Get the irresistible flavor of bacon-wrapped salmon bites. This mouthwatering appetizer is easy to make for a small gathering.
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!
The rich smokiness of bacon is a delicious addition to the delicate sweetness of salmon. Whether enjoyed as a savory appetizer or a mouthwatering main course, pairing these two ingredients is guaranteed to bring any meal to new heights.
I like to serve these savory treats at small get-togethers with friends and family. But they are great as a topping for salad, too. Sometimes, I'll use them instead of a pan-seared fish fillet in my salmon salad recipe.
Reasons to Love
- Delicious flavor combination. The bacon's crispy, savory flavor perfectly complements the salmon's tender, flaky texture. This pairing is sure to become a favorite for seafood lovers.
- Contrasting textures. The bacon becomes extra crispy when air fried, while the salmon remains tender and moist. The contrasting textures and flavor create a mouthwatering experience that's hard to resist.
- Quick and convenient. The air fryer preheats rapidly, and the cooking time is shorter than an oven. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when we're craving a tasty snack without the long wait.
Ingredients
Salmon and bacon are the star ingredients in this appetizer. The recipe also adds a delicious sweet and salty marinade.
Here are the ingredients needed to make the bites:
- salmon fillet
- bacon slices
- soy sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- honey
- granulated garlic
- salt (optional)
- ground black pepper
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and set the cooking time to 10 minutes. Then follow the simple step-by-step directions below.
Season cut bite-sized salmon cubes with garlic and black pepper. Slightly season with salt, if using.
Wrap each seasoned bite-sized salmon with a slice of bacon.
Secure end of bacon with toothpicks.
Combine honey and Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce. Dip each piece in the soy sauce mixture. Opt to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
Transfer each piece onto an air fryer tray. Do not overcrowd.
Turn each piece after 4 to 5 minutes. Slightly baste salmon bites with the remaining soy sauce mixture.
Continue air frying until the salmon is fully cooked and the exterior is golden in color.
Hint: If you choose to marinate the pieces before air frying, place them all in a zipper bag with the soy sauce mixture. Performing this step will allow the sauce to soak deeper into each bite.
Variations
You can easily modify the recipe to suit your own preferences. Here are some modifications you can try:
- Plain - skip the honey and soy sauce mixture.
- Spicy - use sriracha instead of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce in the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Stuffing - try stuffing the salmon with cream cheese and jalapenos or with spinach and feta.
- Protein - you can try different proteins like lobster, steak, chicken, or tofu.
You can also try dipping the bites in a lemon butter sauce for salmon before serving.
Tips
Top tip: Patting the salmon dry before wrapping it with bacon will remove excess moisture that could prevent crispness.
- Have some space between each bite in the air fryer to allow better circulation of hot air for uniform cooking
- When wrapping each piece of salmon with a strip of bacon, make sure it's snug but not too tight.
Serving suggestions
I like to serve these salmon bites with a complementary sauce or dip to make them even more inviting. A tangy dill aioli or a zesty citrus vinaigrette adds more flavor to the dish.
You can pair the bites with a refreshing arugula and fennel salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. Or, serve them as a main dish with a side of grilled asparagus or air fryer smashed potatoes to create a well-rounded meal.
Storage
To store, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. When stored correctly in the refrigerator, leftover salmon bites can stay fresh for up to three days.
To reheat leftover bites, you can bake or air fry them. Set the temperature to 350°F and warm until heated, about 7 to 10 minutes.
FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Thaw the salmon thoroughly before wrapping it in bacon to ensure even cooking.
Cook the bacon-wrapped salmon bites in an air fryer at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the salmon is cooked through.
Related Recipes
If you love bacon-wrapped appetizers as much as I do, you'll want to check out these recipes too. They are some of my favorites.
- Pineapple wrapped in bacon is a sweet and savory delight.
- Bacon wrapped onion rings are always a hit.
- Air fryer cabbage is made even better by wrapping it in bacon.
- Bacon wrapped smokies are a popular way to serve cocktail links.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.
Recipe
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1 piece salmon fillet 7 ounces or 200g, 16 bite-sized cuts
- 8 slices bacon cut in half
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- kosher salt to taste (optional)
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pre-heat Air Fryer at 370°F (188·C). Set at 10 minutes.
- Season cut bite-sized salmon pieces with garlic and black pepper. Slightly season with salt, if using.
- Wrap each seasoned bite-sized salmon with bacon. Secure end of bacon with toothpicks.
- Combine honey and Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce. Dip each bite in soy sauce mixture. Opt to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer onto Air Fryer tray. Do not overcrowd.
- Slowly insert Air Fryer tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch.
- Turn each bacon-wrapped salmon after 4 to 5 minutes. No need to wait for the "turn food" reminder provided by the Air Fryer. Slightly baste salmon bites with the remaining soy sauce mixture.
- Return the Air Fryer tray into the middle cooking chamber. Timer should read at 5 minutes remaining. See tips or notes when closing the Air Fryer door.
- Wait for the timer to end and the Air Fryer to stop before opening the oven door or once salmon bites are fully cooked and golden in color, press "cancel" from the Air Fryer settings.
Alicia
I served these as appetizers at my dinner party last night, and they were a huge hit! My friends loved them, and I will make it again for sure!
Sue
I love the honey in here! Adds a nice sweetness, but not too much. Even my kid loved them, and he usually hates fish.
Lee
These bacon-wrapped salmon bites are on top of my list when I need a quick appetizer that looks and tastes gourmet. I tried using these as a salad topper and I loved the final dish. So easy to prepare yet so yummy.
Jessica
The soy-honey glaze adds a sweet kick. Simple to make, and delicious!
Genevieve
I’ve done bacon-wrapped shrimp but I had never tried bacon-wrapped salmon. WOW is this good! I’m bookmarking this to make again!