Honey Garlic Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for that irresistible combo of sweet, savory, crispy, and tender, you’re in for a real treat—these Honey Garlic Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites are everything. Juicy cubes of salmon get marinated, coated with panko for crunch, and air fried to golden perfection. The result? A weeknight dinner that tastes like a little luxury but takes hardly any effort!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here—just a handful of flavor-packed staples come together to make magic happen. Each ingredient plays a starring role, adding either crunch, tang, or bright color—so don’t skip the finishing touches!

• Salmon Fillet: The star of the show! Make sure it’s skinless, and opt for fresh if possible for the best texture.
• Honey: Brings the sticky sweetness that balances both the soy sauce and garlic.
• Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and a deep umami kick for mouthwatering flavor.
• Sriracha: Just a teaspoon brings a gentle heat—add more if you love spicy!
• Fresh Garlic: Four cloves add punchy savoriness that makes the glaze completely irresistible.
• Avocado Oil: Helps the marinade penetrate, keeps the fish juicy, and is ideal for high-heat air frying.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Essential for that signature crispy coating—they stay extra light and crunchy.
• Salt & Pepper: Just a pinch in the panko to make every bite sing.
• Avocado Oil Spray: Gives the panko an even, golden finish without excess oil.
• Jasmine Rice or Grain of Choice: A fluffy, comforting base that soaks up every drop of flavor.
• English Cucumber: Adds a layer of cooling crunch—perfectly tossed with a quick pickled dressing.
• Rice Vinegar, Sugar & Fine Sea Salt: The holy trinity for bright, tangy-sweet cucumbers.
• Green Onions: Scatter these for a burst of color and a fresh, mild bite.
• Spicy Mayo (see notes): Creamy, spicy, and citrusy—a must for drizzling over everything.
• Lemon & Extra Honey: The happiest final flourish to cut through all the richness.

Variations

One of my favorite things about these Honey Garlic Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites is how endlessly customizable they are. Whether you’re avoiding gluten, on the hunt for extra-spicy, or feeding picky eaters, a simple swap is all it takes!

• Gluten-Free: Swap the panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish celiac-friendly.
• Extra-Spicy: Double up on the sriracha and add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the marinade if you love a fiery kick.
• Sesame Lovers: Mix in a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil to the marinade and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for nutty vibes.
• Kid-Friendly: Omit the sriracha entirely and serve with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping, keeping the heat mild and fun.

How to Make Honey Garlic Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Step 1: Cube & Pat Dry the Salmon

Start by removing the skin from your salmon fillet and cut it into delicious, bite-sized cubes. Pat the cubes dry with paper towels—this step is KEY for getting those ultra-crispy edges once they hit the air fryer.

Step 2: Whisk & Marinate

Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, and avocado oil in a big bowl. Toss the salmon cubes to get every piece perfectly coated. Marinate for at least 10 minutes—or as long as 24 hours for deeper flavor (perfect for meal-prepping!).

Step 3: Prepare the Panko Coating

While the salmon marinates, season your panko breadcrumbs with a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a shallow dish. The honey in the marinade will help those crispy crumbs cling tightly to each cube—no egg needed.

Step 4: Bread the Salmon Bites

Take the marinated cubes and press them gently into the seasoned panko, rolling to coat all sides. Don’t forget to shake off any excess—this ensures each piece gets crispy without any soggy patches.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Lightly grease your air fryer basket with avocado oil spray. Place the salmon cubes in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded (work in 2-3 batches if needed). Give them another quick spritz of oil and air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes. Shake the basket, then air fry for another 2-4 minutes—check at the 6-minute mark so you don’t overcook those beauties!

Step 6: Prep Rice, Cucumber Salad & Sauce

While the salmon bites get golden, whip up your fluffy rice, toss cucumbers with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, and mix up that spicy mayo (see note below). Slice your green onions for topping and get ready to plate!

Step 7: Assemble & Finish

Scoop rice into bowls, pile on the crispy salmon bites, add a tumble of cucumber salad, green onions, and a dramatic drizzle of spicy mayo and honey. Finish with a spritz of fresh lemon—and enjoy every single bite of Honey Garlic Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites heaven.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Garnishes

For that restaurant-worthy finish, don’t skimp on garnishes! A scattering of sliced green onions brings freshness, while a final drizzle of honey and spritz of tart lemon cut through the savory-sweet richness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even fresh cilantro can take it up another notch if you have them on hand.

Side Dishes

Honey Garlic Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites are dreamy over a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice, but you could use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. Add quick pickled cucumbers to keep things bright, or round out your meal with a side of steamed edamame or a tangy Asian cabbage slaw.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not tuck these crispy salmon bites into lettuce cups for the ultimate party appetizer, or stuff them into warm tortillas for Asian-inspired fish tacos? You can also serve them over chilled noodle salads with spicy mayo. However you present them, they’ll be gobbled up fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Honey Garlic Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites (lucky you!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked salmon bites in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Just know that the panko coating will lose a bit of its crunch after freezing—still tasty, just slightly less crispy.

Reheating

For maximum crispiness, pop the salmon bites back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you can—it’ll make the crust a bit soggy. A quick reheat in the oven works, too!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to the air fryer or just looking to jazz up your salmon routine, these Honey Garlic Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites are sure to win you over. I hope you’ll give them a try and experience firsthand how easy, flavorful, and downright fun dinnertime can be—leave a comment and let me know how you serve them up!

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