Name: Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Honey Chili Crunch Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons chili crunch; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1.5 lbs. raw salmon, deboned and skin removed; 1.5 tablespoons avocado oil; 4 cups shelled, raw edamame; 8-10 green onions, sliced diagonally; 3 teaspoons sesame oil; 1.5 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 3 teaspoons black or white sesame seeds; Squeeze of fresh lime juice; 2 large avocados, cubed or quartered; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 4 cups cooked white rice; Kewpie Mayo for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 4 reviews

If you’ve been hunting for a snack or a light meal that packs bold flavor with effortless cooking, the Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Honey Chili Crunch Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside salmon bites are beautifully kissed with the sweet heat of honey and chili crunch, delivering a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes, bringing restaurant-quality deliciousness right to your own table without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with bright green edamame beans covering most of the right side, and chopped green onions on the left side, both with fresh, natural textures. A wooden spoon with a smooth finish lies inside the bowl on the right side, slightly buried under the edamame. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface are small white bowls containing sesame seeds, salt, and a light-colored liquid, along with two lime halves and a couple of green onions for added color and context. A striped cloth is partially visible beneath the bowl, adding a soft, casual touch to the composition. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the magic of these salmon bites. Each component adds its own unique note to the dish, from the rich, flaky salmon to the vibrant crunch of edamame, and the tangy dressing that ties everything together.

Chili crunch (3 tablespoons): Provides that addictive sweet and spicy flavor that makes every bite pop.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds natural sweetness that perfectly balances the chili’s heat.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon + 1.5 tablespoons): Brings a subtle tang that cuts through the richness and livens up the edamame.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon + 3 teaspoons): Delivers deep, nutty aroma which complements the salmon and vegetables beautifully.
Sea salt (1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
Raw salmon, skin removed (1.5 lbs): The star of the dish, ideally fresh and deboned for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Avocado oil (1.5 tablespoons): Provides healthy fats and keeps the salmon perfectly crisp in the air fryer.
Shelled raw edamame (4 cups): Adds a satisfying bite and beautiful green color along with nutrition.
Green onions (8-10, sliced diagonally): Offer a fresh, zesty crunch that brightens the bowl.
Sesame seeds (3 teaspoons): Toasted, for that extra nutty crunch and visual appeal.
Fresh lime juice (a squeeze): Adds refreshing citrus brightness balancing the honey chili glaze.
Avocados (2 large, cubed or quartered): Bring creaminess and richness that complement the spice and crisp texture.
Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Imparts a fragrant, herbaceous note that lifts the whole dish.
Cooked rice (4 cups): Acts as the cozy base soaking up all the wonderful flavors and juices.
Kewpie mayo (for topping): Adds a creamy, tangy finish and is totally optional but highly recommended.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Honey Chili Crunch Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Salmon

Start by whisking together the chili crunch, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sea salt in a large bowl. This vibrant sauce will infuse those salmon cubes with the perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor. Once combined, cut the salmon into generous 1 to 1.5 inch cubes and gently toss them in the marinade until each piece is fully coated. This step is where the magic begins.

Step 2: Air Fry the Salmon

Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF so it’s ready to give your salmon that coveted crispy edge. Lightly oil the bottom of your air fryer basket to prevent sticking, then add the salmon bites in a single layer—don’t overcrowd to ensure they get evenly crisp. Drizzle avocado oil over the top for extra crispness and richness. Cook them for 6 to 8 minutes until golden on the outside and perfectly flaky inside, or until the internal temperature reaches 145ºF to meet safety guidelines.

Step 3: Prepare the Edamame Salad

While the salmon cooks, toss the shelled edamame with sliced green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sea salt, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice in a bowl. This refreshing and slightly tangy salad is the ideal counterpart to the spicy salmon, bringing crunch and brightness to every mouthful.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Once the salmon bites are out of the air fryer, it’s time for the fun part: building your bowl. Layer steamed white rice at the bottom, then add your honey chili crunch salmon bites and that vibrant edamame salad. Top with creamy avocado cubes, fresh cilantro, and if you dare, a drizzle of extra chili crunch or a dollop of kewpie mayo for added indulgence. This is where your creation becomes as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Honey Chili Crunch Recipe

A white bowl filled with a bottom layer of fluffy white rice, topped with chunks of golden grilled chicken pieces scattered on one side. Next to the chicken, bright green edamame beans create a fresh, smooth mound. On the other side, small cubes of pale green avocado mixed with green onions and bits of dark red chili flakes add texture and color. The dish is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and finely chopped cilantro leaves. Lime wedges rest on the side of the bowl, all set on a white marbled surface with more small white bowls and avocado halves partially visible around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro and sliced green onions are your best friends here. They bring freshness and a mild pungency that cuts through the richness of the salmon and avocado. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and add a few extra spoonfuls of chili crunch if you like your bites with a little extra kick.

Side Dishes

This recipe stands wonderfully on its own as a vibrant bowl meal, but you can also serve it alongside a simple miso soup, light cucumber salad, or steamed Asian greens like bok choy or kale to round out the meal with some greens.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or want to wow your family, serve this dish in individual small bowls or stylish ramekins, layering the colors and textures for visual delight. You can also turn it into a finger food platter by skewering the salmon bites and arranging the edamame salad and avocado on the side for an interactive appetizer experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Honey Chili Crunch Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the salmon separate from the edamame salad to maintain the best texture for both components.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked salmon, the texture changes a bit after thawing. If you want to freeze the salmon bites, place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month for best results.

Reheating

To bring your salmon bites back to life, reheat them briefly in the air fryer at 350ºF for 3-4 minutes to regain crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the salmon rubbery. The edamame salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon works fine as long as you thaw it completely before cutting into cubes and marinating. This ensures even cooking and the best texture for your salmon bites.

Is the honey chili crunch sauce very spicy?

The sauce has a nice balance of heat and sweetness. You can adjust the amount of chili crunch to make it milder or spicier based on your taste buds!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure your chili crunch and other condiments are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat or soy sauce with gluten.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can bake these salmon bites in a preheated oven at 425ºF on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.

Can I substitute the edamame with other vegetables?

Definitely! Snap peas, green beans, or even a mix of bell peppers and shredded cabbage can add great texture and freshness if you prefer something different than edamame.

Final Thoughts

The Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Honey Chili Crunch Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving over and over because of how effortlessly it combines bold flavors, beautiful textures, and quick cooking all in one bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing guests, these salmon bites are guaranteed to bring joy and satisfaction with every bite. Grab your ingredients, heat your air fryer, and get ready to fall in love with your new go-to meal!