Air Fryer Recipe: Crispy Honey-Soy Glazed Salmon Bites

 

Crispy Honey-Soy Glazed Salmon Bites

These aren't your average salmon bites. My recipe focuses on a double-crisp method and a flavourful, sticky glaze that's brushed on at the very end to prevent it from burning and to maximise flavour. The result is perfectly tender salmon on the inside with a satisfyingly crunchy crust, all coated in a savoury-sweet glaze that will have you reaching for another bite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado or vegetable) for frying
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions & Method

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon cubes completely dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step for achieving a crispy crust.
2. Make the Coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. Coat the Salmon: Add the dried salmon cubes to the cornstarch mixture. Toss gently until each piece is evenly coated.
4. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat the mixture over medium-low heat or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, just until the honey has dissolved and the glaze is smooth. Set aside.
5. Fry the Salmon: Heat the neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the salmon cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches.
6. Crisp and Flip: Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. The cornstarch creates an amazing crispy shell. Flip each piece and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until all sides are crispy and the salmon is cooked through.
7. Glaze and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle the prepared glaze over the hot salmon bites and toss gently with a spatula to coat every piece. The residual heat will slightly thicken the glaze, making it sticky and delicious.
8. Garnish: Transfer the Crispy Honey-Soy Glazed Salmon Bites to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions before serving immediately

Tips for Success

• Dry Salmon is Key: I cannot stress this enough. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Make sure the salmon is patted bone dry before coating.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: This is important for achieving that crispy texture. If you put too many pieces in the pan at once, the temperature will drop, and the salmon will steam instead of fry.
• Glaze Last Minute: Applying the glaze at the end, off the heat, prevents the honey and soy sauce from burning and becoming bitter. It gives you a beautiful, glossy, and flavourful finish.
• Use High Heat: Frying on medium-high heat ensures a quick cook time and a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.¹
  
  
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the cornstarch mixture. A pinch of cumin or smoked paprika can add a different dimension of flavour.