Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these irresistible Sesame Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites! In just 18 minutes, you can whip up a dish that combines the rich flavors of sesame oil and garlic with the tender, flaky goodness of salmon. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests, these bites are not only delicious but also healthy. With a crispy exterior and a succulent interior, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Dive into our recipe and discover how easy it is to create this Asian-inspired delight that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 18 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Cut the salmon fillets into uniform bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sesame oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Add the salmon bite-sized pieces to the marinade, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly. Let marinate for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the marinated salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook the salmon bites for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Check the salmon's internal temperature, which should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness.
- Remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and sprinkle with sesame seeds while still hot.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional sesame seeds and optional chopped green onions.
Tips
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Make sure to pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before cutting them into pieces. This step helps achieve that coveted crispy exterior when cooked in the air fryer.
- Uniform Pieces: Cut the salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. This way, every bite will be perfectly cooked and seasoned.
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 5-10 minutes in the sesame oil and garlic mixture. This helps the flavors penetrate the fish, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Don’t skip preheating your air fryer! This ensures that your salmon bites cook evenly and develop a crispy texture.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so cook in batches if necessary.
- Shake for Even Cooking: Halfway through cooking, give the basket a shake to help the salmon cook evenly and achieve that perfect crunch.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, sprinkle additional sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 56mg
