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.
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
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Season the salmon with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and ground ginger.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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