There’s something so satisfying about a recipe that’s both ridiculously simple and unbelievably delicious. These air fryer honey garlic salmon bites are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami, all wrapped up in bite-sized, caramelized goodness. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer for a crowd, this recipe has you covered. Plus, since it’s made in an air fryer, it’s quick, hassle-free, and doesn’t leave your kitchen smelling fishy—a win in my book!

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe

My first time trying this recipe (and why I fell in love!)

I still remember the first time I made these salmon bites. It was one of those nights where I craved something light yet flavorful, but I didn’t want to spend an hour cooking (or cleaning up afterward). As I scrolled through my list of “quick recipes,” I came across this gem. I had some salmon in the fridge, and honey garlic glaze sounded like the perfect complement.

The air fryer did its magic, crisping up the edges while keeping the salmon tender and juicy inside. The aroma of garlic caramelizing in the honey glaze filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to taste them. When I took my first bite, I was blown away—the glaze was sticky-sweet with just the right kick of savory soy and mellow garlic. From that moment, these salmon bites earned a permanent spot in my weekly dinner rotation.

Where did this dish come from?

While there isn’t a specific origin story tied to this dish, honey garlic sauces are popular across many cuisines, from Chinese stir-fries to American barbecue. Pairing it with salmon is a natural choice, as the rich, buttery flavor of the fish complements the sweet and garlicky glaze beautifully. Air frying, on the other hand, is a modern twist. With air fryers taking over kitchens worldwide, traditional frying methods have been reimagined into healthier and more convenient options. It’s amazing how this gadget transforms simple salmon bites into golden, caramelized perfection in just minutes.

Let’s talk ingredients: simple yet essential

To make these salmon bites shine, each ingredient plays a key role.

Salmon fillet: The star of the show! Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it not only delicious but also heart-healthy. Look for fresh, firm fillets with a bright pink hue. If fresh isn’t available, frozen works just as well—just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Honey: Adds that perfect touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements. Maple syrup can be a great substitute if you’re out of honey.
Soy sauce: This adds a salty, umami punch to the glaze. For a gluten-free option, tamari works perfectly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce a warm, aromatic depth. Pre-minced garlic in a jar will do in a pinch, but fresh always tastes better.
Olive oil: Helps the glaze adhere to the salmon while adding a silky richness. Avocado oil or melted butter are good alternatives.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the salmon bites before cooking—don’t skip these!

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can skip)

The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets—just a few essentials:

Air fryer: This is the game-changer. It cooks the salmon quickly while achieving a slightly crispy exterior. If you don’t have an air fryer, an oven set to 400°F works too (just place the bites on a lined baking sheet).
Mixing bowl: You’ll need this to whisk together the honey garlic glaze.
Tongs or spatula: Handy for transferring the salmon bites into and out of the air fryer without breaking them apart.
Cutting board and knife: For slicing the salmon into those perfect 1-inch cubes.

That’s really all you need—minimal tools, maximum flavor.

Step-by-step: how to make honey garlic salmon bites

Alright, let’s get cooking!

Preheat your air fryer: Before you start prepping, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures it’s ready to go when you are.
Whip up the glaze: In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and olive oil. Whisk until everything’s well combined. Taste it—it should be a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky.
Prep the salmon: Cut the salmon fillet into 1-inch cubes. (Pro tip: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. If your salmon is slippery, pat it dry with a paper towel first.) Sprinkle the cubes with a little salt and pepper for an extra layer of flavor.
Coat the salmon: Add the salmon cubes to the bowl of glaze. Gently toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Air fry the salmon: Place the salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them—give each piece some space to crisp up. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when the salmon is tender and the glaze is beautifully caramelized.
Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the salmon bites from the air fryer (they’re hot!) and serve immediately.

Try these delicious variations!

This recipe is so versatile that you can adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

Spicy honey garlic salmon bites: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Uni-Eagle Sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick.
Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
Citrusy twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice to the glaze for a bright, zesty flavor.
Herbed upgrade: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions over the salmon bites before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

How to serve these salmon bites

These salmon bites are as versatile as they are delicious. Serve them over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, alongside some steamed broccoli, or toss them into a crisp salad for a light meal. If you’re entertaining, they make an excellent appetizer—just add toothpicks for easy grabbing. For extra flair, garnish with sesame seeds or a drizzle of the leftover glaze (just make sure it’s been cooked).

Pair it with these beverages

Looking for the perfect drink to pair with your honey garlic salmon bites? Here are a few ideas:

Sparkling water with lime: The light, bubbly nature of sparkling water cuts through the richness of the salmon.
Iced green tea: Refreshing and slightly earthy, green tea complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
Homemade lemonade: A tangy, slightly sweet lemonade adds a fun and fresh contrast.
Ginger ale: The mild spice of ginger ale pairs wonderfully with the glaze’s garlicky kick.

Storing and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will), store the salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes—they’ll come out just as crisp as when you first made them. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon rubbery.

Scaling the recipe for a crowd

Need to serve a larger group? No problem! Simply double or triple the ingredients as needed. Just be sure to cook the salmon bites in batches so the air fryer doesn’t get overcrowded. Overlapping pieces won’t crisp up as nicely, so it’s worth the extra time to do it in stages.

Common questions about this recipe

Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cutting it into cubes and cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
A: No worries—use your oven instead. Bake the salmon bites at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the salmon and glaze a few hours in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then combine and cook when you’re ready.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Definitely! The honey glaze has a sweetness kids usually love. You can skip the pepper if they’re sensitive to spice.

Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A: The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the center should no longer look translucent.