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Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Chipotle Mayo Recipe

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4 from 7 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Salmon Bites marinated in a tangy mix of avocado oil, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and lime juice. Served with a spicy chipotle mayo sauce, these salmon bites cook quickly in the air fryer, retaining moisture inside while delivering a deliciously crispy exterior. Perfect for a healthy, easy-to-make meal or appetizer with customizable sides like rice, edamame, or pickled vegetables.

Ingredients

Salmon Bites

  • 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

Chipotle Mayo Sauce

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp sriracha
  • 1 tsp pure maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chipotle mayo sauce: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sriracha, and pure maple syrup until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while preparing the salmon bites.
  2. Prep the salmon: Remove salmon from packaging and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place on a cutting board and chop into bite-sized chunks. You may leave the skin on for extra crispiness and omega-3s or remove it if preferred.
  3. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine avocado oil, coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce), rice vinegar, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, and lime juice. Mix well to create a balanced marinade.
  4. Marinate the salmon: Place the chopped salmon into a large zip lock bag or sealable container. Pour in the marinade, seal, and gently toss or swish the salmon until all pieces are coated evenly. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and preheat for 4 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  6. Cook the salmon bites: Arrange the marinated salmon chunks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on basket size, cook in batches if necessary. Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon bites develop a crispy crust and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  7. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the largest salmon piece is fully cooked. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily while remaining moist inside.
  8. Serve: Plate the crispy salmon bites with the prepared chipotle mayo sauce. Accompany with steamed brown or white rice, edamame, green onions, sesame seeds, avocado slices, kimchi, pickled ginger, seaweed salad, or pickled cucumber for a complete and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Leaving the skin on the salmon adds extra crispiness and omega-3 fatty acids but is optional.
  • Marinating longer than 15 minutes enhances flavor but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent texture changes.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for food safety and optimal texture.
  • Cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and size of salmon chunks.
  • Serve immediately after cooking for best texture, as salmon bites may lose crispiness if left to sit.
  • For a gluten-free option, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.