Name: Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-491719H2M31S
Total time: PT-491719H2M31S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound skinless salmon filet, cut into 1-inch cubes; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons melted butter; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves, minced

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Introduction

These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful salmon with minimal effort. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a protein-packed addition to your favorite salad or bowl.

A clear glass bowl filled with bright orange-red salmon chunks mixed with a grainy white garlic and black pepper seasoning, a black spatula with a light brown wooden handle resting inside it; above the bowl is a small white bowl holding pale yellow olive oil, below is a half lemon with its juicy interior showing, and a shiny silver metal lemon juicer on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound skinless salmon filet, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions

Step 1: Season the salmon. Place the salmon cubes in a mixing bowl, then sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to evenly coat.
Step 2: Add the sauce. To the same bowl, pour in the melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Toss again to combine all the flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the air fryer. Line the basket of your air fryer with a liner to prevent the sauce from dripping through and making a mess.
Step 4: Air fry the salmon bites. Place the salmon cubes and sauce into the lined basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches if necessary. There is no need to shake the basket during cooking.
Step 5: Serve. Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a plate and drizzle any remaining garlic lemon butter from the air fryer basket on top. Enjoy with your favorite sides, salads, or macro bowls.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh salmon for the best flavor, but frozen salmon thawed completely can also work well.
Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
Serve the bites over rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
If you don’t have a liner, you can use parchment paper cut to fit the basket, but make sure to poke small holes to allow hot air circulation.

Storage

Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature to keep them moist—avoid microwaving, which can dry them out.

How to Serve

A white plate holds many small, golden-orange pieces of cooked salmon with light charred marks and some black pepper spots. The salmon chunks show a moist and flaky texture with shiny surfaces and a few green herb bits scattered for color contrast. A fork rests on the side of the plate, partially touching the salmon, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on salmon for this recipe?

It’s best to use skinless salmon cubes for even cooking and better results in the air fryer. If using skin-on, consider removing the skin after cooking, as it may not crisp evenly in this small bite-sized format.

How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Using a liner or parchment paper in the air fryer basket helps prevent sticking, especially when cooking with buttery sauces. Lightly greasing the liner or basket can also help.