I love this recipe because it combines bold flavors with minimal effort. The honey creates a rich sweetness, while the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper add layers of savory and spicy flavor.
I also appreciate how fast the salmon cooks in the air fryer. The bites develop a lightly browned exterior while remaining moist and flaky inside.
Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is its versatility. I can serve these salmon bites over rice, in salads, inside wraps, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/3 cup (75 ml) honey
1/4 cup (60 ml) thinly sliced green onions
3 tablespoons (45 ml) soy sauce
1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter, melted
2 tablespoons (30 ml) orange juice
2 teaspoons (10 ml) organic sesame seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons (7 ml) ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) crushed red pepper
2 pounds (1000 g) salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into 1-inch (2 1/2-cm) chunks
Directions
I begin by spraying the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
In a small bowl, I combine the honey, green onions, soy sauce, melted butter, orange juice, sesame seeds, ginger, garlic powder, white pepper, and crushed red pepper. I stir until the glaze is well blended.
I place the salmon chunks in a large bowl and pour half of the glaze over them. I gently toss the salmon until each piece is evenly coated. I reserve the remaining glaze for later.
I arrange about half of the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
I air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is lightly browned.
I repeat the process with the remaining salmon.
While the salmon bites are still hot, I brush them with the reserved glaze and serve immediately.
For the oven method, I prepare the salmon with half of the glaze as directed, then arrange the bites on a foil-lined baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. I roast them in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, then brush them with the remaining glaze before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Preparation time: 18 minutes
Cooking time: 8 minutes
Total time: 26 minutes
Variations
I sometimes substitute lime juice for the orange juice to create a brighter citrus flavor.
For extra heat, I increase the crushed red pepper or add a drizzle of hot sauce to the glaze.
I also enjoy adding a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
When I want a heartier meal, I serve the salmon bites over jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles with steamed vegetables.
storage/reheating
I store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat them, I place the salmon in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through. I can also reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes.
I avoid microwaving for too long because the salmon can become dry.
I do not recommend freezing the cooked salmon with the glaze, as the texture may change after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, I can use frozen salmon, but I thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting it into chunks and coating it with the glaze.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
I check that the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I make these salmon bites without an air fryer?
Yes, I can use the oven method and roast the salmon at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.
What side dishes pair well with salmon bites?
I like serving them with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, salads, or stir-fried greens.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, I often mix the glaze a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until I am ready to cook.
Conclusion
These Hot Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites are an easy and flavorful way to enjoy salmon. I love the combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, citrus, and gentle heat that creates an irresistible glaze. Whether I make them in the air fryer or the oven, they always turn out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Hot Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites are sweet, spicy, and packed with bold flavor. These juicy air fryer salmon bites make an easy dinner, appetizer, or protein-packed meal.
Author:Ella
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:16 minutes
Total Time:26 minutes
Yield:8 servings
Category:Main Course, Appetizer
Method:Air Fryer
Cuisine:American, Asian-Inspired
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
1/3 cup (75 ml) honey
1/4 cup (60 ml) thinly sliced green onions
3 tablespoons (45 ml) soy sauce
1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter, melted
2 tablespoons (30 ml) orange juice
2 teaspoons (10 ml) sesame seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons (7 ml) ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) crushed red pepper
2 pounds (1000 g) salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into 1-inch chunks
Instructions
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, green onions, soy sauce, melted butter, orange juice, sesame seeds, ginger, garlic powder, white pepper, and crushed red pepper until well combined.
Place the salmon chunks in a large bowl.
Pour half of the glaze over the salmon and gently toss to coat evenly.
Reserve the remaining glaze for serving.
Arrange half of the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Repeat with the remaining salmon bites.
Immediately brush the hot salmon bites with the reserved glaze.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning.
Fresh salmon works best, but thawed frozen salmon can also be used.
For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper or drizzle with hot honey before serving.
Garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds for presentation.
Serve over rice, noodles, or alongside roasted vegetables.