These Air Fryer Hoisin Salmon Bites with Stir Fry Veggies are perfect for meal prep because the recipe combines two efficient cooking methods—air frying and stir-frying—allowing you to make a restaurant-quality meal in less than 20 minutes. It’s nutrient-dense, packed with flavor, and helps you stay on track with your health goals, making it a convenient and delicious option for busy days.
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Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 1040mg | Potassium: 1168mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 891IU | Vitamin C: 123mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 3mg
Why This Recipe is a Meal Prep Game-Changer:
- Efficient Cooking Methods: By using both the air fryer and stir-fry techniques, you can cook salmon and veggies simultaneously, cutting down on prep and cook time.
- Quick and Easy: The entire recipe is ready in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules and quick weeknight dinners.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Despite the simplicity, the hoisin and sriracha marinade gives the salmon a sweet and spicy kick, elevating the dish to restaurant-level flavor.
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with lean protein from the salmon and fiber-rich veggies, this dish fuels your body with essential nutrients, keeping you full and energized.
- Portion Control Made Simple: The recipe can easily be divided into meal prep containers, helping you stay on track with portion sizes and balanced meals throughout the week.
- Easy Reheating: Both the salmon bites and veggies reheat well, maintaining their texture and flavor for several days, making them perfect for make-ahead meals.
- Customizable for Variety: You can swap out the veggies or adjust the seasonings to keep the meals exciting throughout the week without spending extra time in the kitchen.
To Meal Prep This Salmon Recipe You’ll Need
- Salmon: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, providing heart-healthy fats and a good source of protein. Its buttery texture pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of hoisin sauce, while its slightly crisp exterior (thanks to the air fryer) gives it a delightful contrast to the tender inside. You can swap salmon with other fish like cod or tilapia. For a non-seafood option, chicken breast or tofu also work well and absorb the marinade beautifully.
- Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment that brings depth of flavor to the salmon, balancing the heat from the sriracha. Its sticky texture helps coat the salmon evenly, making it ideal for air frying. For a different flavor, try teriyaki sauce, BBQ sauce, or even soy sauce with honey for a similar sweet-savory balance.
- Sriracha: Sriracha adds a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the hoisin sauce. It’s not overpowering but gives just the right amount of kick to make the dish exciting. You can replace sriracha with chili garlic sauce, hot sauce, or leave it out altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Pre-Cut Stir Fry Veggies: Pre-cut veggies make meal prep a breeze. They provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals while adding vibrant color and crunch to the dish, balancing the soft texture of the salmon. Use any fresh or frozen veggies you have on hand—broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or even mushrooms. You can also use pre-washed salad greens like spinach or kale if you want a lighter side.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty umami flavor to the veggies, which complements the slightly sweet and spicy salmon. It also adds a touch of moisture to the stir-fry, helping the veggies cook evenly. Coconut aminos are a great soy-free substitute with a milder flavor, or use a low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter option.
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil has a nutty, toasty flavor that brings richness to the veggies, tying the dish together with an authentic stir-fry taste.
Easy Recipe Steps for Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Prepare the Salmon: First, cut the salmon into small cubes, about 1 inch in size. In a medium bowl, mix the hoisin sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, and olive oil. Add the salmon cubes to the bowl and gently stir them around to coat each piece with the sauce. Set the bowl aside while you get the air fryer ready.
- Cook the Salmon: Turn on your air fryer and set it to 400°F. Let it heat up for about 2 minutes. Once it’s ready, place the marinated salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for 6 to 9 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until the salmon is golden and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Make the Veggies: While the salmon is cooking, heat a little sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add your pre-cut stir fry vegetables to the pan and cook them for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are just starting to soften but still a bit crunchy. Add the soy sauce and garlic powder, stirring again to coat the veggies in flavor.
- Serve & Enjoy: Now, serve the salmon bites with the stir-fried veggies for a delicious, balanced meal. If you’re making this ahead for meal prep, divide the salmon and veggies into containers for easy meals throughout the week!
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Prep Pairing Tips
- Grains for Balance: Pair the salmon and veggies with a hearty grain such as brown rice, quinoa, or even soba noodles to round out the meal and keep you fuller for longer.
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Brighten up your meal with fresh herbs such as cilantro, thai basil for an authentic Asian flair, green onions for a mild, oniony bite, or mint for an unexpected, refreshing contrast.
- Fruit for Sweetness: Pair your savory salmon and veggies with a side of fresh fruit such as pineapple slices or mango chunks which can add a natural sweetness that complements the bold flavors of hoisin and sriracha. Orange segments or grapefruit can provide a citrusy, bright pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge before marinating. This helps the marinade absorb better and ensures even cooking.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can bake the salmon bites in the oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Can I cook the salmon without oil?
If you want to skip the olive oil, the air fryer will still cook the salmon to a nice crisp. However, the oil helps achieve better caramelization and prevents the salmon from sticking. You can use a light spray of cooking oil if preferred.
Air Fryer Hoisin Salmon Bites with Stir Fry Veggies
Equipment
Ingredients
Salmon and marinade
Stir Fry
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition