The Little Salmon That Could
I love a good kitchen shortcut. My air fryer is my favorite helper. It makes things crispy without much oil. This recipe is a perfect example. You get golden, tasty salmon bites in just minutes.
I call these my “little fish that could.” They are small but mighty with flavor. The honey garlic glaze is sweet, salty, and a tiny bit spicy. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it cooks? It fills the whole kitchen. What’s your favorite quick kitchen tool? Is it an air fryer, a blender, or something else?
Why This Quick Salmon Dinner Matters
Life gets busy. We all need a healthy salmon recipe that’s fast. This is it. You can have dinner ready before you know it. That matters on a busy weeknight. You are feeding your family something good.
This is also a high protein salmon recipe. Protein keeps you full and gives you energy. Using the air fryer means less mess and less fat. It’s a win for your body and your schedule. I think that’s pretty important.
A Sweet and Sticky Story
My grandson once called this “candy fish.” I still laugh at that. He gobbled up three servings! He didn’t even notice the garlic. The secret is the simple glaze. Just honey, soy sauce, lemon, and garlic whisked together.
*Fun fact*: Salmon gets its pink color from eating tiny shrimp! Isn’t that neat? For this air fryer salmon bites recipe, you cut the fish into little cubes. They cook so fast and evenly. Have your kids ever given a funny name to a food you cooked?
Making Your Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
First, make your sauce and coat the salmon cubes. Save a little sauce for later. Now, let your air fryer do the magic. Just a quick spray of oil, then in they go. Cook for a few minutes, flip, and cook a bit more.
When they’re done, brush on that saved glaze. It makes them shiny and extra tasty. This easy air fryer salmon is foolproof. Serve them with rice and some crunchy veggies. It makes a whole, colorful plate. Do you prefer rice or quinoa with your meals?
A Recipe for Everyone
This can be a gluten-free salmon recipe too. Just use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. See? Easy swap. That’s why I love this salmon bites recipe. You can make it work for almost anyone.
It’s also a great way to try salmon if you’re new to it. The bites are small and not fishy at all. The honey garlic glaze is so friendly. I promise, even picky eaters might like it. What’s one food you learned to love as you got older?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon, fresh, skin removed | 1.5 lbs | Cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Honey | 1/3 cup | |
| Reduced-sodium soy sauce | 1/4 cup | |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp | |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 pinch |
Instructions
Step 1: First, let’s make that yummy glaze. Whisk honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s the heart of our honey garlic salmon bites. This is a gluten-free salmon recipe if you use tamari.
Step 2: Now, cut your salmon into one-inch cubes. I call them little nuggets. Toss them in a bowl with most of the sauce. Save a bit for later! This makes a high protein salmon recipe so easy.
Step 3: Spray your air fryer basket lightly. Lay the cubes in one layer. (Don’t crowd them, or they’ll steam!). This is the secret to perfect air fryer salmon bites. Air fry at 390°F for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Carefully flip each bite. I use tongs. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. They should flake easily. What’s the best sign your salmon is done? Share below! This quick salmon dinner is almost ready.
Step 5: Finally, brush the bites with the saved glaze. It makes them shiny and extra tasty. Your air fryer honey garlic salmon bites are done! See? An easy air fryer salmon recipe for any weeknight salmon dinner.
Creative Twists
Try adding a spoonful of orange juice to the glaze. It gives a sunny, bright flavor. Use the bites as a fancy topping for a green salad. Swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos. It’s a sweeter, gentle twist. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
I love these healthy salmon recipe bites over fluffy rice. Add steamed edamame for crunch. For a fresh plate, serve with cucumber and avocado slices. A drizzle of creamy sriracha mayo is my favorite. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Salmon Bites Fresh and Tasty
Let’s talk about storing these tasty bites. They are best eaten right away. But leftovers keep well in the fridge for two days. Just let them cool first. Then pop them in a sealed container.
You can freeze them, too. I once froze a batch for my grandson’s visit. He loved them! Place cooled bites on a baking sheet. Freeze them solid for one hour. Then transfer them to a freezer bag.
To reheat, use your air fryer again. Warm them at 350°F for a few minutes. This keeps them from getting soggy. Batch cooking saves busy weeknights. It means a healthy salmon recipe is always ready. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
We all face little problems when cooking. First, sauce can burn in the hot air fryer. The fix is easy. Just brush most sauce on at the end. I remember when I learned this. My first batch was a bit too dark!
Second, salmon can stick to the basket. Always give it a light spray with oil first. Third, the bites might cook unevenly. Do not crowd them in the basket. Cook in batches if you need to.
Fixing these issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes sure every bite is full of flavor. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How long to cook salmon bites in air fryer?
Cook your air fryer salmon bites for about 6 to 8 minutes total. First, cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. Then, flip the bites over. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. They are done when the inside reaches 145°F. This makes a perfect quick salmon dinner every single time.
Can I use frozen salmon for air fryer salmon bites?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. It is a great shortcut. First, you must thaw it completely. Pat the salmon very dry with paper towels. This step is very important. Wet salmon will not get crispy. It will steam instead. This tip helps make easy air fryer salmon from frozen.
What sides go well with honey garlic salmon bites?
These bites pair with many simple sides. I love fluffy white rice or quinoa. Add some steamed edamame beans for fun. Fresh veggies like cucumber and avocado are great too. A little bowl of soy sauce for dipping is nice. This creates a balanced weeknight salmon dinner plate.
How to make honey garlic sauce for salmon?
The sauce for this salmon bites recipe is simple. Whisk honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice together. Add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper. That is all you need! For a gluten-free salmon recipe, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This sweet and tangy sauce is the star.
Can I make salmon bites ahead of time?
You can prepare them a few hours ahead. Cut the salmon into cubes. Make the honey garlic sauce. Keep them separate in the fridge. Combine them just before cooking. This keeps the fish fresh. It is a smart plan for a busy night. You will have a healthy salmon recipe ready fast.
What temperature for air fryer salmon?
Use 390°F for this air fryer honey garlic salmon bites recipe. This high heat cooks the salmon quickly. It gives the outside a lovely, slightly caramelized edge. The inside stays tender and moist. This is the ideal temperature for this high protein salmon recipe. Which tip will you try first?
*Fun fact: Salmon gets its pink color from eating tiny crustaceans!*
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It brings everyone to the table. The smell of honey and garlic is wonderful. It reminds me of happy family dinners.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Did your family enjoy it? Did you try a different side dish? Your stories make my day. Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Hollander.
Honey Garlic Glazed Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Description
Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, these Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
cooked rice, or quinoa
cucumber
edamame beans, steamed
avocado
3-Minute Sriracha Mayo
sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390F (if necessary).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Cut salmon into approx. 1-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
- Pour ¾ of the honey garlic sauce over the salmon – reserving some for later. Toss to coat the salmon with the sauce.
- Coat the air fryer basket with non-stick spray and arrange the salmon cubes evenly inside (can cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry at 390F for 3-4 minutes, then turn the salmon and air fry again for another 3-4 minutes or until the salmon bites reach an internal temperature of 145F.
- Brush the cooked salmon bites with the remaining honey garlic sauce before serving.
- Serve with rice, steamed edamame beans, and veggies like chopped cucumber, thinly sliced carrots and sesame seeds. I also like to serve mine with a drizzle of my greek yogurt sriracha mayo.
Notes
- For best results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure the salmon bites get crispy. The internal temperature of 145F is the USDA recommended safe temperature for salmon.