Air Fryer Salmon Bites

These easy Air fryer Salmon Bites are marinated in a glistening teriyaki sauce and air fried until crispy edges are formed and the insides are tender and flaky. These little bites are a great twist on your everyday salmon whether as an appetizer or a main dish!

Need more easy seafood recipes to try? This Maple Soy Salmon and this California Roll in a Bowl recipe.

stack of salmon bites air fried in a soy marinade.

Easy Teriyaki Salmon Bites

This air fryer salmon may be bite-sized, but they come with a big flavor! If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious salmon dish, this quick and simple recipe is going to become a fast favorite.

Salmon cubes are marinated in a sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and your favorite teriyaki sauce, then air fried until crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a low carb, delicious meal full of protein.

The Asian-inspired flavors create a taste explosion and the best part is, it’s all made with simple ingredients and the air fryer does most of the work!

stack of cooked cubes of salmon topped with sesame seeds on a wood cutting board.

Ingredients/shopping list

several small white bowls with ingredients for salmon bites - raw salmon, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, olive oil, honey and garlic powder.

Salmon filets: I use a 1 lb atlantic salmon filet for this recipe. You can use more if you plan to make extra batches. Remove the skin and cut them filet into 1-inch cubes.
Teriyaki sauce: Use your favorite kind of sauce, whether it’s store-bought or homemade. It’s a sweet and sticky delicious condiment frequently used for marinades, glazes, and dipping sauces.
Olive oil: Helps to blend the ingredients of the sauce. The oil will also help to brown the outside of the cubes.
Soy sauce: Adds an extra layer of umami flavor to the marinade. It’s frequently used in many Asian recipes and sauces for flavor and color.
Honey: A little assurance for extra sweetness and stickiness!
Garlic powder and ground pepper: Just a bit of seasoning is all you need to complement the other ingredients.

Variations/ Substitutions

1. Use low-sodium soy sauce, if you prefer, or Tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free.
2. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
3. Adjust this recipe each time you make it and swap out the marinade for simple seasonings like Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, or simple salt, and pepper.
4. Add a little brown sugar, honey or maple syrup.
5. Drizzle with a little lemon juice or lime juice.

How to Make this Salmon Recipe

This recipe will come together in a few easy steps. As long as you can skin your salmon, you can make these salmon chunks!

See below for tips on how to skin a salmon filet.

cubes of raw salmon on a red cutting board.

Step 1: Chop the skinned salmon fillets into 1 inch cubes.

small white bowl with soy sauce mixture.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well.

raw salmon cubes with a soy sauce mixture being brushed on with a gray brush.

Step 3: Marinade the salmon for 10-15 minutes, either by adding the cubes to the bowl, or brushing each cube, layered on a tray, with some of the sauce and let it sit.

white plate with several cubes of raw salmon in a soy sauce marinade.

Step 4: As the salmon marinates, preheat the air fryer to 350° F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and then place the seasoned salmon pieces into the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overlap the pieces.

Step 5: Cook for 6-8 minutes, pausing to shake or flip the pieces halfway. Once the salmon is cooked through, top them with sesame seeds and enjoy!

several cubes of raw salmon in a black air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy air fryer salmon bites as an appetizer with little toothpicks and extra dipping sauce on the side or toss them on top of a salad.

Make a salmon bites bowl with cooked rice and steamed broccoli, snow peas, and carrots for a complete meal. Or serve them with mashed potatoes and roasted or grilled veggies.

Use these little salmon bites in a wrap for salmon tacos loaded with toppings and a creamy sauce like yum yum sauce!

The possibilities are endless and here are a few more side dish ideas that are my family’s favorites:

Can I make these in the oven instead?

Definitely! Place marinated salmon bites onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 400° F on the top rack for 15 minutes, and flip them halfway.

several pieces of raw salmon in a black air fryer.

Tips

Thaw salmon first if it’s frozen. although it’s easier to cut the salmon into cubes while it’s still slightly frozen.
Cut them into uniform-sized pieces so they all cook evenly and thoroughly at the same time.
Overcooked salmon will turn out dry so test your salmon for doneness by using a thermometer. It should read between 110° F and 145° F, depending on your preference.
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper liner for easy cleanup.

FAQ’s

How to remove skin from salmon filet?

All you’ll need is a clean cutting board, a sharp knife, and a kitchen towel (or paper towel).

First, pat it dry and lay it on the board skin side up. Grab a bit of the skin on one end of the filet and use your knife to gently slice the skin away from the flesh. Use a towel to grip the skin if you need it.

As you continue to evenly and gently slice under the skin down the filet, pull away the skin as you go. Discard it or keep it and fry it with a bit of oil and salt for crispy salmon skin!

How to store air fryer salmon bites?

Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed cold right out of the fridge too!

What is the best way to reheat them?

Pop them back in the air fryer or the oven until warmed through. If you have just a few, feel free to use the microwave instead.

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