Best Teriyaki Air Fryer Salmon Bites – Easy recipe

These Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites are the easiest simple protein to make with just a few ingredients that cook in under 10 minutes! You can serve them with rice and veggies in a salmon bowl, add them to wraps, or a salad for a healthy complete meal during the busy work week.

The air fryer is my go-to when I need a quick protein for meals during the week. I have made everything from this air fryer whole chicken to air fryer sausage and veggies, and these amazing air fryer chicken cutlets. But these air fryer teriyaki salmon bites are my new favorite!

You may also love this air fryer bang bang salmon.

If you are not a fan of salmon then you can try these air fryer teriyaki chicken bites that are just as easy and delicious! But trust me cooking salmon could not be easier using the air fryer. Plus, this air fryer teriyaki salmon recipe is a super fast protein you can make and add to any meal, especially if you are short on time. 

This recipe is so easy and crazy delicious. All you need to do is whip up the low-sugar homemade teriyaki sauce or use store-bought. Cut the salmon into chunks, marinate it for a bit in the sticky sweet sauce, then air fryer it in under 10 minutes! You get these delicious salmon bites with golden edges that are just so flavorful and succulent. It’s amazing!!

To allow the salmon to cook quicker and get perfectly golden and crispy on all sides, I love to cut it into bite-size pieces. You can marinate it as I did in this recipe or season it with whatever seasoning you like such as cajun seasoning or even taco seasoning. It makes for a great protein to add to rice bowls or wraps.

Why You’ll Love This Salmon Recipe

• Quick and easy – the salmon bites cook in under 10 minutes
• Healthy – low carb, low-sugar, high in protein, dairy-free, gluten-free
• Simple protein – this salmon goes with so many things for an easy weeknight protein.
• Great for meal prep – the cooked salmon will last for 2-3 days in the fridge and can easily be reheated in the air fryer or microwave. 
• Super easy beginner recipe – if you are not an experienced cook then this is a super easy recipe to start with.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Salmon Recipe
• Is salmon good for you?
• Ingredients you will need
• Optional additional add-ins
• Recommended Kitchen Tools
• How to make teriyaki air fryer salmon bites
• Expert Tips
• Make Ahead
• Serving Suggestions
• Can I make these salmon bites in the oven?
• Can you use frozen salmon in this recipe?
• Storing and reheating instructions
• More healthy salmon recipes
• Other air fryer recipes
• Teriyaki Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Is salmon good for you?

Salmon is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D, making it a fantastic addition to any diet. Here is more information about the benefits of eating salmon.

Ingredients you will need

• Salmon filets – this recipe calls for skinless salmon filets that are cut into bite-sized pieces. Look for fresh, high-quality salmon that is firm and bright in color for the best results. I used 5-6 ounce skinless salmon filets.
• Soy sauce -adds a savory and salty flavor to the teriyaki sauce. You can also use tamari or coconut aminos.
• Maple syrup– provides a natural sweetness and caramelization when cooked. You could also use honey.
• Rice vinegar – is used to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup with the tangy and slightly salty flavor of soy sauce.
• Sesame oil – imparts a nutty and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic – adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavor.
• Ginger – provides warm and slightly spicy notes to the sauce.
• Cornstarch – thickens the sauce to a glossy consistency and helps it adhere to the salmon.

Optional additional add-ins

• Hot sauce
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped scallions

Recommended Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl or shallow dish to marinate the salmon in
• Tongs
• Air fryer

How to make teriyaki air fryer salmon bites

*Make sure to check out the recipe card below for the complete list of recipe ingredients, instructions, and nutritional information.

Make the teriyaki sauce. Mix up the sauce ingredients in a saucepan, bring it to a boil, and let it cool and thicken.

Prepare the salmon. Cut the salmon filets into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Add the salmon to a bowl, toss it with ½ cup of teriyaki sauce, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, covered in the refrigerator.

Air fry the salmon. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and spray the air fryer basket with non-aerosol cooking spray. Place the marinated salmon pieces into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.

Serve immediately with your favorite sides and remaining sauce.

Expert Tips

• Buy good quality salmon fillets with the skin removed. You can ask for the skin to be removed when you buy it or remove it yourself by slicing it off using a very sharp kitchen knife.
• You can make a homemade teriyaki sauce, as shown in this recipe, or use any store-bought brands like Primal Kitchen or Kikkoman.
• Cut the salmon into even size 1-pieces so it cooks evenly. I used 4 (4 oz) salmon filets that I just cut down the middle and cut into even cubes.
• Do not skip marinating the salmon since it will absorb all of the flavors from the sauce, making it so tasty! See below for how you can do this ahead of time.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure the salmon bites are in a single layer and have some space between them to allow for even cooking.

Make Ahead

To make this recipe ahead you can cube and marinate the salmon, then keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook it, remove it from the fridge, and cook it in the air fryer as directed in the recipe. 

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer salmon bites are great as an appetizer served with toothpicks or skewers and a dipping sauce like sriracha mayo or sweet chili sauce. We also love them in a salad over a bed of mixed greens and veggies drizzled with a dressing of your choice.

You can also serve them over a bed of rice or quinoa, and top it with veggies, avocado, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.

Of course, they are also wonderful as a main course for dinner or lunch with a side of steamed veggies or roasted potatoes for a simple and delicious healthy meal.

Can I make these salmon bites in the oven?

Yes, you can make this recipe in the oven. To make it in the oven, cut and marinate the salmon as directed in this recipe then place it in an even layer on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack that you have sprayed with cooking spray. Cook the salmon bites in the oven at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes or until they are crispy and cooked through.

Can you use frozen salmon in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, just make sure you thaw it before you marinate and cook it. Here are a couple of good ways to thaw frozen salmon safely:

• Refrigerator Method: Place the frozen salmon in a container or on a plate and put it in the refrigerator. This method is the safest and best way to thaw salmon, but it takes the longest, about 12-24 hours depending on the size of the fillet.
• Cold Water Method: Place the frozen salmon in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the salmon is thawed, which should take about 1-2 hours depending on the size of the fillet.

It’s important to note that once the salmon is thawed, it should be cooked within 1-2 days and not refrozen.

Storing and reheating instructions

• Storing: let the salmon bites cool to room temperature and then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and air fry them for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat the salmon bites in the microwave or on the stovetop. In the microwave, heat them for 30-45 seconds on high. On the stovetop, heat them in a nonstick pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

More healthy salmon recipes

• Easy Salmon Salad
• The Best Salmon Tacos
• Simple Air Fryer Salmon
• Air fryer Salmon Patties

Other air fryer recipes

• Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
• Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast
• Air Fryer Carrots
• Juicy Air Fryer Pork Loin
• Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Check out all of my easy air fryer recipes on PMG!

Did you make this air fryer salmon bites recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. You can also tag me on Instagram @pinchmegoodfood so I can see your creation.

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