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Air fryer honey garlic salmon bites glazed with a sticky sauce
Tyffany

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

These Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are tender inside, lightly caramelized outside, and coated in a sticky sweet-and-savory glaze. Ready in about 25 minutes, they make an easy high-protein dinner for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the salmon
  • 1 1/2 pounds skinless salmon fillets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • For the honey garlic glaze
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil optional
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • For serving
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • Cooked white rice optional
  • Steamed broccoli optional
  • Lemon wedges optional

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Silicone brush
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Prepare the salmon
  2. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Remove any remaining bones and cut the salmon into evenly sized 1-inch cubes.
  3. Season the salmon
  4. Place the salmon pieces in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
  5. Preheat the air fryer
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for approximately 3 minutes. Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray if necessary.
  7. Air fry the salmon
  8. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece. Cook at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, turning or shaking the basket halfway through. Cook in batches if necessary.
  9. Prepare the glaze
  10. While the salmon cooks, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, ginger, and optional sesame oil in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  11. Thicken the glaze
  12. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour the mixture into the saucepan. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove it from the heat.
  13. Glaze the salmon
  14. Check that the thickest salmon pieces have reached an internal temperature of 145°F. Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a clean bowl and gently toss them with approximately three-quarters of the honey garlic glaze.
  15. Finish and serve
  16. Return the glazed salmon to the air fryer for 1 minute if you want a more caramelized surface. Serve immediately with the remaining glaze, green onions, sesame seeds, rice, broccoli, and lemon wedges.

Notes

Cut the salmon into evenly sized pieces so that they cook at the same rate.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the salmon in batches if necessary.
Air fryer cooking times vary by model and by the size of the salmon pieces. Begin checking the salmon after 6 minutes.
The thickest salmon pieces should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Watch the glazed salmon carefully because honey can caramelize and burn quickly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer at 350°F to avoid drying out the salmon.