Dare I say this is a perfect, quick weeknight meal that everyone will love? These salmon bites come together quickly in the air fryer and are packed with flavor from a simple sesame ginger marinade. They’re tender on the inside with just the right amount of crisp on the edges, making them perfect for both kids and adults.
Paired with a fresh, crunchy snap pea slaw and a side of rice, this is one of those family-friendly, easy, healthy dinners you’ll find yourself making on repeat. Also, bonus points because it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Salmon Bites
If you’re looking for a high protein salmon recipe that doesn’t require a ton of time or effort, this is one to keep in your rotation.
The air fryer makes cooking salmon bites incredibly quick and reliable, giving you that perfectly cooked texture every time without drying it out. Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fats, which support brain health and help keep you feeling satisfied, while the snap pea slaw adds fiber, crunch, and freshness. It’s a balanced, healthy weeknight dinner that checks all the boxes without overcomplicating things.
A Quick, Healthy Dinner with Crunchy Snap Pea Slaw
What really makes this recipe stand out is the contrast of textures and flavors. The warm, crispy salmon bites pair perfectly with the cool, crunchy slaw tossed in a simple sesame dressing.
The slaw comes together in minutes and adds that fresh element that makes the whole meal feel complete. Serve everything over rice for an easy meal prep salmon option or a simple weeknight dinner you can throw together without overthinking it.
I’m telling you, this is one of those recipes that you’ll come back to again and again. Let me know what you think when you make it!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- Wild-caught salmon
- Coconut aminos (I like Big Tree Farms Organic)
- Toasted sesame oil
- Honey
- Ginger knob
For the Snap Pea Slaw:
- Snap peas
- Persian cucumbers
- Purple cabbage
- Toasted sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Honey
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
How To Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Snap Pea Slaw
Looking for the full recipe?
Scroll down to the Recipe Card below for complete instructions & measurements.
These air fryer salmon bites come together quickly with a simple sesame ginger marinade and are served with a fresh, crunchy snap pea slaw for an easy, high-protein weeknight meal.
- Prep and marinate the salmon.
Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces, then toss in a quick sesame ginger marinade. Let it sit for about 15 minutes (or marinate ahead of time if you’re prepping in advance). - Air fry until perfectly tender.
Transfer the salmon to your air fryer basket and cook until just cooked through and lightly golden on the edges—this only takes a few minutes and keeps the salmon super tender. - Whisk together the slaw dressing.
While the salmon cooks, quickly mix up the sesame dressing in a large bowl with oil, vinegar, honey, and seasonings. - Toss the snap pea slaw.
Add the sliced snap peas, cucumber, and cabbage, then toss everything together until well coated and crisp.
Recipe Substitutions & Questions
Use the substitutions below to easily customize these Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Snap Pea Slaw to fit your pantry and/or dietary preferences.
- Salmon: You can swap with another firm fish like cod or halibut, but cooking time may vary slightly and the texture will be more delicate.
- Coconut aminos: Tamari or soy sauce works as a substitute (use tamari for gluten-free), just note it will be a bit saltier and less sweet.
- Toasted sesame oil: Olive oil or avocado oil can be used, but you’ll lose some of that signature nutty flavor—add a sprinkle of sesame seeds at the end to help compensate.
- Honey: Maple syrup can be used for a similar natural sweetness and keeps the recipe refined sugar-free.
- Fresh ginger: Ground ginger works in a pinch (use about ¼–½ teaspoon), though fresh will give the best flavor.
- Snap peas: Thinly sliced snow peas or even green beans can work as a substitute for a similar crunch.
- Persian cucumbers: English cucumber or regular cucumber (seeds removed) both work well here.
- Purple cabbage: Green cabbage or a bagged coleslaw mix can be used for convenience.
- Rice vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or lime juice can be used for a slightly different but still bright acidity.
- Sesame seeds: Optional, but you can swap with chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
- Rice (for serving): Swap with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or serve over greens for a lighter option.
For my kitchen, cooking, and baking essentials (& more!), shop my Amazon Storefront.
How do you cook salmon bites in the air fryer and how long do they take?
Cooking salmon bites in the air fryer is quick and reliable. Cut the salmon into even pieces, toss in your marinade, then air fry at 375°F for about 7–8 minutes, until just cooked through. The edges will lightly crisp while the inside stays tender—just avoid overcooking to keep the texture soft.
Can you marinate salmon bites ahead of time?
Yes—this is a great option for meal prep. You can marinate the salmon bites for up to 24 hours in the fridge, which allows the flavors to develop and makes dinner come together quickly the next day.
What goes well with salmon bites?
Salmon bites pair well with fresh, crunchy sides like slaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. For a balanced meal, serve with rice or quinoa to add carbs alongside the protein and healthy fats.
Are salmon bites healthy?
Salmon bites are a great option for a balanced meal. Salmon provides protein and omega-3 fats, which support brain health and help keep you satisfied, and pairing it with fiber-rich vegetables like cabbage and snap peas helps support digestion and steady energy.
Can you make salmon bites without an air fryer?
Yes—you can bake them in a 400°F oven for about 5–6 minutes, then finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to get a similar lightly crisp texture.
More Easy, Healthy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
- Chicken Banh Mi Bowls with Pickled Veggies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Honey Garlic Chicken with Glass Noodles
- Healthy Asian Chicken Salad
- Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Crispy Honey Mustard Chicken Kale Salad
Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Snap Pea Slaw
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1.5 pounds wild-caught salmon, deboned and skin removed
- ¼ cup coconut aminos, (I like Big Tree Farms Organic)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 inch piece of ginger
For the Snap Pea Slaw:
- ½ pound snap peas, thinly sliced
- 2 Persian cucumbers, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
- 2 cups purple cabbage, finely shredded
- ¼ cup toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
To Serve:
- White or brown rice, cooked (optional)
Instructions
For the Salmon Bites:
- Dice the salmon into 1 ½-inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine coconut aminos, sesame oil, honey and ginger. Add in salmon pieces and toss to coat well. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes. (Or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)
- Place the salmon pieces in the basket of your air fryer and cook at 375°F for 7-8 minutes, until just cooked through. (Alternatively, you can bake in a 400°F oven for 5-6 minutes and finish under the broiler for 2 minutes, watching carefully.)
For the Snap Pea Slaw:
- While the salmon is cooking, make your slaw. In a large bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, vinegar, honey, sesame seeds and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add in the sliced snap peas, cucumber and cabbage and toss to coat.
To Serve, Store & Reheat:
- Serve salmon bites with a big serving of crunchy slaw and a side of rice. Enjoy!
- Store leftover salmon bites and snap pea slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the salmon bites in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes or until warmed through. You can also gently reheat in a skillet. Avoid microwaving, if possible, to maintain texture.
- Slaw Tips: The snap pea slaw is best enjoyed fresh but will keep for up to 2 days in the fridge. If storing longer, keep the dressing separate and toss before serving.
- Make Ahead: Marinate the salmon up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. You can also slice the snap peas, cucumber and cabbage ahead of time for easy assembly.
Notes
- Salmon: Use cod or halibut; adjust cook time as needed (more delicate texture).
- Coconut aminos: Swap with tamari (gluten-free) or soy sauce; slightly saltier, less sweet.
- Toasted sesame oil: Use olive or avocado oil; add sesame seeds to finish for flavor.
- Honey: Maple syrup works as a 1:1 substitute.
- Fresh ginger: Use ¼–½ teaspoon ground ginger in place of fresh.
- Snap peas: Substitute with snow peas or thinly sliced green beans.
- Persian cucumbers: Use English or regular cucumber (seeds removed).
- Purple cabbage: Green cabbage or coleslaw mix works well.
- Rice vinegar: Swap with apple cider vinegar or lime juice.
- Sesame seeds: Optional; use chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch.
- Rice (for serving): Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or greens.
