Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Craving something quick, healthy, and packed with flavor? These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are your answer! Perfectly seasoned, air-fried to crispy perfection, and topped with a creamy, spicy sauce—they’re a game-changer for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
They’re super easy to make, thanks to the trusty air fryer! No messy pans or oily splatters, just delicious salmon bites ready in less than 10 minutes.
Why You Should Make These in the Air Fryer
The air fryer isn’t just a gadget—it’s a lifesaver for recipes like this. Why?
- Faster Cooking: No need to preheat the oven. Your salmon bites are done in minutes!
- Crispy Texture: Get that perfect crispiness without drowning them in oil.
- Easy Cleanup: One basket, less mess. Who doesn’t love that?
Ingredients and Substitutions
You don’t need much to whip these up! Here’s what you’ll need:
Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.
- Salmon: Fresh or frozen (thawed), cut into 1-inch cubes. Skinless works best.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami punch. Swap with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Sesame Oil: Brings that nutty, toasty flavor. Sub with olive oil if needed.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Easy, pantry staples for extra flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Keep it simple and adjust to taste.
For the Sauce:
- Kewpie Mayo: Creamy and slightly sweet. Regular mayo works too but you may need to add more rice vinegar to thin it out.
- Sriracha: For that spicy kick! Adjust the heat level to your liking.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy balance to the sauce. Sub with apple cider vinegar if needed.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Prep the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the marinade sit for a minute to thicken slightly into a thin paste.
- Cube the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Toss the cubes in the marinade and let them sit for 5 minutes.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for even cooking. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix Kewpie mayo, sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. Drizzle the sauce over the salmon bites or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve the salmon bites hot on top of rice bowls, salads, or noodles.
Helpful Tips
– Pat the Salmon Dry: This helps the marinade stick and gives you crispier bites.
– Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Leave space for air to circulate for even cooking.
– Adjust Cook Time: Air fryers vary, so keep an eye on the salmon bites to avoid overcooking.
What to Serve It With
These salmon bites pair well with just about anything! Serve them over a bed of steamed white rice or egg fried rice to soak up all that saucy goodness. For a fresh and vibrant meal, toss them onto a crisp salad with avocado, edamame, or even a spicy Korean cucumber salad. Add some color and crunch with a veggie stir-fry, or switch things up by pairing them with soba noodles, rice noodles, or stir-fried udon for a delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you!
- Make Ahead: Prep the marinade and cut the salmon in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Storage: Keep cooked salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the salmon and sauce separately.
- Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Ready to Try Them?
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are crispy, flavorful, and just plain fun to eat. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or prepping your meals for the week, they’ll quickly become a favorite.
RECIPE
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon boneless and skinless
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1-2 teaspoon soy sauce to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1-2 teaspoon salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoon sriracha to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the marinade sit for a minute to thicken slightly into a thin paste.
- Cube the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Toss the cubes in the marinade and let them sit for 5 minutes.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for even cooking. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
- Make the Sauce. In a small bowl, mix Kewpie mayo, sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. Drizzle the sauce over the salmon bites or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve the salmon bites hot on top of rice bowls, salads, or noodles.
