Air-Fried Honey Chipotle Salmon Bites
September 5th, 2024A Family-Friendly Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
This recipe for air-fried honey chipotle salmon bites is sweet and glazy — but with a little kick of smoky heat. It’s a great dish to prepare and enjoy with younger seafood lovers at the kitchen table, as the salmon bites are fun to make and eat. The salmon bites are made from wild-caught sockeye salmon, which will cook quickly in the air fryer and develop a crispy exterior.
The honey chipotle salmon bites are served alongside simple, roasted vegetables to round out the meal. If you have young children in the kitchen who are motivated to prepare the meal with you, they can help you with some veggie prep — younger children can help you break down the broccoli crowns into bite-sized florets. Older kids who are confident with using a knife can help you peel and slice the carrots.
Chef’s note: You can adjust the heat level of the salmon bites by reducing the chipotle chili powder (regular chili powder is fine, too) in the seasoning mix, or even omitting the chili powder altogether. Make sure to toss the “honey chipotle” mixture before tossing in the salmon to get a sense of if it’s tasting too spicy or not.
How to Make Honey Chipotle Salmon Bites in a Conventional Oven
If you don't have an air fryer in your kitchen, you can make honey chipotle salmon bites in a conventional oven, using a broiler. A broiler will cook the salmon quickly, while giving crisping and browning the sugars in the chipotle glaze.
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Arrange an oven rack about 4 to 6 inches from the broiler element. Preheat broiler to high.
- Meanwhile, prepare salmon bites as directed in instructions below, tossing in honey chipotle glaze to coat.
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Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then arrange salmon bites skin side down in a single layer, leaving space between salmon for heat to circulate.
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Place salmon under broiler and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning. Salmon is done when the pieces flake easily with a fork, and when the honey chipotle glaze is browned and crisp along the edges.
Air-Fried Honey Chipotle Salmon Bites
By Wild Alaskan Company
If you don't have an air fryer, you can broil the salmon bites instead for a similar effect. The directions below include an alternative method for cooking the honey chipotle salmon bites, using a broiler in a conventional oven.
Prep time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total time
35 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz.) portions sockeye, coho, or king salmon cut into 1- to 2-inch cubes
- 3 broccoli crowns, broken down into bite-sized florets
- 3 to 4 large carrots, sliced into ¼-inch thick pieces
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder or regular chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Steamed rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Arrange the broccoli and carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer, then drizzle generously with olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then toss to evenly coat. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until crisp tender, tossing the vegetables halfway through cooking time.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Add the honey and 1 tablespoon of olive oil and mix again. Finally, toss the salmon in the mixture until evenly coated.
3. TO COOK IN AIR FRYER: Set the air fryer to 400F. Arrange salmon in a single layer without crowding the salmon bites. You may need to work in batches. Air fry for 8 minutes until the bites just become crispy on the edges and salmon bites flake easily with a fork.
4. TO COOK UNDER A BROILER: Arrange an oven rack about 4 to 6 inches from the broiler element. Preheat broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then arrange salmon bites skin side down in a single layer, leaving space between salmon for heat to circulate. Place salmon under broiler and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning. Salmon is done when the pieces flake easily with a fork, and when the honey chipotle glaze is browned and crisp along the edges.
5. Divide salmon bites and vegetables evenly among serving plates. Enjoy with freshly steamed rice, if desired.
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food-borne illness, especially if you have a certain medical condition. The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for cooked fish.
