Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Spicy Mayo Sauce

Oh wow, you’ve got to try this. These air fryer salmon bites are crispy, juicy, and super easy. And that spicy mayo? Total game-changer.

I made them last night, and yep—they were gone in minutes. The salmon cooks so fast in the air fryer. And the sauce? Just the right amount of heat.

If you love quick dinners that taste fancy, this is it. It’s fun, it’s fast, and even picky eaters ask for seconds. I always make extra, just in case.

Wanna know how to make it? I’ll walk you through it step by step. Let’s make this tasty magic happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Crisped Salmon: The air fryer creates tender salmon with a golden, slightly crisp outside—no breading needed.
• Balanced Bowl: Fresh vegetables, wholesome rice, and a creamy sauce come together for a complete and nourishing meal.
• Quick Prep: The marinade takes minutes, and the salmon bites cook in under 10 minutes in the air fryer.
• Spicy Mayo Upgrade: The sauce adds richness and a subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
• Flexible for Meal Prep: Prep everything ahead and assemble bowls when you’re ready to eat.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: About 25 minutes

Servings:
Makes 2–3 bowls, depending on portion size. Easily doubled.

Difficulty:
Very beginner-friendly. No special skills required.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this dish, you’ll need just a few basic tools:

• Air Fryer: Essential for crisping the salmon without oil splatter.
• Mixing Bowls: One for marinating the salmon and one for the sauce.
• Knife & Cutting Board: To cube the salmon and prep the veggies.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning and sauce proportions.
• Small Whisk or Spoon: For stirring the spicy mayo until smooth.
• Tongs or Spatula: To flip or remove the salmon bites from the air fryer.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this balanced and flavorful meal. Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

For the Salmon Bites:

• Skinless Salmon: Fresh, firm fillets work best. Cut into even 1-inch cubes.
• Avocado Oil: Light and neutral, great for marinating and air frying.
• Garlic Marinade (Coconut Secret): Adds umami depth and a hint of sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper: Just enough to season the fish without overpowering the marinade.

For the Bowl:

• Cooked Brown Rice: Warm or chilled—both work well.
• Cucumber (Sliced): Brings crunch and coolness.
• Snow Peas: Mild and fresh; no need to cook.
• Shredded Carrots: Adds color and light sweetness.
• Sesame Seeds (Optional): Sprinkle for texture and a toasty finish.

For the Spicy Mayo Sauce:

• Avocado Mayonnaise: Creamy, clean base with a mild flavor.
• Coconut Aminos (or Coconut Secret): Slightly sweet and salty, soy-free umami boost.
• Sriracha: Gives the sauce its heat and tang.
• Sesame Oil: A tiny amount for a nutty aroma.
• Ground Ginger & Garlic Powder: Brings balance without needing fresh ingredients.

Variations for Air Fryer Salmon Bites

• Use a Different Marinade: Try teriyaki sauce, tamari, or soy-ginger marinade if you don’t have garlic marinade on hand.
• Add a Crunchy Coating: Toss salmon cubes in a thin layer of panko before air frying for extra crispiness.
• Spicy Salmon Bites: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinade for more heat.
• Make it Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or salad greens instead of brown rice.
• Try Other Proteins: This method also works well with firm tofu or cubed chicken breast.
• Add Pickled Veggies: Quick-pickled radish or onions bring brightness to the bowl.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cube and Marinate the Salmon

Start by cutting the skinless salmon into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a medium bowl and add the avocado oil, garlic marinade, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to coat the fish evenly. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes at room temperature while you prep the other components.

2. Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 3 minutes). Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil to help prevent sticking.

3. Air Fry the Salmon Bites

Once marinated, arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd; cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The salmon should be cooked through and lightly golden on the edges.

4. Make the Spicy Mayo Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado mayo, coconut aminos, sriracha, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger until smooth. Adjust heat level by adding more or less sriracha to taste.

5. Assemble the Bowl

Scoop cooked brown rice into bowls. Arrange sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and snow peas alongside. Top with warm salmon bites and a generous drizzle of spicy mayo. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if using.

Serving Suggestions

These salmon bites are versatile and work in many types of meals. Here are a few simple ways to serve them:

• As a Bowl Meal: Serve over brown rice with crisp veggies and spicy mayo, as described. Add avocado slices or pickled radishes for more flavor.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Use large butter lettuce leaves as wraps for a lighter, low-carb option.
• On Skewers: Thread cooked salmon bites onto small skewers with fresh veggies for a fun appetizer or snack.
• Over Salad: Add to a fresh greens salad with a light vinaigrette or the spicy mayo sauce as dressing.
• Inside Tacos: Use mini tortillas and top with slaw, lime, and the spicy mayo for quick salmon tacos.

How to Store Air Fryer Salmon Bites

• Cooked Salmon: Let the salmon cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Spicy Mayo Sauce: Store in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before using.
• Vegetables and Rice: Keep leftover cooked rice and prepped vegetables in separate containers to maintain texture.

To Reheat:
Use the air fryer or oven at 350°F for a few minutes to bring the salmon bites back to temperature. Avoid microwaving for too long—it can make the fish dry.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cut Even Cubes: Try to keep salmon pieces roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give the salmon enough space in the air fryer so the heat circulates and crisps properly.
• Adjust Marinade Time: A short marinade is enough, but if you want a stronger flavor, you can marinate up to 30 minutes.
• Customize the Spice Level: The sauce is flexible—use more or less sriracha depending on how much heat you like.
• Use Fresh Salmon: The texture and flavor will be best with fresh (or properly thawed) salmon, not canned or pre-cooked.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Estimated)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~480
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	26g
Saturated Fat	4g
Fiber	4g
Sugars	6g
Sodium	760mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on portion size, exact ingredients, and substitutions used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure it’s completely thawed and patted dry before marinating.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the salmon in a 425°F oven for about 12–15 minutes or pan-sear in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Is the sauce very spicy?
It has mild heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the sriracha.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the salmon and prepare the sauce ahead, then reheat and assemble the bowls when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Spicy Mayo Sauce make a balanced, flavorful meal that’s easy enough for any weeknight. The crispy salmon, creamy-spicy sauce, and fresh veggies hit all the right notes—without any complicated prep. Whether you serve it in a bowl, wrap, or taco, this recipe brings clean, bright flavors together in a satisfying way.