Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Salmon Bites are not only delicious but also packed with omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein. The air fryer gives them a golden, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy—without any added grease. They’re ready in minutes, easy to customize, and great for everything from power bowls to tacos.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Skinless salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized cubes
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika or smoked paprika
• Lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional: chili flakes, parsley or dill for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
4. Cook for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is golden on the outside and opaque in the center.
5. Remove from the air fryer and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides, over rice, in a salad, or as a snack.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–3 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add a teaspoon of soy sauce or coconut aminos for extra umami flavor.
• Swap garlic powder for fresh minced garlic for a bolder taste.
• Use Cajun seasoning or everything bagel seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Toss with a bit of honey and sriracha before cooking for a sweet-spicy glaze.
• Serve in lettuce wraps or tacos for a fun presentation.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place salmon bites back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes or until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispy texture. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may suffer after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw it completely before seasoning and air frying.

Do I need to remove the skin?

Yes, skinless salmon works best for even seasoning and crisp texture.

What type of salmon is best?

Atlantic, sockeye, or coho all work well—choose fresh or high-quality frozen fillets.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep and season the salmon in advance and air fry right before serving.

Are these good for meal prep?

Absolutely—they store well and reheat quickly in the air fryer.

Can I make them spicy?

Yes, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

Try garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, tzatziki, or a lemon-dill yogurt sauce.

Can I cook them without oil?

Yes, but a little oil helps the seasoning stick and promotes crispiness.

Can I use other fish?

Yes, this recipe also works with firm white fish like cod or halibut, but cooking time may vary.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a simple, tasty, and nutritious option for anyone looking to add more seafood to their diet. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with flavor, they’re a go-to protein that fits into a variety of meals. Whether you enjoy them as a quick dinner, a topping for salads, or a bite-sized snack, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

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Air Fryer Salmon Bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor. This healthy and quick recipe makes a perfect protein option for meals, snacks, or salads, with minimal ingredients and fast cook time.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of chili flakes
• Optional: chopped parsley or dill for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
4. Air fry for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until salmon is golden and cooked through.
5. Remove from air fryer and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
6. Serve hot with sides, over rice, in salads, or as a snack.

Notes

• Add soy sauce or coconut aminos for an umami kick.
• Use fresh garlic for a stronger flavor.
• Try Cajun or everything bagel seasoning for variation.
• Toss with honey and sriracha for a sweet-spicy glaze.
• Great served in lettuce wraps or tacos.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 60mg