Description
Discover how to make irresistible Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Salmon Bites that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for a quick and delicious seafood dish!
Ingredients
- – 1 lb (450g) center-cut salmon fillet, skin removed and diced to 1-inch chunks
- – 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) coarse sea salt
- – 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) garlic powder
- – 1/4 tsp (1 ml) smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- – 3/4 tsp (3.75ml) ground black pepper
- – 1-2 tbsp (15-30ml) honey (optional)
- – 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- – Olive oil spray for the air fryer basket
- – 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
- – 3 tbsp (45ml) rice vinegar
- – 1/2-1 tsp (2.5-5ml) hot sauce or sriracha, sweet chili sauce
- – 1 large clove garlic, grated or crushed
- – 1 tbsp (15ml) coconut aminos
- – 1.5 tbsp (22.5ml) ketchup
- – 2 pinches coarse sea salt
- – 1 bulb scallion, chopped or chive
- – Toasted white and black sesame seeds or furikake
Instructions
- Remove the skin from the salmon, or have a fishmonger do it for you. Cut the fillet into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Season the salmon pieces with sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, honey, and olive oil. Carefully mix them to ensure each piece is well-coated. I recommend using a cooking glove for this task.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil spray, then place the salmon cubes inside, making sure to leave space between each piece. You may need to cook them in two separate batches. Set the air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and cook for 8 minutes.
- While the salmon is cooking, prepare the sauce by blending all the specified ingredients together in a bowl.
- Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the salmon pieces with gaps between them. Bake on the top rack at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.
- After cooking, allow the basket to sit open for 10 seconds before taking out the salmon. This pause will help the fish contract slightly and release from the basket more easily. Gently move the salmon pieces to a serving dish to keep them intact.
- Sprinkle the salmon bites with chopped scallions and sesame seeds, adding a few drizzles of the prepared sauce. Serve any remaining sauce on the side. Enjoy while warm.
Notes
- Marinate the salmon in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes before cooking for a bolder flavor infusion.
- Adjust the honey in the seasoning to suit your taste preference, or omit for a more savory dish.
- Customize the heat level by trying different hot sauces or chili sauces in the mixture.