick crispy air fryer cod recipe, air fryer tilapia, and air fryer coconut shrimp are all fantastic options for easy weeknight dinners that the whole family will love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon fillets: Fresh, vibrant salmon cut into 1-inch cubes. Rich in fatty acids, wild-caught offers more flavor but quality farm-raised works well too.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade adhere to salmon cubes while adding moisture and subtle flavor.
- Soy sauce: Provides essential umami depth without overpowering the delicate salmon.
- Salt and ground black pepper
- Teriyaki sauce: Creates a beautiful sweet-savory glaze that caramelizes during cooking.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps develop those irresistible caramelized edges. Maple syrup works as an alternative.
- Garlic powder: Infuses aromatic depth without burning like fresh garlic might in the air fryer.
- Sesame seeds: Adds nutty crunch and visual appeal as a garnish.
- Crushed red pepper: Provides a perfect hint of heat to balance the sweetness.
- Green onions: Adds fresh color and mild onion flavor that complements the rich salmon.
Please see the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and instructions.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Step 1: Remove salmon skin using a sharp knife and discard. Then, chop salmon filets into 1-inch cubes. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture – this helps achieve better caramelization and prevents the marinade from sliding off.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, ground pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. Add the salmon cubes to the bowl and gently toss to ensure each piece is well coated with the marinade. The salmon is delicate, so fold rather than stirring vigorously. If you want extra sauce for serving, double the marinade ingredients and reserve half before adding the salmon.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (about 3 minutes). Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange salmon pieces inside in a single layer without overlapping them. Cook for six to eight minutes or until salmon is cooked through. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the exact size of your salmon cubes. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for food safety while maintaining the salmon’s moisture.
Carefully remove the salmon cook bites from the air fryer basket – they’ll be tender, so use a gentle touch with a silicone spatula if possible. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, crushed red pepper, and freshly diced green onions. Serve with additional sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Getting the Right Texture
The magic of these salmon bites lies in that perfect contrast between the slightly crispy outside of the salmon and the tender, juicy interior. Here’s how to nail it every time:
- Cut your salmon into consistent 1-inch cubes for even cooking
- Don’t skip patting the salmon dry – this simple step makes a huge difference
- Arrange in a single layer in your air fryer basket with a little space between pieces
- Check for doneness at the minimum cooking time – salmon can go from perfect to overcooked quickly
Flavor Variations
One thing I love about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to whatever flavors your family enjoys:
- Mediterranean-inspired: Swap the teriyaki for a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and garlic
- Buffalo style: After cooking, toss the bites gently in hot sauce mixed with a touch of butter
- Honey mustard: Replace the teriyaki with a blend of Dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of lemon (try the marinade from my honey mustard salmon recipe).
- Cajun seasoned: Skip the Asian flavors and use your favorite Cajun seasoning blend before air frying
Serving Suggestions
My family particularly loves these in a simple bowl with steamed broccoli and fluffy white rice – the rice soaks up any extra sauce, making every bite delicious! You can also try:
- Creating a beautiful rice bowl with steamed vegetables, avocado, and an extra drizzle of sauce. Or try it served on top of a tropical coconut rice bowl.
- Serving the bites over a fresh salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette
- Making salmon tacos by wrapping in warm tortillas with broccoli slaw and avocado
- Threading onto skewers for a fun appetizer at your next gathering
Sauces and Dip Options
- Tahini Sauce: I love tahini used in sauces and this Tahini Sauce is perfect for salmon. It is light and earthy.
- Dill Sauce: I personally love a dill sauce with salmon. I think the pairing is light but gives it nice flavor. Try this Creamy Dill Sauce.
- Garlic Sauce: A garlic based sauce would be a great addition to salmon.
- Mustard Sauce: A tangy mustard sauce always pairs nicely with salmon.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
Leftover salmon bites will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 300°F for just 2-3 minutes until warmed through. The lower temperature prevents them from drying out while bringing them back to their delicious best.
For meal prep, I recommend marinating the salmon cubes and storing them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. Bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for the best results.
I don’t typically recommend freezing already cooked salmon bites as the texture can become mushy when thawed and reheated. However, if you have leftover salmon bites that you know you won’t eat within a few days, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to one month. Just be aware the texture won’t be quite the same when reheated.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Thaw completely before cutting. Use the refrigerator method overnight or the cold water method, changing water every 30 minutes. Never thaw at room temperature.
Look for 145°F internal temperature and salmon that flakes easily with a fork. The color should change from translucent to opaque pink. For 1-inch cubes, 6-8 minutes is typically perfect.
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, pan-sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or broil for 5-6
minutes. The air fryer simply offers convenience and that perfect texture.
Salmon dries out when it’s overcooked, which can happen quickly with these smaller pieces. Next time, try reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes next time and check earlier. Salmon continues cooking after removal from heat. Ensure your marinade contains enough oil to help lock in moisture.
These flavorful air fryer salmon bites have become a staple in my kitchen because they tick all the boxes – quick to make, nutritious, and universally loved by everyone around my table. The combination of tender salmon with the sweet-savory glaze creates the perfect bite every time, and the versatility means you can adapt them to suit your family’s taste preferences.
I’d love for you to give this recipe a try next time you’re looking for a simple but impressive protein option that even picky eaters will enjoy. Don’t forget to snap a photo if you make them – seeing your creations always makes my day!
If you try it, please leave me a star rating and comment below, and follow me on Instagram @acedarspoon for more delicious recipes!
More Salmon Recipes
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon filet, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Crushed red pepper for garnish
- Green onions, diced for garnish
Instructions
- Remove salmon skin using a sharp blade and discard. Then, chop salmon filets into 1’’ cubes. Set them aside.
- Mix teriyaki sauce, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, ground pepper, and garlic powder.
- Then, coat salmon bites with it. Note: If you double the sauce, you can serve it as a dressing.
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 350F, then arrange salmon pieces inside without overlapping them.
- Cook for six to eight minutes or until bites is cooked through. Turning them over is optional.
- Serve with sesame seeds, crushred red pepper and green onions. You can serve soy sauce alongside the salmon for dipping.
Notes
- This is a great recipe to meal prep for the week. Cooked Salmon lasts three to four days in the fridge. Keep leftovers covered.
