1-Preparing Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients to make the process smooth. Remove the skin and bones from the 12 ounces of salmon fillets, then cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. This step ensures even cooking and allows the marinade to penetrate deeply, enhancing the flavor of your air fryer salmon bites.

2-Making the Marinade: Next, prepare the marinade by whisking together 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 grated garlic clove, and a small cube of fresh ginger. Coat the salmon pieces thoroughly in this mixture and let them marinate for at least 10 minutes. For deeper flavor in your air fryer salmon bites, you can refrigerate them for a few hours.

3-Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F, and lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the marinated salmon pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket for optimal air circulation. Here’s where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into crispy, caramelized air fryer salmon bites.

4-Air Frying the Salmon: Air fry the salmon for 5 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing on any remaining marinade. Keep an eye on the cooking time based on your preferred doneness shorter for a medium-rare texture. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect balance in your air fryer salmon bites, ensuring they’re juicy inside and slightly crisp outside.

5-Adding Finishing Touches: Once done, remove the salmon bites and let them cool slightly. Serve them garnished with sesame seeds and an optional drizzle of spicy mayo, paired with rice, vegetables, or in a bowl for a complete meal. You can adapt this for dietary needs, like using gluten-free tamari if required, making air fryer salmon bites versatile for everyone.