Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Succulent and flavorful, Air Fryer Salmon Bites are served with a miso ginger dipping sauce and ready in about 15 minutes! Perfect for appetizers, bowls, salads, and snacks! Gluten-free.

With minimal prep, these Salmon Bites couldn’t be much easier. Toss in a dry rubbed with common pantry spices that quickly coat the salmon with lots of flavor, no need for a marinade. We popped them into our air fryer for just a few minutes. The key here is not to overcook -salmon cooks so fast! We add a little heat to the spice mix, it is your choice to spice it up more or just leave it out. The miso ginger sauce is simple to mix up and is the perfect creamy complement.

These tasty little air fryer salmon nuggets are perfect as an easy appetizer on their own or add some delicious protein to rice bowls, salads and slaws, tacos, over stir-fried vegetables, or roasted veggies. There are so many possibilities!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE SALMON BITES!

This air fryer salmon bite recipe is a delicious and healthy snack that you’ll be sure to love. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Quick and easy to make: This recipe for salmon bites is straightforward and comes together fast! A convenient option for a last-minute appetizer or quick lunch.
  2. So Healthy: Salmon is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium. Salmon is known for its high omega-3 and essential fatty acids content, which is beneficial for heart health and brain function.
  3. Versatile and flavorful: Salmon bites can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, allowing you to experiment and create different flavor combinations to suit your taste preferences.
  4. Great source of protein: Salmon is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Adding salmon bites to your diet can help you meet your daily protein requirements.

INGREDIENT NOTES

  • Salmon Fillets: Most wild-caught salmon will do, Coho or sockeye are great. King salmon will yeild a richer and crisper bite. Thaw frozen salmon fillets before using.
  • Asian Spice Blend: A combination of 5-spice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ginger, and cayenne.
  • Mayo: This creates the base for the sauce.
  • Sesame oil: Adds a toasty deep nutty flavor to the dish.
  • Maple syrup: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance out the sauce. Coconut sugar would be good too or brown sugar.
  • Miso: Adds delicious umami depth to the sauce. You can substitute with soy sauce or coconut aminos if desired.
  • Garnish: Scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.     

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP ONE– Pat the salmon filets with a paper towel to soak up any moisture. With a sharp knife, cut into 1-inch chunks.

STEP TWO- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sesame oil, maple syrup, salt, miso, and ginger until fully combined. Place in fridge until ready to serve.

STEP THREE- Mix together 5-spice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, black pepper, cayenne, and sugar in a bowl. Toss salmon cubes in the spice mix gently stirring, until fully coated.

STEP FOUR- Preheat the air fryer to 400F degrees. Arrange salmon on the rack or in the air fryer basket in a single layer with a little space between each piece. (Do this in two batches if needed.) Spraying on a little olive oil will help them crisp up a bit- this is totally optional.

STEP FIVE- Bake in the air fryer for 3 minutes. Turn the salmon pieces and cook for about 2 minutes more, depending on how thick your salmon chunks are. The internal temperature should be about 125F degrees. It continues to cook as it cools. Try not to overcook!

WAYS TO SERVE SALMON BITES

  • Create an Appetizer Platter: Arrange the salmon bites on a platter with toothpicks and serve them as an appetizer at parties or gatherings. Pair them with the miso ginger dipping sauce and garnish with chopped scallions, fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds.
  • Make Asian Salmon Bowls: Create a nourishing and satisfying meal by serving the salmon bites over a bed of cooked quinoa or rice. Add cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and avocado. Drizzle the miso ginger sauce on top and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra crunch.
  • Add to Salads or make Salmon Slaw: Toss the salmon bites with crunchy Asian slaw, which adds a refreshing element to the dish. The combination of textures and flavors works perfectly together.
  • Salmon Tacos: Fill warm tortillas with the air fryer salmon bites and top them with sliced avocado, shredded lettuce or cabbage, and pickled onions. Miso ginger sauce can be used as a creamy taco sauce, along with sriracha and cilantro.
  • Stir-fried Vegetables: Serve the salmon bites alongside stir-fried vegetables for a healthy and balanced meal. Sauté veggies such as: bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots in a hot pan with a little oil and soy sauce. Place the salmon bites on top and drizzle with the miso ginger sauce before serving.
  • Roasted Veggies: Pair the salmon bites with a side of roasted vegetables for a simple and flavorful combination. Roast vegetables like sweet potatoes, broccoli, and shiitake mushrooms in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are golden and tender. Serve the salmon bites on top and enjoy!

Drizzle lavously with the Miso Ginger sauce. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions, and sriracha, if desired!

I hope you enjoy this air fryer salmon bites recipe!

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Yield: 24
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Succulent and flavorful these air fryer Salmon Bites are served with a miso ginger dipping sauce and ready in about 15 minutes! Perfect for appetizers, rice bowls, salads, and snacks!

Instructions

Ingredients

For the Salmon 

  • 1 pound salmon fillets, fully thawed- choose fillets that are even in thickness. Skin on or off, your choice (see notes)
  • 1/4 teaspoon 5-spice
  • 1/4– 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 –1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • spray oil (optional)

For the Miso Ginger Sauce

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon miso
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sesame oil, vinegar, maple syrup, salt, miso, and ginger until fully combined. Place in fridge until ready to serve.
  2. Mix together 5-spice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, black pepper, cayenne, and sugar in a bowl. 
  3. Pat the salmon fillets with a paper towel to soak up any moisture. Cut into 24 x 1-inch bite-sized pieces and toss in the spice mix gently stirring, until fully coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400F degrees. Arrange salmon on the rack with a little space between each piece. (Do this in two batches if needed.) Spraying on a little olive oil will help them crisp up a bit- this is totally optional.
  5. Air fry for 3 minutes. Turn the salmon pieces and cook for 2 minutes more, depending on how thick your salmon pieces are. The internal temperature should be about 125F degrees. It continues to cook as it cools. Try not to overcook!
  6. Serve with a mini forks as an appetizer or over rice for a meal. 

Notes

If you’re not a fan of mayo, you can try using Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute.

No need to remove the skin but this is your choice. It is perfectly edible and full of nutrients. After it is cooked, it easily peels off, so those who don’t prefer it can discard it.

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I’m Jennifer Schlette, a Registered Dietitian and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. I love cooking, reading, and my kids! Here you’ll find the healthiest recipes & substitutions for your cooking. Enjoy, and be well, friends!

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