Tangy, sweet and savory Air Fryer Salmon Bites in a quick marinade with garlic, toasted sesame oil, chili garlic sauce and coriander for a quick and easy weeknight meal that is ready start to finish in 15 minutes.
JUMP TO RECIPEThese golden brown, tender and flavorful Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a weeknight dinner dream! With a flavorful and easy marinade, and just 8 minutes of cook time, these salmon bites are the perfect addition to grain bowls, tacos and more.
The zippy marinade has just the right balance of sweet, savory and spicy, with the added flavor boost of ground coriander for a touch of citrusy flavor. I love this recipe for busy weeknights or easy lunches, and the marinade doubles as a sticky glaze for ultra-caramelized melt-in-your-mouth salmon.
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Why You'll love these Salmon Bites
- Fast & easy. Between prep, preheating, and cooking, this recipe is on the table fast!
- Flavor & nutrient-packed. With a tangy, savory-sweet marinade and omega 3 packed salmon, this perfectly cooked salmon is a flavor-bomb you can feel good about!
- A versatile meal option. These air fryer salmon bites make a great addition to rice or grain bowls, salads, or tacos. Or eat them straight from the air fryer basket- no one is judging!
Salmon Bites Ingredients
- Salmon. You'll need a roughly one pound salmon filet for this recipe. Look for a thicker filet for even cooking, since smaller end pieces may cook faster. When choosing a salmon filet, look for a bright, vibrant filet for the freshest fish.
Marinade
- Toasted sesame oil. A little bit goes a long way, but this toasted oil gives the salmon great depth of flavor, and a nutty background note that works well to counterbalance the sweet and spicy notes in the marinade. Be sure to use toasted sesame oil for best flavor.
- Soy sauce. This gives a rich, umami flavor to the marinade. I usually go with low sodium soy sauce, but you can use regular soy sauce too, to use coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
- Honey. This adds the perfect balance of sweetness to the marinade, and helps the salmon get great caramelization in the air fryer. Maple syrup or brown sugar also work, but skip granulated sugar- which can make the salmon overly sweet.
- Chili garlic sauce. I use Sambal Oelek for this marinade, which gives just the right amount of spice to the marinade, for a sweet and spicy flavor. You could adjust to taste for a less spicy salmon, and substitute Sriracha sauce, too!
- Garlic. Adding fresh minced garlic to the marinade perfumes the salmon with just the right amount of fresh garlic flavor. Be sure to finely mince or press so it blends well.
- Ground coriander. A bit of coriander adds a fresh, citrusy note to the salmon.
How to Air Fry Salmon Bites
These air fryer salmon bites are quick and easy to make, with a quick marinade time and just 8 minutes in the air fryer! Here's how to make them:
- Step 1: Cut your salmon filet into bite-sized pieces, about 1".
- Step 2: Whisk your marinade ingredients until well combined.
- Step 3: Add your cut salmon pieces to the bowl with the marinade, and toss well. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes, and up to 4 hours.
- Step 4: Preheat your air fryer, spray with cooking spray, and arrange salmon in an even layer (being careful not to overcrowd), skin side down if leaving intact.
- Step 5: Cook at 400° for 4 minutes, then flip over and brush with remaining marinade.
- Step 6: Cook 3-4 minutes more on the second side, until well browned and cooked through.
Salmon Guide
- Skin removal. Insert a sharp knife blade (I like to use a pairing knife for better dexterity) between the skin and the salmon. Tip the blade down toward the skin, and gently wiggle the skin back and fourth, holding the knife steady to release. Slide the knife carefully down the length of the salmon fillet.
- Salmon size. Look for a salmon filet that is a bit on the meatier side for the most even cooking in the air fryer. Thin filets will over-marinate and overcook.
- Marinating. The longer you marinate, the better the flavor. The salmon can sit in the marinade for up to 4 hours.
- Timing adjustments. If you end up with some thinner pieces, or like your salmon a little rarer, or a little well done, be sure to check it periodically toward the end of cooking to get the right texture. I like my salmon at around 140°F, and check with a thermometer to ensure it's right where I like it.
Seasoning Variations
The cooking method for these salmon bites works well with various flavor applications. Here are some other flavoring you can try, using the same ratios of ingredients:
- Honey Mustard. Mix together avocado oil, soy sauce, honey, dijon mustard, and garlic.
- Sesame Ginger. Try toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, grated fresh ginger, garlic, and lime zest.
- Italian Style. Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Rice & Grain Bowls. These air fryer salmon bites make a great addition to a grain bowl or sushi-inspired bowl, with your favorite veggies or tangy cucumber salad.
- Tacos. Use them to make delicious and tender salmon tacos, with Gochujang sauce or Mango salsa.
- Dip 'em. Eat them straight from the air fryer basket with satay sauce or sriracha aioli!
Storage & Reheating
- Storing. Store any leftover salmon bites in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheating. Since the salmon bites can dry out quickly, briefly reheat them, and air fry salmon bites until just warmed through.
- Freezing. While you technically could freeze the salmon bites, the texture will become more mushy and they will lose their shape when reheated, so I recommend only making as much as you plan to consume within 3 days.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe
Equipment
- air fryer or large non-stick frying pan
- cooking spray or oil, for greasing air fryer basket
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon, (thick filet) cut into 1" pieces (skinless or skin-on)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce, or low sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce, (Sambal Oelek, Sriracha)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Instructions
Air Fryer Directions
- Cut the salmon into 1” pieces with a sharp knife and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic and ground coriander. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the salmon to the bowl with the marinade, and toss to combine. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, and up to 4 hours.
- When ready to cook, spray your air fryer with cooking spray, or brush lightly with neutral cooking oil, such as canola or avocado oil.
- Preheat to 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
- Once preheated, add your marinated salmon cubes to the air fryer basket (reserving the marinade) in an even layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to work in 2 batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry for 4 minutes, then flip over and brush with remaining marinade. Air fry 3-4 minutes more, until browned and cooked to desired doneness.
Stovetop Directions
- To make this recipe on the stove, heat 1-2 tablespoon canola or avocado oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, then cook salmon bites for 3 minutes a side, then finish for 1 minutes with remaining marinade.
Notes
Nutrition
Air Fryer Salmon Bites FAQS
You can use any variety of salmon you like to air fry salmon bites! Coho salmon is a mildly flavored, slightly leaner salmon. Sockeye is wild caught, with a stronger flavor and firmer texture. King salmon is richly flavored, with a high fat content. while Atlantic salmon is farmed- with a mild and buttery flavor and tender flesh. All 4 varieties work well for this recipe.
To keep the salmon from sticking to your air fryer, generously spray it with cooking spray, or brush with a neutral oil such as canola oil before adding the salmon to the air fryer basket.
More Salmon Recipes You'll Love
- Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with honey mustard glaze and crispy panko topping.
- Tender and flakey Slow Roasted Lemon Dill Salmon.
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