1-Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Start with high-quality salmon fillets. Remove any skin and bones, then pat the fish dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because excess moisture prevents proper browning. Using a sharp knife, cut the salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes. Consistency in size ensures all pieces cook at the same rate, so some won’t be overcooked while others remain underdone. Place the cubed salmon in a shallow container or resealable plastic bag. A glass or ceramic dish works well for even marinating, while a zip-top bag allows you to easily coat all the pieces by massaging the marinade around the fish.

2-Step 2: Make the Sweet Savory Soy Marinade In a small bowl or directly in your marinating container, whisk together the following: Whisk until the honey dissolves completely into the soy sauce. The mixture should be smooth and homogeneous. For a smoother marinade, you can use a microplane to grate the ginger and garlic directly into the liquid, which releases more aromatic oils and distributes the flavors more evenly.

3-Step 3: Marinate the Salmon Pour the marinade over the salmon cubes and toss gently to coat each piece thoroughly. Use a spatula or your hands (wearing food-safe gloves) to ensure even coverage without breaking apart the delicate fish. Marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to a few hours for deeper flavor penetration. The longer marinating time allows the soy sauce to slightly cure the exterior of the fish, creating a firmer texture that holds up better during cooking.

4-Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer While the salmon marinates, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Most air fryers take 2-3 minutes to reach the target temperature. Preheating ensures the salmon hits the hot air immediately, promoting better caramelization and a crispier exterior. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Alternatively, you can line the basket with perforated parchment paper designed specifically for air fryers. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Avoid using regular parchment paper without holes, as it can block air circulation and affect cooking.

5-Step 5: Arrange and Cook the Salmon Remove the salmon from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting during cooking. Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and steaming instead of caramelizing. If you have more salmon than fits in one batch, cook in multiple rounds rather than stacking the pieces. The results are worth the extra few minutes. Cook the salmon bites at 390°F for 5-8 minutes. Halfway through cooking (around the 3-minute mark), open the air fryer and flip each piece using tongs. Brush with the reserved marinade to build up that beautiful glaze. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. For those who prefer medium-rare salmon, reduce cooking time to 4-5 minutes total. The exterior will still caramelize while the center remains slightly translucent.

6-Step 6: Finish and Serve Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a professional presentation. For those who enjoy heat, serve with a side of spicy mayo or sriracha mayo for dipping.