There’s something so satisfying about bite-sized salmon pieces drenched in a sticky, savory-sweet teriyaki glaze. I’ve made these Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites more times than I can count, and they never fail to hit the spot—crispy edges, tender insides, and that punchy umami flavor that makes your taste buds sing. The best part? They’re ready in under 20 minutes and don’t require heating up the whole kitchen, thanks to the air fryer.
Whether I’m tossing them into a rice bowl with steamed veggies, serving them over noodles, or simply enjoying them as a high-protein snack, these salmon bites are always a winner. I especially love how easy it is to switch up the flavor—store-bought teriyaki sauce works great, but if you have a homemade version on hand, even better. Let’s get into all the delicious details!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Salmon Fillet:
Choose fresh, skinless salmon for this recipe. You’ll want a firm, fatty piece like Atlantic or king salmon that holds up well in the air fryer. Dice it into even, bite-sized cubes to ensure consistent cooking.
Teriyaki Sauce:
You can go with your favorite store-bought brand, but a homemade teriyaki sauce gives you control over sweetness and salt levels. Look for a sauce that’s slightly thick so it clings beautifully to the salmon.
Garlic Powder:
Just a pinch brings warmth and depth to the salmon. It complements the teriyaki flavor without overpowering it.
Soy Sauce:
Even if your teriyaki is salty, adding a splash of soy sauce boosts the umami and deepens the flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you’re watching salt intake.
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil:
A light drizzle helps the salmon crisp up nicely in the air fryer and prevents sticking. Both olive oil and avocado oil have high smoke points, perfect for air frying.
Sesame Seeds (optional):
These are a great finishing touch for texture and a nutty flavor. Toasted sesame seeds especially bring out the flavor even more.
Green Onions (optional):
Thinly sliced green onions add color and a fresh bite to balance the richness of the teriyaki-glazed salmon.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Start by patting your salmon cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade stick and ensures the salmon gets that golden crust in the air fryer.
Step 2: Marinate
In a mixing bowl, combine the salmon cubes with teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and olive oil. Toss gently to coat every piece. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you preheat your air fryer.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the salmon sear properly.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Arrange the marinated salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The salmon should be golden on the outside and flaky inside.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the salmon bites to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if using. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or as a delicious appetizer.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Cut salmon evenly so all pieces cook at the same rate. Uneven cubes can lead to over- or undercooked bites.
- Marinate for at least 10 minutes—even a short soak adds a lot of flavor. For stronger flavor, marinate up to 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Don’t skip preheating your air fryer! It helps create a better crust on the salmon.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket. Give each piece space so the hot air can circulate properly.
- Use parchment liners if you’re worried about sticking or cleanup, but make sure to weigh them down with food to prevent burning.
- Try homemade teriyaki sauce with soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for a fresh, flavorful twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat dry the salmon before marinating so it absorbs the flavors properly and crisps up in the air fryer.
What kind of teriyaki sauce works best?
A thick, slightly sweet teriyaki sauce with a hint of ginger or garlic complements the salmon beautifully. Look for a glaze-style sauce or make your own for better control.
Can I store leftovers?
Definitely. Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to revive the crisp texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure your teriyaki sauce is certified gluten-free.
What sides go well with teriyaki salmon bites?
Steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, soba noodles, or even a fresh cucumber salad pair perfectly.