Looking for a fast, tasty dinner or something fun to serve up for friends? These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a game-changer. They’re crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and coated in a sticky, buttery, honey garlic sauce with just the right touch of heat. Best of all, they come together in about 30 minutes! If you love salmon, don’t forget to check out our Chili Lime Salmon with Pineapple Salsa.
Why You’ll Love These Salmon Bites
These salmon bites hit all the right notes: savory, sweet, garlicky, and just a bit spicy. They’re packed with flavor thanks to a punchy glaze made from butter, honey, soy sauce, white wine vinegar, and a generous spoonful of garlic. Red pepper flakes add the perfect amount of heat, which you can adjust to suit your taste. Whether served over rice, alongside veggies, or on their own as an appetizer, these bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Tips for the Best Salmon Bites
- Uniform Size Matters: Cut the salmon into evenly-sized 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry in a single layer to ensure each piece crisps up nicely.
- Use a Thermometer: For tender, flaky salmon, aim for an internal temp of 140–145°F.
- Make the Sauce Ahead: The honey garlic glaze can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to a week. Gently reheat before tossing with your cooked salmon.
Can You Bake Salmon Bites?
Absolutely! Simply bake the seasoned salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes or until they reach the desired doneness. The sauce remains the same, rich, buttery, and finger-licking good.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
To keep salmon bites fresh, let them cool and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best texture, store the sauce separately if possible. Reheat in the air fryer, oven, or on the stove over low heat, adding the glaze at the end to keep it glossy and flavorful.
Swaps and Add-Ons
- No white wine vinegar? Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice makes a great substitute.
- Need it milder? Omit the red pepper flakes or reduce to taste.
- Add veggies: Toss steamed broccoli or roasted green beans in the leftover sauce for a quick side.
- No fresh garlic? Use garlic powder in the sauce (start with 1 tsp and adjust as needed).
Whether served with garlic butter noodles, crispy roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad, these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a versatile dish you’ll want to make again and again. For a spicy twist, don’t miss out on trying Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites next!
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 1 lb salmon, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup ½ stick unsalted butter
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Green onions & sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat airfryer to 400°F.
- In a bowl, toss salmon cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange in a single layer. Cook 7–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until salmon reaches 140–145°F.
- In a skillet over medium heat, combine butter, honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 12–15 minutes until thickened.
- Add salmon to sauce, toss to coat, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
More Delicious Seafood
Blackened Salmon
Blackened Salmon with Corn Salsa is a seasoned salmon filet baked to perfection and served with fresh, homemade corn salsa.
Hot Honey Salmon Bites
Hot Honey Salmon Bites are tender, seasoned chunks of salmon, air-fried to perfection, and coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze.
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