why make this recipe

Why you will love this recipe

Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a delicious and quick option for any meal. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy but don’t have a lot of time to cook. This recipe is kid-approved, making it great for family dinners. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using just a few simple ingredients to create a dish that tastes gourmet. Whether you decide to make them for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, you’ll find that these bites are full of flavor and incredibly satisfying.

how to make Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Step-by-step overview

Prep the Salmon: Start by cutting the salmon filets into approximately 1-inch cubes. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and sea salt.
Marinate the Salmon: Add the salmon pieces to a medium bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat fully. Allow the salmon to marinate for up to 30 minutes. Do not exceed this time, as the lemon juice can make the salmon mushy.
Air Fry the Salmon: Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them at 400°F for about 7-10 minutes. You can check their doneness by looking for a browned, crispy outside and an internal temperature of 145°F.
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar to create a delicious sauce.
Serve: After the salmon bites are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with the bang bang sauce and enjoy!

how to serve Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Serve the salmon bites on a platter, drizzled with the bang bang sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added pop of flavor. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a main dish alongside rice or vegetables, or even as a fun snack.

how to store Air Fryer Salmon Bites

If you have leftovers, store the salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to regain some of the crispiness before serving again.

tips to make Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Make sure to cut the salmon into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Don’t skip the marination step; it infuses great flavor and keeps the salmon moist.
Adjust the level of sriracha in the bang bang sauce based on your spice preference.

variation

Feel free to experiment with the marinade. You can add fresh herbs like dill or cilantro, or try different sauces like teriyaki or a mustard glaze for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it properly before cutting and marinating.

2. How long should I cook the salmon if I want it less crispy?
You can reduce the cooking time to around 6-8 minutes if you prefer a softer texture, but ensure the internal temperature still reaches 145°F.

3. Can I substitute the fish for something else?
Absolutely! You can use other types of fish like cod or tilapia, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook differently.

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Delicious and quick salmon bites made in the air fryer, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 10

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Salmon

1 pound salmon filets Cut into approximately 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the Bang Bang Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Method

Preparation

Start by cutting the salmon filets into approximately 1-inch cubes.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and sea salt to make the marinade.
Add the salmon pieces to a medium bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat fully. Allow the salmon to marinate for up to 30 minutes.

Cooking

Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them at 400°F for about 7-10 minutes.
Check for doneness by looking for a browned, crispy outside and an internal temperature of 145°F.

Making the Sauce

While the salmon cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar to create the Bang Bang sauce.

Serving

After the salmon bites are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure to cut the salmon into uniform pieces for even cooking. Don’t skip the marination step; it infuses great flavor and keeps the salmon moist. Adjust the level of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce based on your spice preference. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.