Sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized — these glazed salmon bites are quick to prep and loaded with flavor. They’re ideal for weeknight dinners, light lunches, or a healthy meal prep option. The air fryer gives them a golden edge while keeping them juicy inside.
Why you’ll love it:
- Fast and easy — ready in under 30 minutes
- Protein-rich and naturally gluten-free (if using tamari)
- Delicious hot or cold — great for bowls, salads, or wraps
- Just a handful of ingredients for a big flavor payoff
Ingredients
For the salmon:
- Salmon or other fatty fish fillet — boneless and skinless, like salmon or trout.
👉 Choose fresh, firm fillets if possible. Frozen works too — just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry with a paper towel.
For the marinade:
- Soy sauce — regular or low-sodium.
👉 For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Honey — for balanced sweetness and lovely caramelization.
👉 You can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar if preferred.
- Fresh ginger, grated — adds a bright, spicy kick.
👉 Ground ginger works in a pinch, but fresh is best for flavor and aroma.
- Sesame seeds — for nutty crunch and visual appeal.
👉 Toasted sesame seeds give even more flavor; toast briefly in a dry pan until golden.
- Neutral oil — such as sunflower, grapeseed, or sesame oil.
👉 Toasted sesame oil adds an extra Asian-inspired aroma.
Optional for garnish:
- More sesame seeds, chopped green onion, or fresh cilantro
- A sprinkle of chili flakes or black pepper (if you like a hint of heat)
Note: Full measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Make Glazed Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer
1. Marinate the Salmon
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, sesame seeds, and oil.
Add the salmon pieces and gently toss to coat. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 190°C / 375°F.
If your air fryer basket isn’t non-stick, lightly grease it with oil or spray.
3. Air Fry the Salmon
Arrange the marinated salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
👉 Leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.
Cook for 7–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
They should be golden on the edges and tender inside.
4. Garnish & Serve
Transfer the bites to a plate and sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and herbs if using.
Serve with rice, noodles, salad, or your favorite side dish!
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes (including marinating)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Difficulty: Easy
Flavor profile: Sweet, umami-rich, gently spiced
Tips for Perfect Results
No air fryer? Bake in the oven at 200°C / 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
Make it spicy: Add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade.
Try it with tofu: This glaze also works great on cubed firm tofu.
Meal prep tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold in salads.
Need more glaze? Double the marinade and simmer half of it until thickened — use as a drizzle on top.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes — just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
How long should I marinate the salmon?
15–20 minutes is enough for small pieces, but you can go up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor. Don’t over-marinate or the texture may change.
Can I bake instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake at 200°C / 400°F for 12–15 minutes on a parchment-lined tray. Broil briefly at the end for a golden finish.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes — add chili flakes, a pinch of black pepper, or a splash of sriracha to the marinade or sprinkle after cooking.
What sides go well with these bites?
Steamed rice, soba noodles, cucumber salad, or roasted vegetables all pair beautifully.
Can I store leftovers?
Definitely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold in bowls or wraps.
What other proteins can I use?
Firm tofu, shrimp, or chicken breast cubes all work well with the same marinade and cooking method.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 300 –400 g salmon or trout skinless, boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp 45 ml soy sauce or tamari
- 1½ tbsp 30 g honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp 15 ml neutral oil (sesame, sunflower, etc.)
Instructions
- Place the bite-sized pieces of salmon into a mixing bowl. Add soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, sesame seeds, and a splash of oil directly to the bowl.
- Gently toss everything together until the salmon is evenly coated in the marinade.
- Let the salmon marinate for 15–20 minutes at room temperature. This allows the fish to absorb the flavors and develop a rich glaze when cooked.
- Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Arrange the marinated salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. If needed, cook in batches.
- Air fry the salmon for 7–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden on the outside and tender on the inside. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the pieces.
- Serve the salmon bites over rice, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables. For extra flavor and presentation, sprinkle with additional sesame seeds or sliced green onions just before serving.
Notes
- Use skinless salmon if you want evenly cooked bites and easy serving. But skin-on works too — it gets deliciously crispy in the air fryer!
- Don’t skip the marinating time. Even 15–20 minutes helps infuse the salmon with sweet-salty flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding. Make sure the salmon pieces are in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking and a golden finish.
- Love extra flavor? Add a dash of garlic powder or a splash of rice vinegar to the marinade.
- No air fryer? You can bake the salmon at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes or pan-sear it on medium heat.
- Pair it with: steamed jasmine rice, soba noodles, a fresh cucumber salad, or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.
- Want a glossy finish? Brush the cooked salmon with a little extra marinade (boiled briefly) before serving.
