These crispy air fryer salmon bites cook at 400°F in under 15 minutes, with caramelized edges and a juicy center. They're coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki glaze and perfect for rice bowls, meal prep, or an easy high-protein dinner!
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites at a Glance
- ✅ Recipe Name: Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites
- 🕒 Ready In: Under 15 minutes
- 👪 Serves: 4
- 🍽 Calories: ~300 per serving
- 💪 Protein: 35g per serving
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Fresh or frozen salmon, soy sauce (or tamari), fresh orange juice, garlic, ginger, and arrowroot powder
- 📖 Dietary Info: High-protein, dairy-free, refined-sugar-free, gluten-free
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: Crispy edges, tender centers, and a sticky homemade teriyaki glaze that tastes better than takeout - without the heavy sauce.
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If you've made my Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken, you know I'm big on getting that perfect crispy-outside, tender-inside texture - and these air fryer salmon bites are the version I keep coming back to. After testing bottled sauces and honey-based versions, this homemade orange teriyaki was the clear winner. It's glossy, balanced, and not overly sweet, so the salmon still shines.
After testing 380°F, 390°F, and 400°F multiple times, 400°F consistently gave the best caramelization without drying out the center. The air fryer caramelizes the edges in minutes while keeping the center juicy and flaky. It's one of those high-protein dinners that feels a little indulgent but is secretly so easy.
If you love quick air fryer meals, my Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken and Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Boneless & Skinless) are two more weeknight staples.
Jump to:
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites at a Glance
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You'll Need
- Easy Substitutions & Variations
- How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites (Step-by-Step)
- Video Tutorial (Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites Time & Temperature Guide
- What to Serve With Teriyaki Salmon Bites
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Storage & Reheating
- More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
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Excellent! The salmon bites are a perfect size. They cook quickly and are tender and flavorful. The sauce is a gem. I doubled the recipe so there was enough to glaze the salmon and to enjoy with oven-roasted broccoli.
- Lauren
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 15 Minutes: These air fryer salmon bites cook fast and are perfect for busy weeknights.
- Homemade or Store-Bought Teriyaki: Make the low-sugar orange glaze from scratch or use your favorite bottled sauce.
- Healthy & High-Protein: A balanced dinner with 35g+ of protein per serving that's filling without feeling heavy.
- Crispy Outside, Tender Inside: The air fryer gives you caramelized edges and a juicy center every time.
- No Flip Needed: The air fryer circulates heat, so you don't have to flip the salmon halfway through.
Ingredients You'll Need
This air fryer teriyaki salmon bites recipe is simple and customizable - you can make the homemade orange glaze or use your favorite bottled teriyaki for an even quicker option.
For the Salmon Bites
- Fresh or Frozen Salmon - Skinless fillets cut into 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly in the air fryer. If you love salmon dinners, you'll also love my Teriyaki Salmon Buddha Bowls for another easy high-protein option.
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil - Just a light drizzle helps the edges caramelize and prevents sticking.
- Salt & Black Pepper - Simple seasoning to let the teriyaki flavor shine.
For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (Low-Sugar Option)
- Soy Sauce - The savory base of the glaze. Use tamari for gluten-free.
- Fresh Orange Juice - Naturally sweetens the sauce and gives it brightness without refined sugar.
- Garlic & Ginger - Fresh is best here for bold flavor.
- Rice Vinegar - Adds a little tang to balance the sweetness.
- Honey - Just enough to round everything out without making the sauce overly sweet.
- Arrowroot Starch - Thickens the sauce into that glossy, sticky finish. Cornstarch works too.
Scroll to recipe card for quantities!
Easy Substitutions & Variations
- Use Store-Bought Teriyaki: Short on time? Swap the homemade glaze for your favorite bottled teriyaki sauce, then toss the salmon cubes in it before air-frying.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust the Sweetener: Honey can be replaced with maple syrup, coconut sugar, or light brown sugar. Start with a little less and adjust to taste.
- Swap the Citrus: No orange juice? Pineapple juice works beautifully and gives the glaze a slightly sweeter, tropical flavor. I use pineapple juice in my Teriyaki Chicken Burgers, and it adds the best balance of sweetness and tang.
- Use Salmon Fillets Instead: Don't want to cube the salmon? Leave it whole and air fry for 7-9 minutes, brushing with teriyaki halfway through.
- Make It Spicy: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Whisk the arrowroot starch with cold water and set aside.
- Step 2: Toss the salmon with about ⅓ cup of your homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce and let it marinate for 10-20 minutes. (You can skip this step if you're short on time.)
- Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray it with oil. Arrange the salmon in a single layer with no overlapping.
- Step 4: Air fry for 4-6 minutes, until lightly crisped and cooked through (internal temp 140-145°F). TIP: if you prefer medium-well salmon, pull at 135-140°F - it will continue cooking slightly after removing.
- Step 5: While the salmon cooks, bring the remaining sauce to a gentle boil in a small saucepan. Reduce the heat and stir in the arrowroot slurry.
- Step 6: Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thick and glossy. Toss the cooked salmon bites in the thickened sauce until coated.
- Step 7: Serve over rice or in a bowl, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Video Tutorial (Step-by-Step)
Expert Tips
- Pat the Salmon Completely Dry: Moisture prevents browning. After cutting into cubes, blot the salmon well with paper towels so the edges caramelize rather than steam.
- Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the salmon in a single layer with space between each piece. Overlapping traps heat and stop the air fryer from crisping the edges properly.
- Make a Slurry First: If you are making homemade teriyaki sauce, don't add the starch directly to hot sauce - it will clump. Always whisk the arrowroot (or cornstarch) with cold water first, then stir it into the simmering sauce. This keeps the glaze smooth, glossy, and evenly thickened.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites Time & Temperature Guide
Cooking time depends on the size of your salmon pieces and whether you're making bites or whole fillets.
- 1-inch Salmon Cubes: Air fry at 400°F for 4-6 minutes.
- Larger Cubes (1½-2 inches): Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes.
- Whole Salmon Fillets (about 1-inch thick): Air fry at 400°F for 7-9 minutes.
TIP: Always check the internal temperature to prevent overcooling. Salmon is done when it reaches 140-145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
For the best texture, preheat your air fryer and arrange the salmon in a single layer so the edges caramelize rather than steam.
What to Serve With Teriyaki Salmon Bites
These air fryer teriyaki salmon bites are incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:
- Build a Salmon Bowl: Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice with steamed broccoli, cucumber, edamame, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- With Roasted Veggies: Pair with crispy air fryer green beans, roasted carrots, roasted broccoli, or blistered air fryer shishito peppers for a balanced, high-protein dinner.
- In Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the salmon into butter lettuce cups and top with shredded cabbage for a lighter option.
- With a Fresh Salad: Serve over romaine or mixed greens with a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce. Check out this spicy cucumber salad, too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cut the salmon into even pieces, pat it dry before cooking, and avoid overcooking. Salmon only needs 4-6 minutes at 400°F for 1-inch cubes. Remove it as soon as it flakes easily or reaches 140-145°F internally.
Cook 1-inch salmon cubes at 400°F for 4-6 minutes. Larger pieces may need up to 8 minutes. Salmon is done when it reaches 140-145°F internally and flakes easily.
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting it into cubes. Excess moisture prevents crisping.
No. If the pieces are spaced properly in a single layer, the air fryer circulates heat evenly, and flipping isn't necessary.
400°F is ideal for 1-inch salmon cubes. It caramelizes the edges quickly while keeping the center tender and flaky.
Marinating adds flavor, but it's optional. Even 10 minutes helps the teriyaki soak in, but you can skip it if you're short on time.
Storage & Reheating
- Storing: Let the salmon cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat (Best Method): Air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the edges slightly crisp.
- Microwave Reheating Option: Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, but avoid overheating - salmon can dry out quickly.
- Can You Freeze It? You can, but the texture is best fresh. If freezing, store without the sauce and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat.
More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
If you loved these air fryer teriyaki salmon bites, here are a few more air fryer recipes to try next:
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 (6oz) salmon fillets (fresh or thawed from frozen), skin removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 stalks of green onion, thinly sliced for garnish
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:
- 2 teaspoon arrowroot starch, cornstarch, or tapioca flour
- ¼ cup cold water
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, use tamari is gluten-free
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice, juice from 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 - 3 tablespoon honey, based on your desired sweetness level
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, very fine
- 2 - 3 large garlic cloves, minced
Store-Bought Teriyaki Sauce
- ½ - ⅔ cup favorite teriyaki sauce, (if you do not want to make your own)
Instructions
- Prep the Slurry: Dissolve the arrowroot starch in cold water and set aside. Pat the salmon bites completely dry with paper towels.
- Mix the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining sauce ingredients. Do not add the starch slurry yet. SKIP IF USING BOTTLED TERIYAKI SAUCE.
- Marinate the Salmon (if time allows): Toss the salmon pieces in ⅓ cup of the teriyaki sauce. Let marinate in a shallow bowl or zip-top bag for 10-20 minutes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F and lightly spray the basket with cooking oil.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Arrange the salmon in a single layer without overlapping. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, until cooked through and lightly crispy.
- Heat the Remaining Sauce: While the salmon cooks, bring the remaining teriyaki sauce to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in the starch slurry. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Glaze the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the air fryer and toss with the thickened teriyaki sauce.
- Serve & Garnish: Serve over warm rice and top with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and your favorite roasted or steamed vegetables (broccoli or edamame are great options). I love these Air Fryer Green Beans!
Hadley says
On weekly rotation at our house. Kids love it and so does the hubby. The sauce is sweet but not sugary. The salmon bites are crisp and delish!
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi Hadley! Thank you so much for the kind review. I love hearing that this recipe is on weekly rotation at your house — that’s the best compliment! I’m so glad your whole family enjoyed it and that the sauce hit that sweet-but-not-too-sugary balance. Thanks again for making it!
Sarah says
Excellent! The salmon bites are a perfect size. They cook quickly and are tender and flavorful. The sauce is a gem. I doubled the recipe so there was enough to glaze the salmon and to enjoy with oven roasted broccoli.
Lauren says
The whole family loved this - including the 6 year old. The only deviation was that I used steel head trout (very similar in taste and appearance to salmon!) I served with calrose (sushi) rice and mixed stir-fry veggies. Thank you!
Tati Chermayeff says
Lauren - so happy to hear that!! Thank you for leaving a review.