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Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a healthy dinner and completely fuss-free to make; tender fresh salmon chunks are coated in the most perfect spice rub blend, and then air fried to absolute perfection. This delicious salmon recipe is completely versatile – so add these crispy air fryer salmon bites to rice bowls, salads, or tacos!
For all the salmon lovers – be sure and also try Pan Seared Salmon with a lemon garlic butter sauce!
Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe
This air fryer salmon recipe is a great way to get kids to eat this high-protein and lean fish. The little chunks of seasoned salmon resemble nuggets and we all know kids will eat pretty much anything if it looks like a chicken nugget! At least mine will!
So pull out that air fryer and let’s make air fryer salmon nuggets that the whole family can enjoy because they’re not too spicy, easy to eat, and the best part is that they can be served so many different ways.
Simple Ingredients Needed
The ingredient list might look long but most of it is dried seasonings! Instead of using a package of cajun-style blackening seasonings, I like to create my own because I think it tastes better, it’s cheaper, and I always have dried seasoning on hand in my pantry. So grab some fresh salmon filets and let’s make seasoned salmon bites.
- Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Dried Thyme
- Dried Oregano
- Sea Salt
- Chili Powder
- Cayenne Pepper : You can use more if you want more spice, use less for a more mild spice, or try using black pepper instead, or omit entirely from the spice rub.
- Skinless Salmon Fillets : I prefer using fresh salmon (I love the salmon from Costco). You can also use frozen salmon, just be sure to fully thaw the fish before proceeding with the recipe.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil : This elevates the flavor of the fresh fish while also assisting in crisping the salmon bites in the air fryer. Another good oil to use is avocado oil.
- Fresh Lemon : Garnish the salmon bites with freshly squeezed lemon juice. This is optional for serving.
How To Make Seasoned Crispy Salmon Bites In The Air Fryer (Printable Recipe Card)
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all the dried seasonings. Set aside.
Using a sharp knife, cut each salmon filet into 1-inch x 2-inch chunks. Place the salmon cubes in a mixing bowl and drizzle the olive oil over top. Gently toss and stir the salmon in the oil until coated.
Next, sprinkle the dried seasoning mix over top the salmon. Gently use your clean hands, or a spoon, to rub and toss the spices all over each salmon piece until well coated on all sides.
Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the salmon bites in the basket, in a single layer, and cook at 400 degrees F for 4 minutes on one side. Flip the salmon over and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes or until the salmon chunks are golden brown on both sides with crispy edges, and the internal temperature is at 145 degrees F.
Carefully remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and serve them as is, or over a bed of rice, and drizzle with some fresh lemon juice. Enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
Store the salmon bites in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Eat the salmon bites as is!
- Mix the bite-sized salmon pieces into a salad. I love to buy a bag of the ready-to-use salad mixes (the ones that come with the dressing + toppings already) and then add in the salmon bites on top of a salad. This makes a delicious lunch and it’s a yummy way to use up leftover salmon bites.
- Make salmon tacos. Heat up some corn tortillas and then use the salmon bites inside the shells, top with your favorite salad dressing or sauce, and then add toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, or a slaw type mixture.
- Serve the salmon bites over a bed of your favorite rice to create a rice bowl; white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, etc and then pile it with some toppings such as sliced cucumbers, a slaw mixture, pico de gallo, edamame, a salad mix, tartar sauce, hummus, your favorite dressing.
Recipe Tips For Making Easy Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the fish is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- Make sure that you are placing the seasoned salmon chunks in a single layer inside the air fryer. You want the air to be able to circulate all around the salmon, which will make the exterior crispy and browned, and gives the salmon a great texture.
- Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you want spicy salmon bites. If you want no heat at all then omit the cayenne pepper entirely from the recipe.
- The squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked salmon bites takes them to a whole other level! I highly recommend adding that citrus squeeze before serving. Or you can always serve some lemon wedges on the side and let everyone add it to their own serving, if wanted.
More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Crab Cakes
- Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Air Fryer Pigs In A Blanket
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste, or omit)
- 2 (8 oz each) skinless salmon filets
- 1 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- fresh lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all the dried seasonings. Set aside.1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Using a sharp knife, cut each salmon filet into 1-inch x 2-inch chunks. Place the salmon cubes in a mixing bowl and drizzle the olive oil over top. Gently toss and stir the salmon in the oil until coated.2 (8 oz each) skinless salmon filets, 1 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Next, sprinkle the dried seasoning mix over top the salmon. Gently use your clean hands, or a spoon, to rub and toss the spices all over each salmon piece until well coated on all sides.
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the salmon bites in the basket, in a single layer, and cook at 400℉ for 4 minutes on one side. Flip the salmon over and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes or until the salmon chunks are golden brown on both sides with crispy edges, and the internal temperature is at 145℉. *My air fryer beeps halfway through to flip the food, so I set the air fryer cook time for about 7-8 minutes and flip the salmon bites halfway through the cook time.
- Carefully remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and serve them as is, over cooked rice, in tacos or lettuce wraps, or in a salad. Drizzle the salmon with some fresh lemon juice. Enjoy!fresh lemon wedges
Notes
Nutrition
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