These honey garlic salmon bites are tender, caramelized, and coated in a rich buttery glaze with sweet, savory, and lightly spicy notes. Cooked in the air fryer or oven, they make an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer ready in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and simple to prepare, perfect for busy days.
Air-fried for a crisp exterior while staying juicy inside.
The homemade honey garlic glaze is richly flavored with butter, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of heat.
Works beautifully as a main dish or appetizer.
Oven-friendly option included for versatility.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the salmon:
1 pound salmon, skins removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
1/4 cup unsalted butter (about 57 g)
1/2 cup honey (about 170 g)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon cubes and toss gently to coat.
Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 7–10 minutes, shaking once halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 140–145°F.
Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and loosely tent with foil.
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, combine the butter, honey, soy sauce, garlic, white wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Add the salmon bites to the skillet and toss until fully coated.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Oven option: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place seasoned salmon cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through. Toss in the prepared sauce and serve.
Servings and timing
Serves 4 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Make it spicier by adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper caramelized flavor.
Add a squeeze of lemon to brighten the sauce.
Swap white wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for slight flavor changes.
Stir in a teaspoon of grated ginger for an aromatic twist.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate cooled salmon bites in an airtight container for 2–3 days. For best texture, store sauce and salmon separately.
Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, in the oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes, or gently in a skillet. Avoid microwaving if you want the crisp edges to remain.
FAQs
How can I tell when the salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon is done when it reaches 145°F internally and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be cooked, cooled, and refrigerated for up to one week.
Can I bake the salmon instead of air frying?
Yes, baking at 400°F for about 16 minutes works perfectly.
What type of salmon works best?
Skinless fillets from Atlantic or sockeye salmon both work well; choose what’s available and fresh.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Reduce the honey by 1–2 tablespoons or add a splash of lemon juice to balance it.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking in the air fryer?
Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray before adding the salmon bites.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding so the salmon gets crisp.
What should I serve with honey garlic salmon bites?
Rice, noodles, roasted vegetables, salads, or potatoes all pair beautifully.
Conclusion
These honey garlic salmon bites deliver a perfect balance of sweet, savory, buttery, and lightly spicy flavors in every bite. Quick to cook and easy to pair with many sides, they make a versatile dish suitable for both everyday meals and special gatherings. Enjoy them crisp from the air fryer or tender from the oven—either way, they’re a guaranteed favorite.
These honey garlic salmon bites are tender, caramelized, and coated in a buttery glaze with sweet, savory, and mildly spicy notes. Cooked in the air fryer or oven, they make an easy weeknight meal or crowd-pleasing appetizer in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 pound salmon, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup unsalted butter (about 57 g)
1/2 cup honey (about 170 g)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (or oven to 400°F for the baking method).
In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon cubes and toss to coat evenly.
Place the salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 7–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 140–145°F. (For oven: bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 16 minutes, flipping halfway.)
Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, combine butter, honey, soy sauce, garlic, white wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer the sauce for 12–15 minutes until thickened.
Add the cooked salmon bites to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the glaze.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.
Swap white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Add fresh grated ginger for extra aroma and depth.
Spray the air fryer basket lightly to prevent sticking.
