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Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites – Easy Air Fryer Recipe

crispy honey garlic salmon bites - featured image

These crispy honey garlic salmon bites are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The air fryer creates a shatteringly crunchy exterior while the honey garlic sauce adds the perfect sticky-sweet finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Avocado oil spray (for the air fryer basket)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch cubes and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a shallow bowl, beat the egg. In another shallow bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Dip each salmon cube into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off, then roll in the cornstarch mixture until fully coated. Shake off excess and place on a plate.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
  5. Place coated salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Spray tops lightly with avocado oil.
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes. Flip each piece, spray lightly again, and cook for another 2-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy (internal temperature 145°F).
  7. While salmon cooks, make the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 30 seconds until thickened. Remove from heat.
  8. Transfer cooked salmon to a bowl. Pour warm sauce over and gently toss with tongs. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat salmon very dry for maximum crispiness. Cut cubes uniformly for even cooking. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Toss with sauce right before serving to keep coating crunchy. Double the sauce if desired. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, honey garlic salmon, crispy salmon bites, easy salmon recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal