Crispy, caramelized, and bursting with zesty flavor — these Lemon Pepper Honey Salmon Bites are everything you want in an easy air fryer recipe. They’re bright, savory, and just a little sweet, with perfectly seared edges that flake apart at the touch of a fork.
Think of these as a cross between your favorite glazed salmon and the easiest weeknight meal ever. Whether you pile them into rice bowls, serve them as party bites, or tuck them into lettuce wraps, they’re fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress — no oven or stove required.
Why You’ll Love These Salmon Bites
If you’ve ever wanted a recipe that feels special but takes less time than scrolling takeout options, this one’s for you. These Lemon Pepper Honey Salmon Bites come together in about 20 minutes from start to finish — including marinating time.
Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Quick and effortless: Just mix the marinade, toss the salmon, and air fry.
- Zesty and balanced: The lemon pepper seasoning adds brightness while the honey caramelizes beautifully.
- Versatile: Serve them over rice, with veggies, or even as a light appetizer.
- Healthy-ish: High in protein, rich in omega-3s, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
If you’ve tried my Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon or Yogurt Marinated Chicken, you already know — I love recipes that taste like you put in way more effort than you actually did. This one fits right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few pantry staples and a fresh piece of salmon to bring this dish together. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need and how each ingredient makes a difference.
For the Salmon
Salmon — Fresh, skinless salmon cut into bite-sized cubes works best. Look for a thick, firm fillet so it holds up in the air fryer and develops that beautiful caramelized crust.
Olive oil (or avocado oil) — A neutral base that helps the marinade cling to the salmon and promotes even browning in the air fryer.
Soy sauce — Adds umami and a touch of saltiness that balances the sweetness of the honey. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with tamari or coconut aminos.
Honey — The key to that sticky, glossy glaze. It caramelizes as it cooks, creating a sweet contrast to the tangy lemon pepper seasoning.
Lemon pepper seasoning — The star of the show. Lemon Pepper gives a bright, citrusy kick that makes the salmon taste fresh and vibrant.
Garlic powder — Adds warmth and depth. A little goes a long way toward rounding out the flavors.
Fresh ginger — Just a small amount gives the salmon a subtle zing and freshness that pairs beautifully with the lemon and honey.
For Serving
Jasmine rice — Fluffy, aromatic, and perfect for soaking up all that extra glaze. It’s the ideal base if you’re serving these bites as a rice bowl.
Edamame — Adds color, texture, and a dose of plant-based protein. I like to use the pre-cooked salted kind for convenience.
Pickled cucumber — The tangy crunch cuts through the richness of the salmon. You can use my quick homemade version or store-bought — both work great.
Carrots — Bright, crisp, and a nice balance to the tender salmon. Slice them thinly into matchsticks for that fresh crunch.
Sesame seeds and green onions — A finishing touch that adds flavor, texture, and a pop of color.
Tip: These toppings are completely customizable — swap in rice noodles, shredded cabbage, or even a bed of mixed greens if you prefer a lighter option.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Honey Salmon Bites
1. Mix the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and grated ginger until smooth. The honey will help the salmon caramelize in the air fryer while the soy sauce adds that savory depth.
2. Marinate the Salmon
Add your cubed salmon to the bowl and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep the toppings or start your rice.
You don’t need a long marinating time — the flavors absorb quickly, and over-marinating can make the salmon soft.
3. Air Fry the Salmon
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with oil, then arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding so they crisp up instead of steaming.
Air fry at 390°F for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through. The salmon should look golden and caramelized on the edges, tender in the center.
Optional: brush a little of the leftover marinade over the top halfway through cooking for extra shine and flavor.
4. Assemble and Serve
If you’re making salmon bowls, layer rice, edamame, carrots, and pickled cucumber in a bowl, then top with the salmon bites. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
If you’re serving them as appetizers, garnish with sesame seeds and lemon zest for brightness and serve right from the platter — they disappear fast.
The Perfect Balance of Sweet, Tangy, and Savory
What makes these salmon bites so good is how perfectly balanced the flavors are. The lemon pepper seasoning gives you that zesty citrus lift, the honey adds a sticky-sweet glaze, and the soy sauce and garlic round everything out with umami depth.
The air fryer locks in moisture while creating slightly crispy edges — no pan, no oil splatter, no babysitting the stove. It’s an easy, elevated twist on your usual salmon dinner.
Serving Ideas
These salmon bites are incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy them:
1. Salmon Rice Bowls
A complete meal with jasmine rice, edamame, and pickled veggies — it’s vibrant, balanced, and meal-prep friendly.
2. Lettuce Wraps
Wrap the salmon bites in butter lettuce with a drizzle of spicy mayo or sesame dressing for a light lunch.
3. Salmon Appetizer Bites
Serve them on skewers with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a wedge of lemon. Perfect for dinner parties or game nights.
4. Meal Prep Protein
Make a double batch and store them in the fridge for 2–3 days. They reheat beautifully in the air fryer or skillet and make easy weekday lunches.
Tips for Success
- Cut even-sized cubes: This ensures all the salmon cooks evenly.
- Don’t skip the lemon pepper seasoning: It’s the star ingredient — zesty, aromatic, and perfectly balanced.
- Air fryer timing may vary: Adjust slightly depending on your model and the size of your cubes.
- Line your basket: Use a perforated parchment liner for easy cleanup.
- Finish with lemon zest: It brightens everything up at the end.
Make It Your Own
You can easily customize these bites depending on what you’re craving.
- Spicy: Add a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the marinade.
- Garlic lovers: Increase the garlic powder or add fresh minced garlic.
- Sweeter glaze: Brush extra honey on the salmon in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Different protein: Try this same marinade with shrimp, chicken, or tofu — it works beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving — it can dry out the fish.
If you’re planning ahead, you can also marinate the salmon up to 12 hours in advance and air fry just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 12–14 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Do I need fresh salmon?
Fresh is best, but thawed frozen salmon works perfectly — just pat it dry before marinating.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor and brightness.
Make these Air Fryer Salmon Bites Today!
These Lemon Pepper Honey Salmon Bites are the definition of low effort, high reward. They’re light yet satisfying, healthy yet indulgent, and taste like something you’d order at a trendy seafood spot — except they take less than 20 minutes to make at home.
Whether you’re hosting friends, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something different, this is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
You May Also Like
Lemon Pepper Honey Salmon Bites
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 16 oz salmon filets skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tbsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- 1 lemon freshly squeezed
For Serving
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup edamame shelled, cooked, and salted
- 1 cup pickled cucumbers thinly sliced (link to recipe)
- 1 cup carrot cut into matchsticks
For Garnish
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions
Instructions
Prep the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and lemon juice until combined.
Marinate the Salmon
- Add the cubed salmon to the bowl and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Air Fry the Salmon
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, then arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry at 390°F for 7 to 9 minutes, or until carmelized and cooked all the way through.
Make the glaze
- Take the remaining marinade and cook on the stove top under low heat until bubbly and caramelized.
Assemble the Bowls
- Add cooked rice to your bowl and top with air-fried salmon bites, pickled cucumber, carrots, and edamame. Drizzle additional glaze over the bowl.
- Finish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Leave a Reply