These air fryer salmon bites are marinated in a simple yet flavorful chipotle honey sauce made from only 3 ingredients. Smoky and spicy chipotle, sweet honey, and a dash of savory soy sauce come together to make juicy and flaky salmon that’s perfect every time.
Cooking with an air fryer is definitely a game-changer. It adds crispness and cooks food in a fraction of the time. Case in point – these air fryer salmon bites are ready in only 10 minutes!
They’re perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner when you’re short on time.
The secret is the simple marinade, which comes together in a few seconds and uses only three ingredients: chipotles in adobo, honey, and soy sauce!
I love to pair these air fryer salmon bites with cilantro lime rice and make rice bowls with avocado and other veggies. You can also add this to avocado salad or my Mexican quinoa salad!
Is This Spicy?
Though this recipe uses chipotle peppers in adobo, adding soy sauce and honey to the marinade greatly reduces the spice level to a mild heat.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Skinless salmon filets: I used fresh salmon and diced them into 1-inch cubes, but you can also use frozen and thawed salmon. You can use skin-on or skinless salmon – it’s all personal preference.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo: Chipotles in adobo add a great layer of smokey flavor with a hint of spice. Make sure to finely chop these peppers so you don’t get big chunks in your marinade.
- Honey: Adds some sweetness that pairs well with the chipotles and also helps to reduce the spice level.
- Soy sauce: I used reduced-sodium soy sauce as a healthier option. Soy sauce adds a great savory flavor and saltiness to the marinade.
- Oil: Coating the salmon bites in oil before air frying helps to crisp them up evenly. I prefer using a high smoke point oil like avocado oil or canola oil. You can also use cooking spray if you prefer.
- Kosher salt and coarse ground pepper: Generously season your salmon bites with kosher salt and coarse ground pepper on all sides.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Prepare your salmon. Cut the salmon into small 1-inch cubes, then toss with oil, salt, and black pepper.
Make the marinade. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chopped chipotles in adobo sauce, honey, and soy sauce.
Reserve 3 tablespoons of the marinade in a small bowl, and pour the rest over the salmon, tossing gently to evenly coat.
Air fry. Arrange the salmon in an even layer on the air fryer rack and air fry at 400°F. for 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Serve. Brush the salmon bites with the remaining marinade and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- If using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely first and pat it dry before using.
- Opt for a high smoke point oil like avocado oil or canola oil if possible.
- Don’t forget to reserve and set aside some of the marinade to serve with the salmon bites once they’re cooked.
- Add extra crispiness and crunch by using 1 cup panko bread crumbs. Marinate the salmon as directed and then roll them in panko bread crumbs before air-frying.
What to Eat With Air Fryer Salmon Bites
These salmon bites have a sweet and spicy flavor profile that pairs well with so many dishes. Whatever you do, don’t forget to drizzle some of the reserved chipotle honey marinade on top.
- Make a burrito bowl. Serve the salmon on a bed of fluffy cilantro lime rice, corn, black beans, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice.
- Serve it with a variety of sides. These bites are delicious alongside bright and refreshing sides like my avocado salad, roasted Mexican zucchini, and jicama slaw.
Storing and Reheating
To store, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days
Reheat in the air fryer for 1-3 minutes until warm, or in the microwave in 30-second increments.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 12-16 ounces salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes (skinless or skin-on)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce, or tamari
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- While the air fryer is preheating, add the salmon bites in a medium bowl and toss together with oil, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and soy sauce.
- Reserve 3 tablespoons of the marinade in a small bowl, and pour the remaining marinade over the salmon.
- Arrange the salmon in the air fryer basket in a single even layer. Air fry for 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Once fully cooked, brush the salmon bites with the reserved marinade and serve.
Notes
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
- Add extra crispiness and crunch by using 1 cup panko bread crumbs. Marinate the salmon as directed and then roll them in panko bread crumbs before air frying.
Nutrition Information
Photography by Erin Jensen of The Wooden Skillet.
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