There’s something special about hearing the gentle hum of the air fryer while the kitchen fills with the sweet aroma of honey and garlic. This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome, warm, and full of flavor. With 350 calories per serving, it’s light, satisfying, and family-approved.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in only 20 minutes
- Packed with protein and omega-3s
- Crispy outside, tender inside
- Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for the Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb skinless salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for that crisp edge)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey (for that glossy sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp grated ginger (optional but bright)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Use fresh salmon for the best texture. If you prefer a stronger bite, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon cubes dry. Toss with cornstarch, olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This helps create a crispy surface once air-fried.
Step 2: Air Fry the Salmon
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange salmon pieces in a single layer inside the basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the salmon cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, honey, and water. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Toss the crispy salmon bites into the warm honey garlic sauce until fully coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately while it’s hot and sticky.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Avoid crowding the air fryer basket
- Shake the basket midway for even browning
- Adjust honey or soy sauce for sweetness or saltiness
- Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture
Serving Suggestions
Serve these salmon bites over steamed rice or quinoa for a comforting bowl. They’re also delicious wrapped in lettuce leaves for a light meal. You can even toss them into noodles or serve alongside roasted veggies. For a balanced dinner, pair them with a crispy and easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries or a hearty and nutritious Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–4 minutes. For longer storage, freeze without sauce for up to 2 months, then reheat and toss with fresh sauce.
Recipe FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely before cooking for even texture.
Q2: What type of air fryer works best?
Basket-style air fryers give the crispiest results, but any model will work fine.
Q3: Can I bake instead of air fry?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then toss with sauce before serving.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe Card
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Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon | Quick, Delicious, Easy
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sweet, savory, and garlicky Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon bites in only 20 minutes. Crispy outside, tender inside, and perfect for weeknights. Serves 4 with about 350 calories per serving.
Ingredients
1 lb salmon, skinless, cut into 1 inch cubes (about 450 g)
1 tbsp cornstarch (8 g)
1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml), plus 1 tbsp for sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp soy sauce (15 ml)
2 tbsp honey (30 ml)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp grated ginger, optional
2 tbsp water (30 ml)
1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish
2 tbsp green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat salmon dry with paper towels.
2. Toss salmon with cornstarch, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper until coated.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Arrange salmon in a single layer in the basket.
5. Cook 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway for even crisping.
6. Meanwhile, warm 1 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
7. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Stir in soy sauce, honey, and water. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Transfer hot salmon to a bowl and toss with the sauce until glossy.
10. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
11. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh salmon for best texture.
Avoid overcrowding the basket for even browning.
Adjust sweetness with more honey or add a splash of soy for more saltiness.
For gluten free, use tamari or coconut aminos.
Add chili flakes for gentle heat.
Serving ideas: rice, quinoa, noodles, lettuce wraps, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 5 oz)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 470
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 4.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 17.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 23
- Cholesterol: 62
More Such Recipes
If you loved this one, try these next:
- creamy Cheesy Honey Mustard Chicken dinner
- flavorful Roasted Zucchini and Squash medley
- perfectly Grilled Zucchini side dish
- refreshing Watermelon Lemonade for summer meals
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon brings together everything I love about simple home cooking. It’s quick, delicious, and just a little messy in the best way. You’ll taste that balance of sweet honey and garlicky umami in every bite. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to 20-minute dinner.
If you make it, share your plate with us on Pinterest or Facebook. I’d love to see your version.