Name: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites That Wow
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1½ lbs salmon fillets (skin removed & cut into 1½-inch cubes); 1 tbsp olive oil; ¾ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ¼ cup honey; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 2 cloves garlic (minced); ½ tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

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Air Fryer Honey Garlic salmon bites are a delightful treat that brings together crispy exteriors and tender interiors in a glossy sweet-and-savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it cooks in under 10 minutes and can be served with rice or vegetables. Let’s dive into this quick dinner solution!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Honey Garlic

You’ll be amazed by the delightful flavors and textures of this dish. Here are a few reasons to love it:

Quick preparation and cooking time make it perfect for busy evenings.
The sweet honey garlic sauce elevates the taste to new heights.
It’s a gluten-free recipe, making it suitable for various diets.
Perfectly pairs with rice, making it an easy, complete meal.
Incorporates healthy salmon, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Great for meal prep; enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Easy to customize with different proteins or vegetables.
It’s a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Garlic

Gather these items:

1½ lbs salmon fillets (skin removed & cut into 1½-inch cubes)
1 tbsp olive oil
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ cup honey
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket so nothing sticks.
Step 2: Pat the salmon cubes dry and add them to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Gently toss to coat, being careful not to break up the salmon.
Step 3: Arrange the salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the outside is lightly caramelized and the salmon is just cooked through.
Step 4: While the salmon cooks, add the honey, soy sauce, butter, vinegar, and minced garlic to a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often, until smooth and glossy. For a thicker sauce, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 30–60 seconds, just until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Transfer the hot salmon to a serving bowl. Spoon the warm sauce over the top and gently toss to coat. Serve right away.

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Honey Garlic

Keep these in mind:

These bites are great over rice or in bowls.
Perfect for meal-prep lunches.
Adjust the amount of honey for desired sweetness.
For an extra crispy texture, consider air frying for an additional minute.

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Honey Garlic

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:

Serve over fluffy rice for a complete meal.
Pair with steamed vegetables for a healthy side.
Try it in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Honey Garlic

Store leftover Air Fryer Honey Garlic salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salmon back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain its crispiness, ensuring it stays delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Honey Garlic

What is Air Fryer Honey Garlic?

Air Fryer Honey Garlic refers to a cooking method that combines the sweetness of honey with the aromatic flavor of garlic, creating a delightful sauce for various proteins, notably salmon in this recipe.

Can I make Air Fryer Honey Garlic ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salmon bites and the honey garlic sauce in advance. Just store them separately and combine them before serving for the best flavor.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Air Fryer Honey Garlic?

To avoid overcooking the salmon, monitor it closely, especially during the last few minutes in the air fryer. Flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.

Variations of Air Fryer Honey Garlic You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Use Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken for a different protein option.
Try Air Fryer Honey Garlic Shrimp for a quick seafood twist.
Mix in seasonal vegetables with the salmon for added nutrition.
Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Tofu for a vegetarian version.

For more delicious recipes, check out Honey Garlic Shrimp or Coconut Curry Salmon Garlic. You can also explore Last Recipes for more inspiration.

Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of salmon, you can read more about it here.