These air fryer teriyaki salmon bites are so much easier than cooking a whole fillet and I will die on this hill, as they say. You cube the salmon, let it sit in the marinade while the air fryer heats up, and 12 minutes later they come out sticky and caramelized on every side.
I overcooked these so many times before I worked out that the cubes need to come out earlier than feels right. They keep cooking for a minute after, so if they look perfect in the basket they're already past it. The other thing I got wrong for ages was adding the extra teriyaki too early and burning the sugar, so now it only goes on for the last two minutes.
If you want more air fryer meals, my rice paper breakfast bagels are the most unexpected and best thing I've made in mine. Oh and my cinnamon roll bites take 15 minutes and are such a cozy treat that I guarantee you'll want to make every single week!
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Ingredients
- Salmon. Cut into even cubes so they cook at the same rate. Fresh is best but frozen works completely fine if you thaw and pat it dry first. Cod or halibut work too, they're just less forgiving about timing.
- Mayo. Trust me on this one. It doesn't make anything taste like mayo, it keeps the salmon juicy and helps the marinade cling. Greek yogurt works.
- Teriyaki, twice. Some goes in the marinade and some gets brushed on at the end, and both are a must. The brushed-on layer is what makes it sticky and glazed rather than just savory.
- Oyster sauce. This is the savory depth in the background. Hoisin is sweeter but works, and mushroom sauce is a good vegetarian option.
- Soy sauce. Tamari or coconut aminos both work if you need it gluten free.
See recipe card for remaining ingredients & quantities.
Instructions
Add all the marinate ingredients.
Mix well & air fry!
Make the stir fried garlic green beans!
Enjoy & serve with rice.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by cutting the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Next, marinate the salmon bites in a mixture of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, mayo, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Place the marinated salmon in the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 12 minutes, remembering to flip halfway through.
- After 12 minutes, brush the salmon with additional teriyaki sauce and continue air frying for an additional 2 minutes.
- Boil the green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes. Take out of water & rinse with cold water.
- To a skillet over medium high heat, sauté the garlic for about 2 minutes before adding in the green beans & a good amount of salt. Sauté altogether for 4-5 minutes.
- Serve your delicious salmon alongside the green beans, rice and for a satisfying meal! (or meal prep & follow storage instructions!)
Nutrition
Notes
- These keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container and they're genuinely good cold in a rice bowl the next day.
- Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes so they crisp back up, and skip the microwave which turns them rubbery.
- I wouldn't freeze them once cooked, the texture goes off.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions for Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Do I need to flip the salmon?
Yes, halfway through. These are cubes rather than fillets, so flipping gets all the sides caramelized instead of just the top.
How do I know when salmon bites are done?
They should flake when you press one with a fork. If you want to check properly, salmon is done at 145°F. Cubes cook fast, so start checking at 10 minutes.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes. Oven at 425°F for about 12 to 15 minutes on a lined tray, or a hot skillet for 2 to 3 minutes a side. You won't get quite the same caramelized edges but they're still very tasty.
Are these good for meal prep?
They're kinda perfect! Portion them over rice with the green beans and they keep 3 days in the fridge. They reheat best in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes, and honestly they're fine cold in a rice bowl too.
More Quick Bites
Looking for other easy recipes that you can have on the table in 30min or less? Try these:
Desert Pairings
These are my favorite desserts to serve with Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon:
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