Crispy & Flavorful Sticky Air Fryer Salmon Bites: Your Go-To 10-Minute Meal (Stovetop Option Included!)
Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinners with these incredibly delicious **10-minute Sticky Air Fryer Salmon Bites**! Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and bursting with a sweet and savory glaze, these salmon bites are a true culinary delight. They are absolutely perfect served in a vibrant bowl with a mix of fresh veggies, fluffy brown rice or your preferred grain, and generously topped with a creamy, spicy mayo that ties everything together beautifully. No air fryer? No problem! We’ve also included a simple stovetop method so everyone can enjoy this easy and healthy meal.
As an avid salmon enthusiast, I find myself incorporating this fantastic fish into my meals multiple times a week – and honestly, I never tire of it! Salmon is not only incredibly versatile and quick-cooking, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with high-quality protein and an abundance of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to boost their health and wellness. This particular recipe for salmon bites has quickly become a household favorite, blending the best elements from some of my all-time most loved salmon dishes.
Imagine combining the irresistible sticky honey-ginger glaze from my popular Honey Glazed Salmon with the satisfying crispy texture achieved in my Pan Seared Salmon. Now, infuse that with the sheer convenience and speed of my Air Fryer Salmon recipe, and you’ve got these incredible Sticky Air Fryer Salmon Bites! But don’t worry if you haven’t jumped on the air fryer bandwagon yet; this simple and adaptable recipe can be prepared just as easily, yielding equally delicious results, right in your favorite skillet on the stovetop. It’s truly a game-changer for busy weeknights!
Looking for more innovative ways to use your air fryer? Be sure to explore these fantastic healthy air fryer recipes! You’ll find a treasure trove of simple, delicious meals that will make you fall even more in love with your air fryer and its ability to create quick, healthy, and perfectly cooked dishes.
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ToggleWhy You Will Love These Sticky Air Fryer Salmon Bites
There are so many reasons why this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure it will in yours too:
- The Irresistible Sauce: This recipe truly shines with its incredible sauce. We’re talking about a perfectly balanced honey-ginger glaze that’s both salty and sweet, offering a beautiful caramelization to the salmon. The finishing touch of creamy, spicy mayo adds a delightful kick and cool contrast, elevating the entire dish to a new level of flavor. It’s a flavor combination that will keep you coming back for more!
- Incredibly Fast and Easy: Life gets busy, and often, dinner is the last thing you want to spend hours on. That’s where these salmon bites come in! The small, uniform pieces of salmon cook incredibly quickly, whether in the air fryer or on the stovetop, meaning you can have a gourmet-tasting, healthy meal on the table in just about 10 minutes of cooking time. This makes it a perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you need something delicious without the fuss.
- Perfectly Bite-Sized Versatility: The convenience of bite-sized salmon pieces cannot be overstated. They’re ideal for so many applications – from building colorful and nutritious grain bowls to topping fresh salads, or even just enjoying on their own as a protein-packed snack. Their small size also ensures even cooking and maximum surface area for that delicious sticky glaze and crispy texture.
- A Boost of Healthy Nutrients: Salmon is widely recognized as one of the healthiest proteins available. It’s an exceptional source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. By incorporating these salmon bites into your diet, you’re not just enjoying a tasty meal; you’re actively supporting your overall well-being and effortlessly adding more beneficial fats to your plate. Trust me, if you’re like me and constantly striving to get more healthy fats into your diet, this recipe is a delicious way to do it!
Ingredients for Irresistible Salmon Bites
These flavorful salmon bites are crafted from fresh, high-quality salmon fillets and a selection of pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Whether you choose to enjoy them simply as salmon bites or transform them into a complete and satisfying Salmon Bowl topped with spicy mayo, the core ingredients are simple and accessible. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:
- Fresh Salmon Fillets: The star of our dish! I typically opt for wild-caught salmon fillets due to their superior flavor and nutritional profile. However, responsibly farmed salmon, like those found at Whole Foods, also offers excellent quality. For cutting into cubes, a thicker piece of salmon generally works best, providing substantial bites. Always select the freshest salmon available to you. If using frozen salmon, ensure it is fully thawed before cooking for the best texture and even cooking.
- Fresh Ginger: This essential ingredient introduces a bright, zesty, and aromatic warmth that beautifully complements the salmon and honey glaze. PRO TIP: Keep fresh ginger root in your freezer! It’s much easier to grate when frozen, and you’ll always have some on hand for whenever a recipe calls for it.
- Lime: The vibrant acidity of fresh lime juice is crucial. It cuts through the richness of the salmon and the sweetness of the honey, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The combination of fresh lime and fresh ginger is truly a match made in culinary heaven.
- Coconut Aminos: This provides the savory, umami depth for our glaze. If you don’t have coconut aminos or prefer an alternative, feel free to substitute with tamari (for a gluten-free option) or a low-sodium soy sauce.
- Honey: Essential for that signature sticky glaze and a touch of natural sweetness. The honey helps caramelize the salmon pieces, creating a beautiful sheen and rich flavor. In a pinch, you can substitute with brown sugar or maple syrup, though the flavor profile will subtly change.
- Oil: To achieve that perfect crispy exterior, a drizzle of oil is key. Coconut oil or avocado oil are excellent choices due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors that won’t overpower the salmon. While olive oil can also be used, be aware it might impart a slightly different flavor. An oil spray can also work well for the air fryer method to ensure even coating.
- Salt: A simple seasoning of kosher salt enhances the natural flavors of the salmon. Adjust to your taste.
- Garlic Powder: A hint of garlic powder adds an extra layer of savory depth to the salmon, pairing wonderfully with the ginger and lime.
- Sesame Seeds: An optional but highly recommended garnish, sesame seeds add a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal to the finished dish.
For the Spicy Mayo:
- Mayonnaise: The base for our creamy, rich, and cooling spicy mayo sauce. Use your favorite brand or a light mayo for fewer calories.
- Sriracha: This popular hot sauce provides that essential kick of heat, customizable to your preference. Start with a little and add more if you like it spicier!
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the mayo and balances the heat from the sriracha. Lemon juice can be used as a substitute if lime isn’t available.
- Water (optional): A small amount of water can be added to thin the mayo to your desired drizzling consistency.
For the Ultimate Salmon Bowl:
- Cooked Brown Rice: A wholesome and hearty base for your bowl. You can easily substitute with white rice or any other grain of your choice, such as quinoa or farro. I always have a batch of Instant Pot Brown Rice ready in my freezer for quick meal assembly.
- Steamed Cauliflower Rice: For those seeking a lighter, low-carb, and nutrient-dense option, cauliflower rice is fantastic. I love mixing it with brown rice to add extra vegetables and fiber without sacrificing the satisfying texture of a grain.
- Mini Cucumbers: Sliced mini cucumbers provide a wonderful crisp texture and refreshing coolness, adding a pleasant contrast to the warm salmon.
- Shredded Carrots: A convenient grocery store shortcut! Pre-shredded carrots offer a sweet crunch and vibrant color, making them an easy, no-prep addition to any bowl or salad.
- Avocado: Creamy and rich, diced or sliced avocado introduces a luxurious texture and a boost of healthy monounsaturated fats, enhancing the overall satiety and flavor of your bowl.
- Fresh Cilantro & Green Onions: A generous garnish of fresh herbs like cilantro and thinly sliced green onions adds a bright, herbaceous, and aromatic finishing touch, tying all the components of the bowl together with their fresh flavors.
How to Make Salmon Bites (Two Simple Ways)
Whether you’re an air fryer enthusiast or prefer the classic stovetop method, these sticky salmon bites are incredibly easy to make. Choose the cooking method that best suits your kitchen and schedule!
Prep the Salmon:
- Skin On or Off: If you prefer to remove the salmon skin, do so carefully with a sharp knife. You can find detailed instructions on how to remove salmon skin before cooking. However, I often enjoy the crispy texture of salmon skin, and this recipe works wonderfully both ways, so feel free to leave it on if that’s your preference!
- Cut and Season: Begin by cutting your salmon fillet into uniform 1½ to 2-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and perfect bite-sized portions. Pat the salmon chunks thoroughly dry with paper towels; this step is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy exterior. Drizzle or lightly spray the salmon chunks with 1 tablespoon of avocado or coconut oil, then season generously with salt and garlic powder. Toss gently to ensure each piece is well coated.
Prepare the Honey-Ginger Glaze:
- In a small saucepan (for air fryer method) or a small bowl (for stovetop method), whisk together the honey and coconut aminos.
- For the air fryer method: Heat the sauce over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to thicken. It will continue to thicken further as it cools.
- Once slightly thickened (or just mixed if using stovetop), grate fresh ginger directly into the sauce. Add the juice from half of a small lime (or more, to taste) to brighten the flavors. Stir everything together and set the sauce aside.
Air Fryer Method (for Extra Crispy Bites):
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Allowing it to fully preheat ensures consistent cooking and crispiness.
- Air Fry: Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can steam the salmon instead of crisping it. If necessary, cook in batches. Air fry for 7 minutes, making sure to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
- Glaze and Finish: During the very last minute of cook time, open the air fryer and generously baste the salmon with the prepared honey-ginger glaze. Close and finish cooking. This allows the glaze to become sticky and caramelized without burning.
- Serve: Once cooked, transfer the salmon to a bowl and spoon any remaining sauce over the top.
- Assemble Bowls (Optional): For a complete meal, assemble your bowls by layering cooked brown rice and/or cauliflower rice, mini cucumbers, shredded carrots, and diced avocado. Top with the sticky salmon, then garnish generously with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of the spicy mayo. Enjoy immediately!
Stovetop Method (for a Quick Sear):
- Heat Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot enough (a drop of water should sizzle immediately), add 2 teaspoons of avocado or coconut oil.
- Sear Salmon: Add the seasoned salmon chunks to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning carefully to ensure each side gets a beautiful golden-brown sear and cooks through. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon pieces.
- Glaze and Thicken: During the last minute of cook time, pour the prepared honey-ginger sauce over the salmon. Stir gently to coat all the pieces. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly around the salmon, creating that desirable sticky glaze. Remove from heat immediately, as the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve: Garnish your sticky salmon bites with fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Drizzle generously with spicy mayo before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Bites
Absolutely! I personally love the flavor and crispy texture of well-cooked salmon skin, and it’s actually quite nutritious, containing a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. However, if the idea doesn’t appeal to you, this recipe works perfectly fine without the skin. Simply remove it before cubing and cooking your salmon.
These versatile salmon bites are fantastic in many ways! My favorite is serving them in a wholesome bowl with Instant Pot brown rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option) and a variety of fresh or steamed veggies like shredded carrots and cucumbers. They also pair wonderfully with my flavorful Kung Pao Cauliflower or crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. For even more creative meal ideas, consider adding them to tacos, using them in fresh lettuce wraps, or scattering them over a vibrant green salad. The possibilities are truly endless!
While I often prepare Air Fryer Salmon directly from frozen when I’m extremely pressed for time, for this particular recipe focusing on crispy bites and an even glaze, using fresh or fully thawed salmon fillets will yield the best results. Thawed salmon allows for more consistent cubing and a better sear/crisp in both the air fryer and stovetop methods.
Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Because these are smaller bites, they cook very quickly. You’ll notice the color change from translucent to opaque throughout the piece. Be careful not to overcook, as salmon can become dry. The 7-minute air frying or 2-3 minutes per side on the stovetop should be perfect for 1.5-2 inch cubes.
For the best flavor and nutritional benefits, I recommend wild-caught salmon, such as Sockeye or King salmon. These often have a richer flavor and firmer texture. However, high-quality farmed Atlantic salmon can also be an excellent choice, especially if you look for sustainably raised options. A thicker fillet (around 1-inch thick) works best for cutting into substantial cubes.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This recipe is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy healthy, delicious meals throughout the week with minimal effort on busy days. Here’s how to make the most of it:
To Prep Ahead: One of the best aspects of this recipe is that many components can be prepared in advance. You can prepare the spicy mayo up to 5 days ahead of time, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Similarly, the honey-ginger glaze can also be made and stored in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the bowl components, cook your brown rice (or other grains) and prep your veggies (chop cucumbers, shred carrots) several days in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. The day before you plan to cook, you can even remove the skin from your salmon (if desired) and cube it, keeping it covered and refrigerated until dinner time the next day. This streamlines the cooking process, making dinner assembly incredibly quick.
To Store Leftovers: Any leftover salmon bites and assembled bowl ingredients should be stored promptly in separate, well-sealed airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cooked salmon will retain its freshness and quality for up to three days when properly stored.
To Freeze: For longer-term storage, cooked salmon bites freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty ziplock bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. If you’re planning to make salmon bowls, remember that brown rice also freezes well, making it easy to pull together a quick meal any time.
To Reheat: For best results and to maintain that delicious crispy texture, reheat your salmon bites in your Air Fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through, or in a pan on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can make the salmon rubbery.
More Delicious Salmon Recipes You Will Love
If you’re anything like me and can’t get enough of salmon, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other fantastic recipes that celebrate this versatile and healthy fish. Each offers a unique flavor profile and cooking method, perfect for any occasion:
- Pan Seared Salmon: A classic method that yields a beautifully crispy skin and tender, flaky interior every time.
- Honey Glazed Salmon: Sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make, this glazed salmon is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Lemon Grilled Salmon: Light, fresh, and perfect for summer barbecues or a healthy weeknight meal.
- Air Fryer Salmon (fresh or frozen): Master the art of cooking salmon in your air fryer, whether from fresh or frozen, for perfectly cooked fish in minutes.
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Sticky Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- skillet
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites
- 1 pound wild caught salmon
- 1 tsp Fresh ginger
- 1 lime juice from half, or more to taste
- 5 Tbsp Coconut aminos
- 3 Tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Coconut or avocado oil or oil spray
- Salt sprinkle
- garlic powder sprinkle
- Sesame seeds optional garnish
For the Spicy Mayo
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 Tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Water to thin optional
For Bowls
- 2 cups Cooked Brown rice
- 1 cup Mini persian Cucumbers
- 1 cup Shredded carrots
- 2 cups Cauliflower rice
- 2/3 cup Avocado sliced
- Cilantro optional garnish
Instructions
Spicy Mayo
- In a small bowl mix mayo, 1 tsp lime juice, and sriracha. Refrigerate until you are ready to use.
Prep Salmon
- If you plan to remove the skin, do so with a sharp knife following directions from this post on how to remove salmon skin. I prefer to keep the skin on my salmon, but either way, this recipe works great.
- Cut the salmon into 1½ to 2-inch pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Drizzle or spray the salmon chunks with 1 Tablespoon of avocado oil, then sprinkle with salt and garlic powder.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- While the air fryer is preheating, mix honey and coconut aminos in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Grate fresh ginger into the sauce and add the juice from half of a small lime (adjust to taste). Set the sauce aside.
- Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer on the air fryer basket. Air fry for 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. During the last minute of cook time, baste the salmon with the honey glaze.
- After cooking, spoon the remaining sauce over the salmon.
- Either assemble bowls as directed below, OR simply garnish salmon with cilantro, sesame seeds, and 2 Tbsp spicy mayo.
Stovetop Method
- Mix honey and coconut aminos in a small bowl. Grate fresh ginger into the sauce and add the juice for half of a small lime. Set the sauce aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add 2 teaspoons of avocado or coconut oil. Add in the seasoned salmon chunks and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
- For the last minute of cook time, add in the sauce. Allow sauce to thicken slightly, then remove from heat. Sauce will continue to thicken.
- Either assemble bowls as directed below, OR simply garnish salmon with cilantro, sesame seeds, and 2 Tbsp spicy mayo.
(Optional) Assemble bowls
- Assemble bowls if desired by layering the following: 1/2 c. brown rice, 1/2 c. cauli rice, 1/4 c. cucumbers, 1/4 c. shredded carrots, 2 1/2 Tbsp diced avocado, and sticky salmon. Garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, and 2 Tbsp spicy mayo.
Video
Notes
To prep ahead: This recipe is a great addition to your weekly meal prep, as all of the elements of the bowl can be made ahead of time. First, you can prep the spicy mayo up to 5 days in advance. Next, you can prep the honey ginger sauce up to 5 days in advance as well. Store both sauces separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Finally, you can prep bowl ingredients such as brown rice and veggies and store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy your salmon. The day before you make your salmon, you can remove the skin and cube the salmon so it’s ready to go at dinner time the next day. To store: All leftover salmon bowl ingredients should be stored in the refrigerator in well sealed containers. Cooked salmon will remain fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator. To freeze: You can freeze salmon bites in a freezer safe container or ziplock for up to 3 months. If you are making salmon bowls, I love to freeze brown rice, too. To reheat: Reheat salmon bites in your Air Fryer or in a pan on low heat until warmed through.