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This air fryer teriyaki salmon bites recipe transforms simple salmon fillets into juicy flavorful bites with an irresistible sticky glaze. Paired with garlicky green beans and white rice it makes for a balanced dinner or a meal-prep winner you will crave all week.
I started making these before my kids’ swim practice on hectic nights and now even my picky eater requests them. Everyone agrees the slightly sweet caramelized finish is next level.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: look for bright colored pieces with firm texture wild caught if possible yields best flavor and nutrition
- Teriyaki sauce: brings sticky sweetness and classic umami for authentic flavor
- Soy sauce: adds depth and a touch of saltiness low sodium works well
- Mayonnaise: gives richness and helps the marinade cling to the salmon choose whole egg or Japanese style for creaminess
- Oyster sauce: supplies bold savory notes for extra complexity
- Salt and pepper: rounds out the flavors always taste your marinade
- Green beans: snappy fresh beans hold up best to stir frying select ones with no visible blemishes
- Fresh garlic: enhances green beans with robust aroma sweeter than jarred
- White rice: for serving medium or short grain gives best texture
- Extra teriyaki sauce: for brushing delivers glossy finish and more flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut the Salmon:
- Begin by slicing the salmon fillets into even bite sized cubes This helps the fish cook quickly and get coated by the marinade on all sides
- Make the Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl whisk together teriyaki sauce soy sauce mayo oyster sauce salt and pepper until smooth and creamy Add the salmon bites and gently toss to coat Let them chill for ten to fifteen minutes if you have more time
- Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Arrange the marinated salmon in a single layer in your air fryer basket Set temperature to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and cook for twelve minutes Flip pieces halfway through for even browning
- Brush and Finish:
- Open the fryer and brush each piece generously with more teriyaki sauce Return salmon to the air fryer for two more minutes to set the glaze Watch closely to avoid overcooking
- Prep the Green Beans:
- While the salmon cooks bring a pot of water to a boil Add green beans and cook for five minutes then transfer to an ice bath or cold water to stop cooking
- Stir Fry the Beans:
- In a skillet over medium high heat sauté minced garlic until fragrant about two minutes Add blanched green beans and coarse salt Sauté until beans are bright and just crisp about four to five minutes
- Serve:
- Scoop the rice into bowls Top with glazed salmon bites and a pile of garlicky green beans Serve hot for best texture and flavor
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The glossy teriyaki coating is my favorite part since it locks in moisture and gives every bite a sweet sticky finish. The first time I made this my family scraped their bowls clean and now it is our go to Sunday meal.
Storing Your Salmon Bites
Refrigerate leftover salmon and green beans together or separately in airtight containers for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet or the air fryer to restore texture. For meal prep store servings over rice for easy grab and go lunches that taste just as good the next day.
Swapping Ingredients
No oyster sauce Use hoisin sauce or a bit more teriyaki with a splash of Worcestershire. If you like heat add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. For gluten free swap tamari for regular soy sauce without losing any flavor.
How to Serve
Pile the salmon bites over a bed of hot rice and spoon green beans on the side. For added crunch sprinkle sesame seeds or scallions on top. These also make a crowd pleasing appetizer with toothpicks for dipping in extra sauce. Try it in a rice bowl with pickled veggie slaw for variety.
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Dish Origins
Teriyaki style cooking comes from Japanese traditions but this recipe blends American kitchen convenience with those classic flavors. The air fryer modernizes the process and lets you get melt in your mouth results without restaurant equipment or grills.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of salmon is best for this dish?
Fresh, skinless salmon fillets work best, ensuring they're cut into even, bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
- → Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, both homemade and store-bought teriyaki sauce can be used to marinate and glaze the salmon bites.
- → How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?
Do not overcook the salmon; follow cook times closely and consider checking a piece for doneness after 12 minutes.
- → What can I serve with teriyaki salmon bites?
These salmon bites pair perfectly with garlic green beans and steamed white rice for a well-balanced meal.
- → Can leftovers be stored for meal prep?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days for convenient future meals.