Name: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon fillets, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for sauce); ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 3 tbsp honey (or maple syrup); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, grated (optional); 2 tbsp water; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Green onions, chopped, for garnish

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These air fryer honey garlic salmon bites are one of my favorite quick seafood recipes—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a glossy honey garlic glaze that’s equal parts sweet and savory. They’re ready in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy, healthy, and absolutely packed with flavor. The air fryer gives the salmon a perfect crisp texture without much oil, and the honey garlic sauce is so good I could put it on just about anything. It’s versatile too—I serve it over rice, toss it with noodles, or even wrap it in lettuce cups for a lighter option.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cornstarch
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Soy sauce
Honey
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated (optional)
Water
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Directions

I cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes and pat them dry with paper towels.
I toss the salmon with cornstarch, olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
I preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the salmon in a single layer in the basket.
I cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
While the salmon cooks, I heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. I sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I stir in soy sauce, honey, and water, letting the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
I transfer the cooked salmon bites to a bowl, pour the sauce over them, and toss to coat.
I garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 20 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking.

Variations

Sometimes I make it spicier by adding sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce. I’ve also swapped the honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness, or used tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes so they stay crispy. I avoid microwaving to prevent the salmon from overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, but I thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, I bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then toss with the sauce.

What sides go best with these salmon bites?

I like serving them with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad.

How do I keep the salmon crispy after adding sauce?

I toss them with the sauce right before serving so the coating stays crisp.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and warm it before tossing with the salmon.

Conclusion

These air fryer honey garlic salmon bites are quick, flavorful, and versatile enough to work for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. The crispy coating and sticky glaze make them irresistible, and I love how easily they fit into rice bowls, salads, or lettuce wraps. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to whenever I want something healthy but still indulgent.