Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Honey-Harissa Glaze

Suzy’s recipe for salmon bites with creamy harissa-yogurt sauce was an instant hit when we published it. One of the first questions in the comments was whether or not one could make them in the air fryer. Instantly intrigued, I started experimenting.

Similar to my air fryer salmon recipe, I coated the salmon with olive oil and spices. I popped them in the air fryer on high to brown them on the edges while keeping them tender inside. Once done, I added a quick glaze I made by warming up honey and whisking in harissa and lemon juice. 

I’m happy to report that yes, you can make salmon bites in the air fryer! The result is juicy and savory, bright with lemon and with a spicy edge from the harissa. Here’s how to try it in your kitchen and several more ideas to help you riff on this recipe, too!

What’s in Air Fryer Salmon Bites?

Besides salmon, lemon, and harissa, everything you’ll need to make these salmon bites in the air fryer is likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Salmon: A key point of making salmon bites in the air fryer (without overcooking them) is that the pieces must be chunky, 1-inch cubes. Choose a thick, center-cut fillet so the bites can pick up some color on the edges but stay tender in the middle. Only have a skinny filet? Make salmon sandwiches instead!
• Extra virgin olive oil: A sheen of EVOO helps the spices cling to the salmon so the fan in the air fryer doesn’t blow them off. I love an intensely-flavored EVOO with grassy notes and a slightly bitter finish.
• Lemon: The zest goes into the marinade for brightness, while the juice adds tang to the glaze. 
• Garlic: I like to use garlic powder to season the salmon, and then grate a fresh clove into the glaze for a little extra kick.
• Aleppo pepper: Mild, tangy, and a touch fruity, Aleppo pepper is a favorite in my kitchen. If you don’t have it, grab some from our shop or use crushed red pepper flakes instead.
  • READ MORE: What Is Aleppo Pepper and How to Use It
  • TRY IT: Grab a bottle of our Aleppo-style pepper 
• Spices: Smoked paprika gives salmon a smoky flavor and appealing red color, black pepper adds a pleasant warmth, and dried oregano adds a herbaceous edge to this salmon recipe. 
• Kosher salt boosts the flavor of the spices and the salmon itself. 
• Honey acts as the base of the glaze, giving it a glossy texture. Its sweetness balances the heat from the harissa.
• Harissa: A North African chili paste that’s smoky and spicy, this adds body and lots of savory flavor to the glaze. More on this ingredient in a moment 
• Chives: Fresh and mild, chives add a pop of green and fresh onion brightness to finish the dish. Feel free to substitute parsley or scallions, or skip them entirely. 

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites

The temperature setting for this salmon bites recipe is hot! The goal is to get some good contrast: nice browning, without overcooking. That said, air fryers can vary wildly in how powerful they are, so the exact cooking time is difficult to pin down! Another factor in how long you’ll need to cook your salmon bites in the air fryer is how fatty or lean the fish is that you start with. 

For both of these reasons, I recommend checking the salmon bites often after the first 5-minute cook time. They’re done when the edges are browned and a cube flakes easily with a fork. Here’s the full process, step-by-step:

• Prep the salmon: Cut 1 1/2 pounds of center-cut salmon fillet (skin removed) into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels.
• Season the salmon: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, the zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Add the salmon cubes to the bowl and gently toss until they’re evenly coated. Set aside.
• Air fry the salmon bites: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each piece. Cook for 5 minutes, then gently flip them or shake the basket. Continue cooking another 2 to 5 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and golden brown at the edges.
• Make the glaze (optional): While the salmon cooks, warm 2 tablespoons honey, 1 to 2 teaspoons harissa paste, according to your taste, and 1 grated garlic clove in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until runny. Remove from heat, then stir in 2 tablespoons lemon juice and a pinch of kosher salt.
• Finish and serve: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a large bowl. If using the glaze, drizzle it over and toss gently to coat. Scatter with chopped fresh chives and serve.

Make it Your Own

This air fryer salmon bites recipe is hugely versatile. In fact, you could change up the seasonings entirely and just follow this recipe as guidelines. Here are a few ideas for how to riff on it. 

• Skip the glaze: The salmon bites are flavorful enough on their own thanks to the garlic, citrus, and spices. Serve them simply with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of chives. This is how I make this recipe kid-friendly for my toddler; he gets the air fryer salmon bites on their own, and then I add the glaze for the grown-ups. If your kids are sensitive to spice, consider omitting the Aleppo pepper or chili flakes entirely.
• Swap the seasoning: Take a shortcut and season the fish with a pre-mixed seasoning blend instead. Try it with our herby salt-free seafood seasoning blend, Italian Seasoning, or shawarma spice for a different aromatic touch.
• Add more heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a more pronounced warmth.
• Trade out citrus: Swap the lemon for lime or orange to change up the flavor profile.
• Add a crispy coating: Toss the salmon bites in a light dusting of cornstarch before air frying for a crispy exterior.
• Try a different sauce: Instead of honey-harissa glaze, serve the salmon bites drizzled with zhoug or creamy tahini green goddess dressing.