Honey Garlic Butter Salmon Skewers
Perfectly seasoned salmon cubes skewered and air fried until the edges get lightly golden and caramelized, then brushed with the dreamiest honey garlic butter. The outside has that slight crisp, the inside stays flaky and melt-in-your-mouth tender, and that warm buttery glaze just clings to every bite.
Servings servings
Ingredients
SALMON CUBES
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon, skin removed and cut into large cubes
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
HONEY GARLIC BUTTER
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and cut into even, large cubes (about 1½-inch pieces) so they cook evenly.
- Add the salmon to a bowl and drizzle with the oil. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Gently toss to coat without breaking the fish.
- Thread 4 to 5 pieces of salmon onto each skewer. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes beforehand.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the skewers in a single layer in the basket or on the air fryer tray. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon flakes easily and is lightly golden at the edges.
- While the salmon cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the heat, then stir in the honey, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt until combined.
- As soon as the salmon skewers come out of the air fryer, brush them generously with the warm honey garlic butter. Serve immediately, spooning any extra butter over the top.
Notes
Q: Can I cook these on the stove instead?
A: Yes. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the skewers and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning carefully, until the salmon is golden on the outside and flakes easily in the center. Q: Can I bake these instead of air frying?
A: Yes. Bake at 425°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted very dry before seasoning so it cooks properly and doesn’t release excess moisture. Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A: The salmon should flake easily with a fork and look opaque throughout. If you use a thermometer, 125–130°F is perfect for medium.
A: Yes. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the skewers and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning carefully, until the salmon is golden on the outside and flakes easily in the center. Q: Can I bake these instead of air frying?
A: Yes. Bake at 425°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted very dry before seasoning so it cooks properly and doesn’t release excess moisture. Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A: The salmon should flake easily with a fork and look opaque throughout. If you use a thermometer, 125–130°F is perfect for medium.
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