Air fryer salmon bites with a paprika, garlic, and thyme rub, finished in a sticky honey‑soy‑lemon glaze with chili flakes. Juicy inside, lightly crisp outside, ready in about 10 minutes.
1poundsalmon filletskinless cut into one‑inch cubes
1tablespoonolive oil
1teaspoonpaprika
1teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoondried thyme
½teaspoonkosher salt
¼teaspoonblack pepper
3scallionsthinly sliced
For the glaze
⅓cuphoney
¼cupsoy sauce or tamari
3clovesgarlicminced
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
1teaspoonred pepper flakesor to taste
½tablespooncornstarch
1tablespoonwater
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Pat the salmon very dry and cut into one‑inch cubes.
Toss salmon with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange in a single layer in the basket.
Air fry at 400°F for about 6 minutes, shaking once halfway. Aim for 125–130°F inside for moist salmon or 145°F for USDA doneness.
Meanwhile, add honey, soy sauce or tamari, lemon juice, chili flakes, and minced garlic to a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk cornstarch with water, then stir it into the pan and cook for about 1 minute until glossy and slightly thick.
Transfer hot salmon bites to a bowl and drizzle with the glaze, tossing to coat. Garnish with sliced scallions and pair with whatever you love — rice, veggies, or a light salad.