Imagine crispy, golden salmon bites bursting with sweet, tangy Thai-inspired flavors that come together in just 22 minutes - without the hassle of traditional cooking methods! These Air Fryer Thai Sweet Chili Salmon Bites are about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner game, delivering restaurant-quality taste right from your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 22 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillet, cut into bites
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon by patting the fillet dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crisp edges when cooking.
- Cut the salmon fillet into uniform bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes, to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and ginger powder to create a flavorful marinade.
- Add salmon bites to the marinade, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), which helps create a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent salmon from sticking during cooking.
- Arrange salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring pieces are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook salmon bites for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and golden edges.
- Check internal temperature of salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption and optimal doneness.
- Remove salmon bites from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or additional lime wedges before serving.
Tips
- Always pat salmon dry before cutting to ensure maximum crispiness
- Use uniform bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - give each bite space to crisp up
- Marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to fully penetrate the fish
- Shake the basket midway through cooking for even golden edges
- Use a meat thermometer to check salmon reaches safe 145°F internal temperature
- Let salmon rest 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain juicy texture
- For extra flavor, consider garnishing with fresh green onions or toasted sesame seeds
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
