Last updated on April 29th, 2026 at 11:11 am
These honey garlic salmon bites in the air fryer are one of my go-to meals during the week. They’re quick, high in protein, and come out perfectly caramelized on the outside while staying tender and flaky inside.
I’ll usually make a batch at the start of the week and use them in different ways, tossed into salads for lunch, paired with eggs for breakfast, or added to a simple bowl or noodles for dinner. It’s one of those recipes that makes eating well feel easy.
Why These Salmon Bites Work
Cutting the salmon into cubes gives you more surface area, which means more flavor in every bite and better caramelization from the honey.
The combination of honey and coconut aminos creates that perfect balance of sweet and savory, while helping the edges crisp slightly in the air fryer.
Cooking them in the air fryer keeps things simple and fast. You get that lightly crisp exterior without overcooking the inside, so the salmon stays juicy and tender.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon fillets are the base here. Fresh or frozen both work, just make sure frozen salmon is fully thawed before cooking. I usually go for 5 to 8 ounce fillets and cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and more flavor in every bite.
- Coconut aminos add that savory, umami depth. It’s slightly sweeter and lower in sodium than traditional soy sauce, which I prefer, but either works depending on what you have on hand.
- Honey balances everything out. It brings a natural sweetness and helps the salmon caramelize beautifully in the air fryer, giving you those slightly crisp edges.
- Fresh garlic is key for that bold, rich flavor. I always recommend using freshly minced cloves when possible, but garlic powder works if you’re short on time.
- Salt and pepper bring everything together, and a pinch of crushed red pepper is optional if you want a little heat.
How to Make Salmon Bites
PREPARE THE SALMON AND HONEY GARLIC MARINADE. Use a sharp knife to cut the salmon into 1-inch strips, then slice across to create even cubes. Keep the salmon cold and pat it dry so it’s easier to handle. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
COMBINE the coconut amino, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Pour half of the sauce over the salmon pieces and season with salt, pepper, and red crushed peppers. If time permits, let the salmon marinate for at least 20 minutes in the fridge.
PREPARE THE AIR FRYER. Line your air fryer basket with foil. This helps for an easier clean-up later. Spray with oil to prevent the salmon from sticking. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3 minutes.
AIR FRY SALMON. Baste the salmon with the remaining sauce. Place the salmon in the air fryer making sure to leave space between each piece. Air fry for 8 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through. The salmon is done when it has a caramelized crust, easily flakes and falls apart with a fork. (Salmon Internal temp with an instant thermometer should read 145F when it is fully cooked.) Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Salmon Bites
- Pat the salmon dry before marinating so the sauce sticks better and caramelizes properly.
- You can cook the seasoned salmon bites with or without the skin.
- Cut the salmon into similar size pieces so they cook evenly. Make sure they are placed in a single layer too.
- Preheat the air fryer for crispy salmon bites. You want the air fryer basket to be hot when the raw salmon is placed inside for the best results.
- Do not overcook the salmon. The fish is done once it reaches an internal temperature of 145F.
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites (Air Fryer)
Ingredients
- 2 Salmon Filets (6-8 ounces each)
- 3 tbsp Coconut Aminos (or Soy Sauce)
- ⅓ cup Honey
- 4 Garlic Cloves (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder, plus more to taste) minced
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- ½ tsp Red Crushed Pepper optional
Instructions
- Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces. Try to cut them the same size so that they cook evenly
- Combine the coconut amino, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Pour half of the sauce over the salmon pieces and season with salt, pepper, and red crushed peppers. If time permits, let the salmon marinate for 20 minutes in the fridge.
- Line your air fryer basket with foil. This helps for an easier clean-up later. Spray with oil to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3 minutes.
- Baste the salmon with the remaining sauce.
- Place the salmon in the air fryer making sure to leave space between each piece. Air fry for 8 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through. The salmon is done when it has a caramelized crust, easily flakes and falls apart with a fork. (Salmon Internal temp with an instant thermometer should read 145F when it is fully cooked)
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
TO MAKE ON THE STOVETOP
Variations + Substitutions
-
Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites: Honey garlic salmon cubes encased in strips of thick-cut bacon are the perfect low-carb lunch or appetizer.
- Teriyaki: Instead of making your own marinade, toss your favorite teriyaki sauce over the fish for that same sweet savory flavor.
- Add-Ins: Add ginger, sriracha, brown sugar, or sesame seeds for an even bolder flavor.
Storage
Store leftover air fryer salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the air fryer set to 350F until warmed through or enjoy leftover salmon bites straight out of the refrigerator.
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FAQs
Use a sharp knife to cut the salmon into 1-inch strips, then slice across to create even cubes. Keep the salmon cold and pat it dry so it’s easier to handle. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning. This helps the marinade stick and ensures the salmon cooks evenly.
Cook salmon bites on the stovetop for about 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium heat. They’re done when the outside is lightly golden and the center is just opaque and flakes easily. Avoid overcooking so they stay tender and juicy.
This healthy salmon bites recipe is adapted from our 3 Ingredient Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon recipe. Want more salmon recipes? Then try our Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe, 15-minute Air Fryer Salmon, and this Easy Smoked Salmon Salad recipe next.
Your recipe doesn’t say what to do with the other half of the marinade
Hi! Thank you for letting me know. I’ve updated the recipe card to reflect the steps listed in the post. Hope you enjoy! 🙂