This air fryer salmon bites recipe is a breeze to make and packed with big flavor! Flaky, moist and flavorful salmon bites taste restaurant-quality, but are quick and easy enough to include in your weekly meal plans. They cook in less than 10 minutes and are great to pair with nearly any sides for a delicious lunch or weeknight dinner.
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Why I love this Air Fryer Salmon Bites?
The air fryer is my most favorite kitchen gadget to cook the best fish in minutes. Not only is this countertop appliance quick and convenient, the way it circulates air practically guarantees even cooking every time. This air fryer salmon bites recipe is nearly effortless to make but tastes so incredibly flavorful!
I love classic Mediterranean flavors, like citrus and bright spices. I'm sure you'll agree that they pair great with the mild, lightly sweet taste of salmon. And there's no need to marinade! In this fuss free recipe the cubes of fish are coated in the seasonings and air fried to moist, tender, flaky perfection in under 10 minutes.
These bites are as versatile as they are tasty! Pair them with grains or pasta and favorite veggies for a quick, easy, and family friendly weeknight meal. Or skip the starches and make this a low carb-high protein meal with healthy fats. They're even great for game nights, parties, and school lunch boxes.
Not matter how you choose to enjoy them, this recipe for salmon bites in the air fryer is sure to be a staple for weeknight dinners and meal preps!
*For more easy seafood dinners, be sure to also try these recipes:
- Salmon: Nutrient-rich, lean, and flavorful salmon is a perfect main protein. I suggest wild caught salmon, either fresh or previously frozen and thawed. (See notes below for tips on how to thaw frozen salmon!) Pat the fish dry before slicing.
- Olive Oil: Use a high quality oil, preferably organic, for the best flow and taste. A good EVOO will have a mild yet rich flavor.
- Lemon: This recipe uses both lemon juice and zest for a delicious punch of citrus.
- Oregano: Dried green herb that is earthy and fragrant.
- Paprika: Choose smoky or sweet paprika, depending on your tastes. I'm a fan of smoky paprika to make the best salmon bites.
- Garlic Powder: This powerful spice is popular in many savory dishes. It's earthy and almost meaty, and great to pair with more mild seafood.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a nice kick of spicy heat! Feel fee to omit if you don't want the salmon bites to bite you back. *wink
- Salt and Pepper: You'll only need a sprinkling of these classic seasonings to taste.
How to cook salmon bites in air fryer?
1. Preheat air fryer at 400℉ (3 minutes is default for the model I use).
2. Place salmon cubes in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest.
4. Now, add all the seasonings:
- ¾ teaspoon garlic Powder
- 1½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne Pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt or as needed
- ½ teaspoon freshly Ground Pepper or as needed
5. Gently toss the salmon cubes and seasonings together to combine well.
6. Place the coated salmon cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
7. Air fry for about 7-8 minutes or until flaky and cooked through. There is no need to flip or shake halfway through, but no harm if you do it. Garnish with your favorite topping / sides and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Chill the salmon before slicing to make clean knife cuts.
- Cut the salmon into even bite sizes so they cook evenly in the air fryer. Each cube should be about 1-inch.
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Keep the bites in a single layer without touching so the pieces get a nice even browning. Work in batches if needed!
- Rest the cooked bites for 5 mins before serving. This lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
7-9 minutes is what I usually prefer. This cooks the bites to a minimum internal temp of 125F, so they are lightly crisp on the outside and slightly pink inside.
Check the salmon after 7 minutes to be sure they don't overcook. Otherwise they will dry out and be tough.
Yes! Follow the seasoning steps and spread the coated bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400F for 10 minutes.
Yes, you can. Keep in the packaging and thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight, or up to 24 hours. Alternative, you can quickly thaw frozen salmon by placing in a bowl of cold water for about 30-60 minutes.
Rinse the thawed fillets under cool running water to get off any ice crystals. Pat dry before cubing.
Serving Ideas
Add warm or cooled salmon bites to hearty grain bowls. They're delicious with couscous, quinoa or other whole grains, plus any number of fresh and/or roasted veggies and extra toppings.
Healthy air fryer salmon bites are the perfect protein for salads! The lemon in the fish pairs very well with citrus vinaigrettes. Try adding chilled pieces of salmon onto an arugula salad, mixed green salad, or any combination of fresh veggies you like.
Load tender pieces of air fried salmon into sandwiches and wraps. I love to use whole wheat bread or wraps, and fill them up with fresh goodies like crunchy lettuce and sprouts. They make even a casual homemade lunch feel like a restaurant-quality meal!
Salmon is an easy way to elevate pasta dishes. Add bites to warm plates of Alfredo pasta, creamy avocado pasta, or simple butter and garlic noodles for a kick of delicious protein!
Make salmon bites the star of dinner and serve with starches and veggies on the side. Keep things simple with fluffy white or brown rice, or other cooked whole grains like couscous or barley. For a grain-free option, consider serving with roasted rosemary potatoes or air fried sweet potatoes.
Really, just about any roasted, steamed, or sautéed vegetables go well with salmon! A few of my favorites to pair with the flavors of the fish are sautéed broccolini with garlic butter, crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic parmesan, and oven roasted asparagus. Just to name a few!
You should also try my favorite way to enjoy these bites... I love to top them with chopped cucumber, olives, tomatoes, onion, feta cheese, and microgreens. Then I drizzle the salad with just a little bit of simple vinaigrette.
Storage & Freezing
Storing: Keep bites in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Place salmon bites in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before eating.
Reheat: Air fry leftover bites at 375F for about 3-5 minutes, just until warm through.
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound Salmon Fillets (cut into bites 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
- ¾ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1½ teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Oregano
- ¾ teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper (or as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer at 400℉ (3 minutes is default for the model I use).
- Place salmon cubes in a large mixing bowl along with olive oil, lemon juice and zest.
- Now, add all the seasonings - garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Gently toss the salmon cubes and seasonings together to combine well.
- Place the coated salmon cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for about 7-8 minutes or until flaky and cooked through. There is no need to flip or shake halfway through, but no harm if you do it.
- Garnish with your favorite topping / sides and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Chill the salmon before slicing to make clean knife cuts.
- Cut the salmon into even bite sizes so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Keep the bites in a single layer without touching. Work in batches if needed!
- Rest the cooked bites for 5 mins before serving. This lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- These salmon bites keep well n sealed container for 3 days and in the freezer up to 2 months.
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