Description

Air fryer salmon bites are the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Using minimal oil, this recipe creates flavorful, golden-brown bites in just a few minutes. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these salmon bites are healthy, easy to make, and incredibly delicious. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites
1 lb fresh or frozen salmon, skinless and boneless
1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp lemon zest optional
½ cup panko breadcrumbs optional for extra crispiness

For Marinade (Optional)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp ginger grated

Optional Seasoning Variations
Spicy Cajun: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Asian-Inspired: Use sesame oil, ginger, and a dash of teriyaki sauce
Mediterranean: Add oregano, thyme, and a splash of balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Cut the salmon fillet into bite-sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches each
Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture
Place the salmon pieces in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil
Season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon zest

Step 2: Marinate for Extra Flavor (Optional)
Mix soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and ginger in a small bowl
Pour over the salmon bites and toss to coat evenly
Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to enhance the flavor

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking

Step 4: Cook the Salmon Bites
Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for even cooking
Air fry for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the salmon bites rest for 1-2 minutes before serving
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce and side dishes

Notes

For extra crunch, coat the salmon bites in panko breadcrumbs before air frying
Avoid over-marinating the salmon for more than 2 hours, as the acids can break down its texture
To prevent overcooking, check the salmon 1-2 minutes before the recommended cooking time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7-9 minutes
Category: Appetizer Snack Main Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American Seafood

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 ounces of air fryer salmon bites
Calories: ~220 kcal
Sugar: ~1g
Sodium: ~400mg
Fat: ~12g
Saturated Fat: ~2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: ~7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: ~5g
Fiber: ~0.5g
Protein: ~25g
Cholesterol: ~55mg

Keywords: air fryer salmon bites crispy salmon healthy seafood snack