Description
These air fryer salmon bites feature a simple maple-lime glaze, resulting in perfectly caramelized edges and a juicy interior in just minutes. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that balances smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, perfect for serving over rice or in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 600 g (1.3 lb) skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
- 5 ml (1 tsp) smoked paprika, divided
- 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
- 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) black pepper
- 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) fine sea salt
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) pure maple syrup
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) fresh lime juice
- 5 ml (1 tsp) grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 15 g (1/4 cup) fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep and Season Salmon: Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the salmon with olive oil, half of the smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt until fully coated.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together maple syrup, tamari, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and remaining smoked paprika in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Preheat and First Glaze: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Add half of the thickened glaze to the seasoned salmon cubes and gently toss. Reserve the remaining glaze.
- Air Fry Salmon: Arrange the glazed salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 7-10 minutes total, shaking the basket halfway through until the salmon is cooked through and lightly caramelized.
- Toss and Serve: Transfer the hot, cooked salmon bites to a clean bowl. Pour the reserved glaze over the salmon and gently toss to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
For best results, pat the salmon thoroughly dry before seasoning to achieve a crisp texture. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. To prevent sticking, lightly spray the basket with oil or use a perforated parchment paper liner. The cooked salmon can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator and reheated gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg