Name: Crispy Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound salmon fillet - boneless and skinless, cut into 1 to 1½-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional); ½ cup teriyaki sauce; 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger - grated

Nothing beats a quick, flavorful bite that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. That’s exactly what you get with this Crispy Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe—perfectly glazed, cooked to perfection, and ready in just under 20 minutes. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them on repeat!

A white bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is white steamed rice with a soft, slightly sticky texture, and the top layer has several golden-brown fried chicken pieces with a crispy, seasoned coating. Scattered on and around the chicken are small green onion slices and a few white sesame seeds. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred fork visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how easy and delicious these salmon bites are. Whether I’m throwing together a last-minute dinner or serving up an appetizer that wows guests, this recipe never disappoints. Plus, the air fryer makes everything crispy without all the extra oil.

Speedy and Simple: Ready in just 17 minutes from start to finish, these salmon bites fit perfectly into busy weeknights.
Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer crisps the outside beautifully while keeping the salmon tender inside.
Sweet and Savory Glaze: The teriyaki sauce, enriched with fresh ginger and a touch of brown sugar or honey, adds that irresistible flavor punch.
Healthy and Flexible: This recipe is low lactose, naturally dairy-free, and easy to adapt gluten-free if you swap out the sauce.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, pick a fresh, boneless, and skinless salmon fillet—quality matters because it’s the star here. Also, using fresh ginger in the glaze really brightens up the flavor, so don’t skip it!

Flat lay of fresh, pink salmon fillet cut into bite-sized cubes, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white bowl of deep amber teriyaki sauce, a small white bowl of pale white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of finely grated fresh beige ginger, a few scattered fresh garlic cloves, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl containing a mix of beige garlic powder, light tan onion powder, coarse white salt, and cracked black peppercorns placed perfectly in segments, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon fillet: Fresh and skinless for even cooking and easy bite-sized cubes.
Olive oil: Helps the salmon crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of savory flavor.
Onion powder: Enhances the seasoning with sweet and mild onion notes.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors perfectly.
Cornstarch (optional): Creates extra crispiness on the salmon’s surface.
Teriyaki sauce: The sweet and savory base for our glaze, bringing classic Asian flavors.
Brown sugar or honey: Sweetens the glaze naturally and balances the ginger zing.
Fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a fresh kick that brightens up the glaze.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Crispy Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to cater to dietary needs or add a seasonal twist, these bites are a great canvas for your creativity.

Gluten-Free Variation: I usually swap in a gluten-free teriyaki sauce or whip up a homemade version with tamari. It’s just as delicious and keeps the bites friendly for celiac or gluten-sensitive guests.
Sweetener Swap: Sometimes I swap brown sugar for honey in the glaze for a more natural sweetness and a subtle floral note. It complements the salmon beautifully.
Add Some Heat: Craving spice? Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the teriyaki glaze for a spicy-sweet kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Herbs & Garnishes: Beyond green onions and sesame seeds, fresh chopped cilantro or toasted sesame seeds add extra flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with what’s fresh in your kitchen!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe

The image shows white bowls filled with three layers: the bottom layer is fluffy white rice, the middle layer has golden brown cooked chicken pieces with a slightly crispy texture, and the top layer is sprinkled with small green sliced scallions and white sesame seeds. The bowls are placed on a white marbled surface, with some scattered green scallion rings nearby. The focus is on a center bowl with sharp details of the rice and chicken pieces, showing a warm and tasty meal. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare for Crispy Perfection

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. This step is key to getting that irresistible crispy exterior right away. While the air fryer warms up, lay your cubed salmon on paper towels and gently pat them dry. Removing excess moisture helps the salmon crisp up beautifully without steaming in the air fryer.

Step 2: Season and Lightly Coat the Salmon

After drying, discard the paper towels and drizzle the salmon cubes with a tablespoon of olive oil. Next, sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together so every piece is well coated. For extra crispiness, I like to add a tablespoon of cornstarch and toss again lightly—this creates a delicate crust once air fried.

Step 3: First Round of Air Frying

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Then, arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer for even cooking. Air fry them for 4 minutes — by this point, you’ll notice they’re starting to firm up and the edges turning golden. This first cook helps lock in the juiciness before glazing.

Step 4: Whip Up That Irresistible Teriyaki Glaze

While the salmon is cooking, warm your teriyaki sauce in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the brown sugar (or honey) and freshly grated ginger until it’s all combined and aromatic. This glaze is the magic that elevates your salmon bites from tasty to unforgettable.

Step 5: Brush, Flip, and Glaze Again

Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and brush each bite with the teriyaki glaze. Flip them over and do the same on the other side. This double coating ensures the salmon gets that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and gingery flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Finish Cooking and Perfect the Crisp

Return the glazed salmon bites to the air fryer basket and cook for another 3 minutes. You’re aiming for an internal temperature between 125-135°F for medium, or 145°F if you prefer it well done. The salmon should be crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy inside.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve in Style

Once out of the air fryer, garnish your salmon bites with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice with extra teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping. They’re perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Top Tip

Getting that perfect crispy texture and balanced flavor in your Crispy Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe can really elevate the dish. Here are some tips that I’ve found make all the difference when preparing this easy yet impressive treat.

Pat Dry the Salmon: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so gently patting your salmon cubes dry before seasoning ensures they come out perfectly crispy.
Cornstarch Coating: Adding just a tablespoon of cornstarch lightly coats the salmon and helps lock in the crispiness without weighing down the bites.
Glaze at the Right Time: Brushing the teriyaki glaze after the first air fry then finishing the cooking seals in the flavor without burning the sugars in the sauce.
Avoid Overcrowding: Placing the salmon in a single layer with room to breathe in your air fryer basket ensures even cooking and crispy edges all around.

How to Serve Crispy Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe

Small pieces of cooked chicken with a light golden brown color and a slightly crispy texture are spread evenly across a black air fryer tray. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small slices of fresh green onions, adding a touch of color contrast. The background shows a white marbled surface around the air fryer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for a vibrant pop of color and texture. A few thinly sliced red chili peppers or a drizzle of spicy mayo can add a nice kick. Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime also brightens the dish wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Serve these salmon bites over fluffy white rice or steamed jasmine rice to soak up extra teriyaki glaze. They pair beautifully with sautéed bok choy, steamed broccoli, or a crunchy Asian-style slaw for a complete meal. For appetizers, offer alongside edamame or a simple cucumber salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your salmon bites have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days — perfect for quick lunches or an easy dinner the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy your delicious Crispy Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe anytime with minimal effort.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat your salmon bites in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the salmon soft and lose crunchiness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before cutting into cubes. Excess moisture from frozen salmon can prevent crispiness.

Is cornstarch necessary?

Cornstarch is optional but highly recommended to achieve that crispy exterior. If you prefer, you can skip it for a lighter coat, though the bites might be slightly less crispy.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Aim for an internal temperature between 125-135°F for medium doneness to retain moistness. If you prefer well done, cook to 145°F but be careful not to overcook to avoid dryness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce or make your own with tamari to keep the recipe gluten-free without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Teriyaki Salmon Bites at home is both quick and rewarding – perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen. Once you try this recipe, I’m confident it will become a favorite go-to for a healthy and flavorful meal. Enjoy that delightful balance of crispy bites and sweet-savory glaze, and don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite garnishes and sides. Happy cooking!