Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites

These crispy and flavorful air fryer salmon bites are coated in a healthy homemade teriyaki sauce and are so easy to make in less than 15 minutes. Serve with rice and veggies for a quick weeknight meal!

My favorite crispy air fryer teriyaki salmon bites

Words cannot describe how much I love these crispy and flavorful air fryer salmon bites. They are tender, flakey, and coated in the most delicious homemade low-sugar teriyaki sauce.

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You will be in and out of the kitchen in 15 minutes. In fact, salmon bites are the easiest protein to air fry since they only take 6 minutes to cook!

Salmon is one of my favorite proteins since it is full of healthy fats, protein, and Omega-3s. I try to eat salmon once a week, and this recipe is on repeat! If you love salmon, you should check out these furikake salmon bowls and this teriyaki salmon buddha bowl.

I cannot wait for you to try these caramelized, crispy air fryer salmon bites in my famous sticky homemade teriyaki sauce made from oranges. You are going to love it!

Why you’ll love this air fryer recipe

• Air fryer salmon bites only take 6 minutes to cook.
• They are coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce made from fresh oranges.
• A healthy weeknight dinner everyone will love.
• It’s gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and dairy-free.
• This recipe has over 35 grams of protein per serving.
• Air fryer teriyaki salmon bites are perfect for meal prep, a quick dinner, or date night.
• Try this crispy salmon with pesto and vegetables for another delicious salmon recipe!

Ingredients you’ll need

This air fryer salmon bites recipe with homemade teriyaki sauce only calls for simple ingredients. You’ll need salmon, soy sauce, an orange, and a few other ingredients. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared. Read the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post for exact measurements.

Salmon bites:

• Salmon: You can use fresh or frozen salmon fillets. Simply remove the skin and cut them into 1-inch pieces. If you are using frozen salmon, let the fillets thaw in the fridge for 6 hours before cooking or leave them at room temperature for 2 hours. If you are in a rush, you can thaw them in a lukewarm water bath for 30 minutes.
• Garnishes: Feel free to use toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions to garnish your air fryer teriyaki salmon bites.

Homemade healthy teriyaki sauce:

• Arrowroot Starch: This helps thicken the healthy homemade teriyaki sauce.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This is the base of the teriyaki sauce, along with fresh orange juice. It gives the sauce that classic salty flavor. Remember to use tamari if you are gluten-free.
• Orange: You need the juice from 1 large orange or 1/4 cup of store-bought orange juice.
• Rice Vinegar: This is necessary to achieve that classic tangy flavor teriyaki sauces have.
• Honey: For natural sweetness. Add in 2 or 3 Tablespoons of honey based on how sweet you like teriyaki sauce.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: A dash of toasted sesame oil goes a long way flavor-wise and gives this sauce a traditional flavor.
• Fresh Ginger: This adds the most authentic taste.
• Garlic Cloves: Finally, you will need two large garlic cloves for a great flavor. Garlic makes everything taste better.

Kitchen tools required

You don’t need any fancy or special kitchen utensils for this recipe. Here is a list:

• Cutting Board
• Kitchen Knife
• Air Fryer
• Small Bowl
• Sauce Pot
• Whisk
• Measuring Tools: 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon, and 1/4 cup.

How to make air fryer salmon bites glazed in teriyaki sauce

These air fryer salmon bites take 15 minutes to make and are coated in a homemade teriyaki glaze. It’s so easy to make that any level cook can do it! Here are step-by-step directions with pictures for visual reference:

Step 1:

First, dissolve the arrowroot starch in the cold water and set it to the side. Then, pat the salmon bites dry with paper towels.

Step 2:

Next, in a large cup or small mixing bowl, make the teriyaki sauce by whisking together all the ingredients. DO NOT add the starch water yet. Then, in a shallow mixing bowl or large ziplock bag, toss the bite-sized pieces of salmon with ⅓ cup of the teriyaki sauce and let it marinate for 10 – 20 minutes.

Step 3:

Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray with cooking oil. Then, add marinated salmon bites to the preheated air fryer, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry for 4 – 6 minutes until cooked through a slightly crispy.

Step 4:

While the salmon is cooking, heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat and add the remaining teriyaki sauce. Bring the sauce to a rapid boil.

Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in the starch water. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, continually whisking until the sauce has thickened. Carefully taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Step 5:

Finally, remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and glaze them with the remaining teriyaki sauce.

Then, serve your crispy air fryer teriyaki salmon bites on a bed of warm rice garnished with sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onion, and a side of your favorite roasted and steamed vegetables (I love broccoli or edamame).

Expert tips for air fryer salmon bites

Pat the salmon dry before marinating. This removes any extra liquid and ensures that the salmon will get crispy edges.

Cut the salmon bites into equal size pieces. This ensures that all the salmon bites cook evenly and at the same time.

Don’t let the salmon bites overlap in the air fryer. If they do, they will not cook evenly, and some pieces might be underdone.

Marinate the salmon filets for 10 – 20 minutes for maximum flavor. This makes sure that the salmon locks in all the teriyaki flavor and is flakey when air fried.

Do not overcook the salmon bites. If you over-air fry the salmon bites, they will be dry.

Ingredient substitution suggestions

I only recommend substituting 1 or 2 ingredients since the original recipe is so delicious! Here are my recommendations:

• Salmon: Try using arctic char or trout for a “less fishy” option. These are the best substitutes for salmon.
• Honey: Substitute honey for maple syrup, coconut sugar, or light brown sugar.
• Soy Sauce: Swap the soy sauce out for tamari which is gluten-free soy sauce, or coconut aminos for a paleo option.
• Arrowroot Starch: You can also use tapioca flour or corn starch.
• Fresh Ginger: Flavor-wise, freshly grated ginger is the best option. However, you can try using 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
• Rice Vinegar: Substitute rice vinegar one-for-one with white wine vinegar.
• Orange: If you don’t have a fresh orange on hand, you can use 1/4 cup of store-bought orange juice, or you can use pineapple juice.
• Sesame Oil: You can use toasted sesame oil.

What to serve with teriyaki salmon

Teriyaki salmon goes well with so many side dishes! I love mine with a side of jasmine rice, sushi rice, or brown rice, and roasted broccoli, snap peas, or green beans, but you can also serve it with a stir fry or salad. These are my favorite side dishes to serve it them:

• Honey Sriracha Brussel Sprouts
• Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Pineapple
• Air Fryer Seasame Green Beans

Is this recipe healthy?

Air fryer teriyaki salmon bites are a healthy and balanced recipe.

Firstly, it is high in protein, with over 35 grams per serving. Second, there is no added cane sugar or refined sugars – the homemade teriyaki sauce is low in sugar and made with fresh orange juice.

Third, this recipe is made with simple, nourishing ingredients. Finally, it is gluten free, dairy free, and paleo friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to let the salmon marinate?

For maximum flavor, I always recommend marinating your salmon bites in the teriyaki sauce for 10 to 20 minutes. If absolutely necessary, you can drop this time down to 5 minutes or skip it and add extra teriyaki sauce at the end.

Can I make it in the oven?

You can make these salmon bites in the oven too. Preheat your oven to 400°F, add the marinaded salmon bites to a lined baking sheet, and bake for 5 – 8 minutes.

Can I cook it on the stovetop?

You can also make these salmon bites in a pan on the stove. Preheat a saute pan to medium-high, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the marinaded salmon bites. Let the first side sear for 2 minutes, then stir and cook for another 3 – 5 minutes unit the salmon reaches your desired doneness.

Can I use frozen salmon?

You can certainly use frozen salmon for this recipe too. Simply let the frozen salmon fillets thaw in the fridge for 6 hours before cooking or leave them at room temperature for 2 hours. If you are in a rush, you can thaw them in a lukewarm water bath for 30 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten free and dairy free?

This recipe is gluten free, dairy free, grain free, and paleo friendly.

Can I freeze cooked salmon?

You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 6 months. Simply let it cool to room temperature, add it to freezer-safe tupperware or bags, and freeze. When you are ready to enjoy, let the cooked salmon defrost in the fridge overnight or reheat it in your air fryer by following the instructions below.

What temperature should I air fryer salmon?

A full salmon filet should be air fried for 8 – 12 minutes at 400°F, and salmon bites should be air fryer for 4 – 6 minutes at 400°F.

How to store and reheat leftovers:

Storing: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: For best results, reheat teriyaki salmon bites in your air fryer at 350°F for 3 – 5 minutes or in a saute pan on medium heat for 5 – 8 minutes. If you are air frying, make sure to add aluminum foil or an air frying pan to the bottom of the basket, so the teriyaki sauce does not spill everywhere. You can also microwave them for 1 – 2 minutes until warm.

If you love this recipe, try these next!

• Teriyaki Salmon Buddha Bowl
• Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
• Furikake Salmon Bowls
• Healthy Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs
• Pineapple Teriyaki Turkey Burgers

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!

I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

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