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Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

iamwinfred
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are little cubes of salmon seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon, then air fried until the edges turn golden and the inside stays tender. A quick toss in a warm garlic butter sauce right before serving takes them from good to the kind of thing people ask for again.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer Wide, flat basket recommended for single layer cooking
  • Mixing bowls For seasoning and tossing
  • Citrus zester
  • Tongs
  • Digital meat thermometer Instant read recommended for perfect doneness
  • Small saucepan For garlic butter sauce
  • Sharp knife For cubing salmon
  • Rubber spatula For gentle tossing (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds wild caught salmon fillet skin removed, cut into 1 inch cubes, 680g
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 30ml
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 42g, melted
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • neutral cooking oil for spraying air fryer basket

Instructions
 

  • Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Remove the skin if attached, then slice into strips and cut into roughly 1 inch cubes.
  • Place cubed salmon in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then add garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Toss gently until evenly coated.
  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with neutral cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  • Arrange salmon cubes in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between pieces. Air fry for 7-8 minutes, gently shaking halfway through, until edges are golden and internal temperature reaches 130-135°F.
  • While salmon cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
  • Transfer hot salmon bites to a serving bowl. Pour warm garlic butter over the top and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Cut salmon into uniform cubes so every piece finishes cooking at the same time.
  • Pat the fish very dry with paper towels before seasoning, as moisture prevents crisping.
  • Avoid overcrowding the basket, cook in batches if needed for even air circulation.
  • Use a digital thermometer for best results; salmon overcooks quickly past 140°F.
  • Add the garlic butter after cooking, not before, so the sauce stays glossy instead of burning in the air fryer.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, avoid microwaving which dries out the fish.
  • For a Cajun version, swap smoked paprika and garlic powder for Cajun seasoning blend.
  • For teriyaki style, marinate cubed salmon in teriyaki sauce for 15 minutes before air frying.
  • For extra crunch, toss seasoned cubes in panko breadcrumbs before air frying.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 27gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 430mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg
Keyword air fryer salmon, air fryer salmon bites, garlic butter salmon, salmon bites
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