These Maple Glazed Salmon Bites are crispy on the outside, tender in the center, and coated in a sweet-and-savory maple glaze that clings to every bite. Made quickly in the air fryer or oven (ready in under 30 minutes!), they’re perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining. If you love air fryer salmon with bold flavor, be sure to check out my Bang Bang Salmon Bites for another easy, bite-sized dinner idea.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Salmon: This recipe uses about 1 pound of salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes. You can start with a whole filet or smaller fillets. I recommend removing the skin before cutting so the bites cook evenly and stay tender.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the seasoning coat the salmon and promotes light browning in the air fryer. Avocado oil is a good substitute.
- Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper season the salmon without overpowering the maple glaze. Smoked paprika can be used for a deeper flavor.
- Butter: Butter creates a rich base for the maple glaze and helps it cling to the salmon. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the salt level.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness and creates a glossy glaze. For the best flavor, avoid pancake syrup.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce balances the sweetness of the maple syrup with savory depth. Low-sodium soy sauce works well if preferred.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds bold flavor to the glaze. Garlic paste can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
- White Wine Vinegar: White wine vinegar brightens the sauce and keeps it from tasting overly sweet. Rice vinegar is a good substitute.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick of heat. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
- Water: A small amount of water loosens the glaze so it coats the salmon bites evenly without becoming too thick.
FAQs
Can I bake these salmon bites instead of using an air fryer?
Yes. Bake the seasoned salmon cubes at 400°F for about 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Toss with the glaze before serving.
How do I know when salmon bites are done?
According to the USDA, Salmon is fully cooked at 145°F in the thickest piece. But you can remove it around 140°F since it will continue cooking slightly. If you don’t have a thermometer, the salmon should flake easily and look opaque.
Can I make the maple glaze ahead of time?
Yes. The glaze can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before tossing with the salmon.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add mild heat. You can reduce or omit them, or add more if you like extra spice.
Serving Ideas
- Serve over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or Parmesan garlic butter rice with extra glaze spooned on top.
- Pair with Pico de Gallo on the side to add a fresh, bright contrast to the sweet and savory salmon.
- Round out the meal with easy Shrimp Ceviche for a light, citrusy option that balances the warm, saucy bites.
- Add to a rice bowl with roasted broccoli or green beans.
- Skewer the salmon bites for an easy appetizer or party dish.
How to Store Maple Glazed Salmon Bites
Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the air fryer at 350°F just until warmed through.
Freezing: The maple glaze can be frozen for up to 2 months. Freezing cooked salmon is not recommended, as the texture may change when thawed.
Maple Glazed Salmon Bites
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 pound salmon, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (160 g) maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup water
- green onions, chopped, for garnish
- cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.*
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the salmon bites and gently toss to coat.
- Place salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
- Air fry for 7-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F.
- Transfer salmon bites to a plate and tent loosely with foil while preparing the sauce.
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add butter, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, white wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.
- Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in the water to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Add the air-fried salmon to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately over white rice.
Notes
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the seasoned cubes of salmon onto the lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest piece.
- Toss the baked salmon bites in the prepared sauce.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
These maple glazed salmon bites were so flavorful and easy to make. The glaze is perfectly sweet and savory, and I liked the little bit of a spicy kick at the end.
Elizabeth
Delicious. I really need to make more salmon at home. I am intimidated by it sometimes, but this recipe seems so easy!
Stephanie
I’m not usually a salmon fan, but I loved these! The glaze completely won me over, and the salmon stayed tender.
Bella
The sauce is incredible; it's sticky, garlicky, and just a little spicy (although I would add a few more red pepper flakes to my batch).
