Name: Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Chipotle Mayo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon (skin on or off, cut into bite-sized chunks); 1 Tbsp avocado oil; 3 Tbsp coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce; 1 Tbsp rice vinegar; 5 large cloves garlic (minced); 2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1 Tbsp lime juice; Sea salt to taste; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 Tbsp sriracha; 1 tsp pure maple syrup

Jump to Recipe·4 from 7 reviews

There’s something truly irresistible about the perfect bite-sized pieces of salmon, crisped to perfection in an air fryer and paired with a smoky, creamy chipotle mayo. This Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Chipotle Mayo Recipe brings together bold flavors and effortless cooking that creates a dish bursting with texture, zest, and just the right touch of heat. Whether you’re craving a quick weekday meal or a snack to impress friends, these salmon bites deliver on every level, making seafood exciting and approachable for everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate is filled with several chunky pieces of grilled salmon that have a rich golden-brown color with some darker charred edges. The salmon pieces show a slight gloss from a glaze and are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small bits of fresh green herbs, adding texture and color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, emphasizing the warm tones of the salmon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is carefully chosen to enhance the fresh salmon without overpowering it, resulting in a balanced, vibrant plate. From the nutty toasted sesame oil to the fiery sriracha in the chipotle mayo, each component plays a vital role in flavor and depth.

1 lb salmon: Choose fresh, firm salmon for juicy, tender bites that crisp beautifully.
1 Tbsp avocado oil: A heart-healthy oil with a mild flavor that helps the salmon sear nicely.
3 Tbsp coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a subtle umami kick without excessive saltiness.
1 Tbsp rice vinegar: Provides a bright tanginess that balances the richer ingredients.
5 large cloves garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings warmth and depth to the marinade.
2 tsp toasted sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma essential to Asian-inspired flavors.
1 Tbsp lime juice: Fresh lime juice wakes up the dish with citrusy brightness.
Sea salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming them.
¼ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the luscious chipotle mayo dip.
1 Tbsp sriracha: Adds smoky heat to the mayo, balancing richness with spice.
1 tsp pure maple syrup: A touch of sweetness to mellow out the heat of the chipotle mayo.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Chipotle Mayo Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chipotle Mayo Sauce

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, sriracha, and pure maple syrup in a small bowl to create the chipotle mayo. Cover and refrigerate this spicy, sweet sauce while you prepare the salmon. This early step lets the flavors meld wonderfully, so your dip will be bursting with flavor when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Prep the Salmon

Remove the salmon from its packaging and pat dry any moisture with paper towels to ensure it crisps up perfectly in the air fryer. Then chop the salmon into bite-sized chunks. Leaving the skin on is my personal favorite because it crisps up deliciously and delivers extra omega-3 goodness, but feel free to remove it if you prefer.

Step 3: Make the Marinade

Combine avocado oil, coconut aminos or soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, and lime juice in a small bowl. This marinade is packed with the perfect balance of tangy, nutty, and savory flavors that will infuse each bite of salmon with amazing taste.

Step 4: Marinate the Salmon

Place the chopped salmon into a large zip-top bag or container and pour the marinade over it. Seal and toss to coat every piece evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes in the fridge, but if you have time, a few hours or overnight makes the flavors even more intense and satisfying.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat for about 4 minutes. While it heats, spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.

Step 6: Air Fry the Salmon

Place the marinated salmon chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures the bites cook evenly and crisp beautifully. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes until the salmon is golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F when checked with a thermometer.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, serve the salmon bites while hot with the chilled chipotle mayo dipping sauce on the side. This contrast in temperature and texture makes every bite unforgettable!

How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Chipotle Mayo Recipe

A white bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is light brown rice with a soft texture, the middle layer features bright green edamame beans scattered evenly, and the top layer consists of golden-brown grilled salmon cubes with slight charring and caramelized edges. The salmon pieces are drizzled with a light pink creamy sauce and a thin red sauce, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green herb bits, all arranged neatly to show fresh, vibrant colors on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add a beautiful crunch and visual appeal. Adding slices of creamy avocado alongside the salmon bites brings a delightful richness that pairs beautifully with the smoky chipotle mayo.

Side Dishes

Consider serving these salmon bites with steamed brown or white rice for a filling, wholesome meal. Bright and crisp sides like edamame, kimchi, or pickled cucumbers provide lovely contrasts in texture and flavor that brighten up the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salmon bites atop seaweed salad or inside crunchy lettuce cups for handheld appetizers. You can also arrange them on a vibrant grain bowl with quinoa, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of additional chipotle mayo for a picture-perfect lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cooked salmon bites and chipotle mayo in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, allowing for quick and flavorful meals when you’re short on time.

Freezing

You can freeze marinated salmon bites before air frying for up to one month. Simply portion the salmon in freezer-safe bags and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking for best results. Cooked salmon bites are best enjoyed fresh, as freezing after air frying can affect texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the salmon bites back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 4 minutes. This method helps bring back their crispiness, unlike microwaving, which tends to make salmon soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to completely thaw the salmon and drain any excess moisture before marinating and cooking. This helps ensure the bites crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Is it necessary to leave the skin on the salmon?

No, it’s up to your preference. Keeping the skin adds a crispy texture and extra nutrients, but removing it still results in tasty salmon bites.

What can I substitute for coconut aminos?

Low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative that keeps the umami flavor without making the dish too salty.

How spicy is the chipotle mayo?

The chipotle mayo has a mild to moderate heat thanks to the sriracha, balanced by the creamy mayo and sweet maple syrup. You can adjust the sriracha amount to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce ensures the marinade is gluten-free, making the whole dish safe for gluten-sensitive people.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Chipotle Mayo Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and healthy, exciting and straightforward to whip up. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll love how the crispy salmon pairs with the smoky, creamy chipotle mayo in every mouthwatering bite. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again, promising something special for every occasion.