Air Fryer Salmon Bites

These crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites are crunchy and irresistible featuring crispy cubed salmon coated in a sticky-sweet Asian-inspired sauce and served over cooked rice and fresh vegetables. This easy salmon bowl recipe can also be made in the oven, resulting in a flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe

Looking for a flavorful and healthy seafood dish? Try our Air Fryer Salmon Bites featuring crispy salmon bites infused with a sweet and tangy sauce. Whether you use the air fryer or oven method, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients you need

To create these mouthwatering Crispy Salmon Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Fresh Salmon Fillets: Choose high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Salmon is a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals.
• Fine sea salt
• Garlic powder and ground ginger: Brings depth and flavors to the salmon bites.
• Avocado oil or olive oil

For the Sauce:

• Coconut aminos (can also sub with gf tamari or low-sodium
• Maple syrup, honey (or preferred sticky liquid sweetener)
• Sesame oil
• Sriracha (or preferred hot sauce, to taste or omit if sensitive to spice)
• Rice wine vinegar 

For serving:

• Rice: Cooked Jasmine rice, cauliflower rice or preferred rice of choice
• Shredded carrots
• Persian cucumber slices
• Sliced avocado
• Shelled edamame
• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes, optional to taste

How to make Salmon Bites

• Prepare the Salmon: Carefully cut the salmon into equal-sized cubes (about 1-inch) and add it to a large bowl.
• Season: Season the salmon with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and ground ginger. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil and Sriracha until combined. Pour a little more than half of the sauce over the salmon. Toss salmon to coat and allow to marinate for 20-30 minutes. Add the vinegar to the remaining sauce and set aside for topping the cooked salmon later.Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil and Sriracha until combined. Pour a little more than half of the sauce over the salmon. Toss salmon to coat and allow to marinate for 20-30 minutes. Add the vinegar to the remaining sauce and set aside for topping the cooked salmon later.

Cook:

• • Air Fryer Method: If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat to 390F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray. Working in batches as needed, place the seasoned salmon bites on the basket in a single layer making sure there is no overlapping. Air fry for 6-8 minutes (or more as needed depending on your air fryer), flipping the salmon bites (or shaking the basket) halfway through, until the salmon is crispy and golden (with some pieces with a light char).

  • Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 415F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the seasoned salmon bites on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure there is no overlapping. Spray the salmon with a little bit of oil spray if desired (helps them crisp up). Cook for 10-12 minutes (or more as needed) until the salmon is crispy and golden (with some pieces with a light char) flipping halfway through and (spraying the other side with oil spray if desired). Turn the oven setting to broil at the end, and broil for 2-3 minutes to give the salmon a light char, if desired.

• Coat with remaining sauce: Transfer the salmon bites to a bowl. Whisk the reserved sauce once more to combine, if needed, then drizzle over the salmon bites. Sprinkle salmon bites with a little bit of green onions and sesame seeds.
• Assemble: When ready to serve, assemble the rice bowl by adding some rice, then top with a few pieces of salmon, along with edamame, avocado, cucumber and green onions. Top with another small sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.

Tips for Success

Follow these helpful tips to ensure your Crispy Salmon Bites turn out perfect every time:

• Pat Dry: Pat the salmon fillets dry so the seasoning adheres well.
• Uniform Size: Cut the salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces of uniform thickness for even cooking.
• Preheat: Preheat the air fryer before cooking to ensure optimal temperature and consistent results.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer, allowing hot air to circulate evenly.
• Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your salmon bites. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.

Variations:

• Lemon Herb Salmon Bites: Add a refreshing twist by incorporating lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the breadcrumb mixture. The citrusy aroma and herbaceous flavors will elevate the taste of the salmon bites.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon Bites: For those who crave a kick of heat, sprinkle Cajun seasoning or a blend of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika onto the salmon bites before coating them with breadcrumbs. This variation adds a bold and spicy flavor profile.
• Chicken: Switch things up by swapping the salmon for chicken like our Chicken Bites recipe.
• Stove-top: Sear the salmon over the stove-top like our crispy seared Salmon Bites recipe.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Appetizer Platter: Arrange the Crispy Salmon Bites on a platter alongside a selection of dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, sriracha mayo, or a creamy lemon-dill sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an attractive presentation. This makes for a fantastic appetizer or party snack.
2. Salad Topping: Add a protein-packed twist to your favorite salads by incorporating the Crispy Salmon Bites. Simply slice the cooked salmon bites into smaller pieces and toss them on top of a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and avocado. Drizzle with your preferred dressing for a satisfying and nutritious salad.
3. Sandwiches or Wraps: Create a delicious and filling meal by using the Crispy Salmon Bites as a flavorful filling for sandwiches or wraps. Layer them with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and a smear of your favorite sauce or spread. Enjoy a portable and scrumptious lunch option.
4. Bowl Meal: Build a nourishing bowl by combining the Crispy Salmon Bites with cooked quinoa or brown rice, steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, and a drizzle of soy sauce or teriyaki glaze. Top it off with some sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
5. Taco Night: Turn your Crispy Salmon Bites into a delightful seafood taco experience. Fill warm tortillas with the salmon bites, along with shredded cabbage or lettuce, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Add a dollop of chipotle mayo or a zesty salsa for an extra kick.

Storage and Freezer Instructions

• The Honey Sesame Salmon Bowl is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• The salmon bites can be frozen separately from the rice and toppings.
• To freeze the salmon bites, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the pan, oven or air fryer until heated through.

Why You Should Try This Recipe:

1. Irresistible Crispy Texture: These salmon bites are coated in a perfectly seasoned crust that turns wonderfully crispy when cooked in the air fryer. Each bite offers a delightful combination of tender salmon and a satisfying crunch.
2. Health Benefits: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health, reducing inflammation, and promoting heart health. By enjoying these Crispy Salmon Bites, you’ll be treating yourself to a nutritious meal packed with essential nutrients. Plus, this recipe is gluten-free, paleo-friendly, low carb and easily Whole30 compliant.
3. Versatile Flavor Profile: The seasoning blend used in this recipe adds a burst of flavor to the salmon bites. However, you can easily customize the spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences, making this recipe highly versatile.

More delicious salmon recipes you will love:

• Seared Salmon
• Salmon Salad

5 from 4 votes

Print

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Prep Time

7 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

22 mins

 

These crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites are crunchy and irresistible featuring crispy cubed salmon coated in a sticky-sweet Asian-inspired sauce and served over cooked rice and fresh vegetables. This easy salmon bowl recipe can also be made in the oven, resulting in a flavorful dish that's perfect for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer salmon, baked salmon

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 187 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

For the salmon

• 1 lb salmon fillet , thickest cut if possible, skin removed, cut into equal-sized cubes (about 1-inch)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• kosher salt or sea salt , to taste
• cracked black pepper , to taste

For the sauce

• 1/4 cup coconut aminos , you can also sub with gluten-free tamari or low-sodium soy sauce if you're not gluten-free.
• 3 tbsp honey , you can also use maple syrup or any other sticky liquid sweetener of your choice (for a lower sugar or lower carb option, you can opt for sugar-free maple syrup or allulose etc.)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1-2 tsp Sriracha , or preferred hot sauce, to taste or omit if you're sensitive to spice
• 1 tsp rice wine vinegar or 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

For serving (feel free to use or swap out what you prefer):

• 1/2 - 2/3 cup cooked Jasmine rice , or any other cooked rice of your choice. For a lower carb option, choose cauliflower rice, shirataki rice or hearts of palm rice.
• 1/4 avocado , sliced or cubed
• 1-2 tbsp shelled frozen edamame , defrosted / warmed up / heated up either on the stove or microwave.
• 4-5 slices Mini or Persian cucumber slices
• 1-2 tbsp shredded / grated carrots
• Tiny sprinkle of chopped green onions
• Tiny sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the salmon with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and ground ginger.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil and Sriracha until combined. Pour a little more than half of the sauce over the salmon. Toss salmon to coat and allow to marinate for 20-30 minutes. Add the vinegar to the remaining sauce and set aside for topping the cooked salmon later.

3. Air Fryer Method: If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat to 390F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray. Working in batches as needed, place seasoned salmon bites on the basket in a single layer, making sure there is no overlapping. Air fry for 6-8 minutes (or more as needed depending on your air fryer), flipping the salmon bites (or shaking the basket) halfway through, until the salmon is crispy and golden (with some pieces with a light char).

4. Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 415 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the seasoned salmon bites on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure there is no overlapping. Spray the salmon with a little bit of oil spray if desired (helps them crisp up). Cook for 10-12 minutes (or more as needed) until the salmon is crispy and golden (with some pieces with a light char) flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with oil spray. Turn the oven setting to broil at the end, and broil for 2-3 minutes to give the salmon a light char, if desired.

5. Transfer the salmon bites to a bowl. Whisk the reserved sauce once more to combine, if needed, then drizzle over the salmon bites. Sprinkle salmon bites with a little bit of green onions and sesame seeds.

6. When ready to serve, assemble the rice bowl by adding some rice, then top with a few pieces of salmon, along with edamame, avocado, cucumber and green onions. Top with another small sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

How to store

Leftover salmon should be refrigerated in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat your salmon fillets, place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and warm them up in a preheated, 275°F oven. Heat the fillets for about 15 minutes, then serve.

How to freeze

Store salmon in a freezer-safe container. Thaw out frozen salmon in the fridge before reheating.

Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 weeks.

Note: Nutritional info is calculated for the chicken bites only:

Nutritional info with jasmine rice and toppings listed are estimated to be:

240 calories, 11 carbs, 24 protein, 10 fat and 1 fiber

Nutrition Facts

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 187 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Carbohydrates 3g1%

Fiber 0.1g0%

Sugar 0.03g0%

Protein 23g46%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.