Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites are the kind of recipe that instantly feels special, yet stays incredibly easy to make. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside, these bite-sized salmon cubes cook quickly in the air fryer while soaking up a glossy, savory-sweet glaze. Because they’re cut into small pieces, the salmon cooks evenly and develops deep flavor in just minutes, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining.

Additionally, salmon has been enjoyed across cultures for centuries, especially in coastal regions where quick, high-heat cooking methods preserved its natural richness. Today, the air fryer gives us that same fast cooking advantage, but with less oil and more control. As a result, each bite stays juicy while still developing lightly caramelized edges.

Whether served over rice, tucked into bowls, or enjoyed straight from the plate, these salmon bites feel modern, comforting, and restaurant-worthy. Most importantly, they’re simple enough to make anytime you want something healthy, satisfying, and full of flavor—without turning on the oven.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1½ lb salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into 1½-in cubes
1½ Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1½ Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp garlic, minced
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1½ Tbsp green onions, sliced
1 tsp white sesame seeds
½ tsp black sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prep the salmon:
First, pat the salmon cubes completely dry using paper towels. Then, place them into a medium mixing bowl.

2. Season and coat:
Next, add olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, sesame oil, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cornstarch. Gently toss until each piece is evenly coated.

3. Preheat the air fryer:
Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.

4. Air fry the salmon:
Then, arrange the salmon bites in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Air fry for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until caramelized and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F).

5. Finish and garnish:
Finally, transfer the salmon to a serving plate and sprinkle with green onions and both sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

HELPFUL TIPS TO PERFECT THIS RECIPE

• Choose center-cut salmon: Thicker, center-cut fillets stay juicier and cook more evenly, especially when cut into cubes. This prevents over-browning on thinner edges.
• Dry the salmon well: Removing surface moisture helps the glaze cling properly while allowing the salmon to crisp instead of steam.
• Avoid overcrowding: Cooking in a single layer ensures proper airflow, which is essential for caramelization and even texture in the air fryer.