Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and protein-packed dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious? These honey garlic air fryer salmon bites are crispy on the outside, flakey on the inside, and coated in the most addictive sticky-sweet glaze.
Ready in under 15 minutes with only five ingredients, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a high-protein snack you’ll actually look forward to.
No air fryer? Try my popular oven baked salmon bites!
Why you’ll love this dietitian-made recipe
- Big flavor, minimal effort: Sweet, salty, and garlicky with perfectly crisp edges.
- Fast and simple: Just 5 ingredients and 15 minutes from start to finish.
- High in protein and healthy fats: A satisfying way to stay full and energized.
- Versatile: Easy to pair with rice, noodles, or your favorite veggie bowl.
The nutritional power of salmon
As a Registered Dietitian, I love salmon for its winning combo of protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients. It’s rich in omega-3s, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and antioxidants, which may support heart health, cell health, and overall well-being.
Key ingredients and swaps
- Salmon: Look for skinless, boneless fillets to make prep easier and avoid chomping on bones!
- Olive oil: Swap for avocado or canola oil (or any other neutral oil) if preferred.
- Honey: You can use maple syrup or agave instead, but stick to liquid sweeteners so they blend well into the marinade.
- Soy sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead. Choose low sodium soy sauce for less salt.
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and detailed recipe.
How to make easy air fryer salmon bites
Step 1: Whisk marinade in a small bowl.
Step 2: Toss salmon bites in half the marinade.
Step 3: Air fry salmon bites for 8 minutes at 400 F.
Step 4: Brush with remaining marinade and finish for 2 more minutes in air fryer.
How to serve
To turn these air fryer salmon bites into a full and balanced meal, serve with a carb and veggie. Here are some ideas:
- Brown rice, edamame, and steamed broccoli
- Quinoa and roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell pepper, or carrots
- Rice noodles with shredded cabbage and a quick peanut sauce
- Mashed sweet potato (keep the skin on for extra fiber) and sautéed kale or spinach
- My quinoa edamame salad with the most incredible dressing
Don’t love salmon? Try my baked crispy beef tacos, sweet potato sloppy joes, or greek yogurt pizza crust instead.
Top tips for the best air fryer salmon bites
- Don’t skip the second marinade brush! It creates that irresistible sticky glaze. If you don’t have a brush, gently spoon the marinade over the salmon bites instead.
- Line your air fryer basket with parchment for easier cleanup — salmon is delicate and has a tendency to stick to the basket.
- No Air Fryer? Bake at 400 F for 12–15 minutes, broiling the last 2–3 for crisp edges. Or try my hot honey oven-baked salmon bites.
Storage and re-heating
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, or microwave for 45-60 seconds or until just heated through.
Common questions
There are so many great air fryers available, so feel free to use what you have. If you’re in the market for a new one, I use and love this Ninja air fryer.
You can use frozen salmon, but I would recommend fresh if possible. If you’re using frozen salmon, fully defrost it in the fridge ahead of time, and pat it dry before combining with the marinade.
More healthy dinner recipes
Oven-baked hot honey salmon bites
One-pot salmon rice cooker bowls
Chicken sausage sheet pan dinner
Homemade panko chicken nuggets
If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and comment below, and follow me on Instagram!
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
- Air fryer
- pastry brush optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Divide half the mixture into a separate bowl and set aside. Add the salmon to the remaining marinade and toss to combine.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 F, and add the salmon to the basket, evenly spreading out the pieces and avoiding overlap. Cook for 7-8 minutes, or until just cooked through.
- Brush the salmon in the remaining marinade and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap olive oil for avocado oil, canola oil, or any other neutral oil.
- Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Liquid sweeteners work best.
- Use light soy sauce for less sodium if desired.
- If you don’t have a pastry brush, gently spoon the remaining marinade over the salmon bites instead.
These are the perfecttt texture, and SO easy to make. If you loved my oven baked salmon bites, you are going to be obsessed with these!