These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are one of those quick, flavorful recipes I reach for again and again—especially on those nights when I want something healthy and tasty without a whole lot of work. They’re bite-sized, perfectly seasoned, and get a beautiful crispness from the air fryer in just minutes.
The best part? You don’t need breading, marinating, or fancy ingredients. Just salmon, a few pantry spices, and your trusty air fryer.
Why I Keep This on My Weekly Dinner Rotation
If you’ve got salmon and 15 minutes, you can make this dish. I started making these bites when my kids got tired of plain baked salmon, and I needed something that felt fresh but didn’t take forever. I tossed together some spices, threw the salmon cubes in the air fryer, and wow—the crispy edges, juicy centers, and deep flavor had us hooked instantly.
Now I make them for quick dinners, meal prep lunches, or even as a high-protein snack when I’m feeling fancy. They’re especially good with a side of rice and some spicy mayo or yogurt dip on top.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Salmon Fillets
Look for skinless fillets and cut them into small cubes—this helps them cook evenly and quickly. I usually aim for 1-inch pieces.
Olive Oil
A splash of olive oil helps the spices cling and gives you that golden brown crust. You could also use avocado oil if you prefer a more neutral flavor.
Paprika, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Thyme
This combo is my go-to, but honestly, you can play around here. Sweet paprika gives a nice mild heat, and cumin adds that smoky depth I love. You can swap in other spice blends too (more on that below).
Salt & Black Pepper
Simple seasoning is key. Don’t skip it—it makes everything pop.
Fresh Lemon Wedges
I always squeeze a bit of lemon over the salmon right before serving. It brightens the flavor and balances out the richness.
Want to Switch It Up? Try These Add-Ons
- Change the seasoning: Try Cajun, za’atar, Old Bay, taco seasoning—whatever matches your mood.
- Serve it with a sauce: Spicy mayo is our favorite, but tzatziki, garlic yogurt, or tahini sauce are all great choices.
- Swap the fish: Cod, tilapia, or halibut all work here. Just cut them into cubes and cook the same way.
- Add fresh herbs on top: Parsley, dill, mint, or cilantro all add a nice burst of freshness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Them
This is my weeknight speed cooking trick. From prep to plate in under 20 minutes.
-
Prep the Salmon
Cut your salmon into small, even cubes. I usually do this while the air fryer preheats to 400°F. -
Toss with Oil & Spices
In a large bowl, combine the salmon, olive oil, and spices. Gently toss until everything is coated. Don’t overmix—you want the cubes to hold their shape. -
Into the Air Fryer
Place the salmon cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Leave a little space between them—this helps with even browning. -
Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The salmon should be cooked through, crisp on the edges, and tender inside.
A Few Tips I’ve Learned Along the Way
- Cut the salmon evenly. Uneven cubes = uneven cooking. Aim for consistency so everything finishes at the same time.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. If I’m making a big batch, I cook in two rounds. Crowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
- Shake halfway through. This keeps the browning even and prevents the top side from overcooking while the bottom stays pale.
- Watch your air fryer. They all run a little different—some hotter, some cooler. Use the first batch as a test to find your perfect timing.
What Goes Great With These Salmon Bites
These are super versatile, so you can build a full meal around them or keep it simple. Some of my favorite combos:
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice + spicy mayo + air fryer broccoli
- Mixed greens + cherry tomatoes + lemony dressing + a few salmon bites on top
- Noodle bowls with sesame oil, cucumber ribbons, and a handful of salmon bites
- Even tucked into lettuce wraps with crunchy veggies and your favorite sauce
Storage and Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (rare in my house), just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days.
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 375°F. They’ll crisp right back up without drying out.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes—but thaw it completely first and pat dry with paper towels so the spices stick and it doesn’t steam.
How do I know when the salmon’s done?
It should flake easily with a fork and have a light pink center. I usually test a piece after 8 minutes and add a minute or two if needed.
Can I meal prep these?
Absolutely. You can cook the salmon bites ahead of time and store them for lunches. I like to pack them with rice and steamed veggies for an easy grab-and-go meal.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Crispy on the outside, buttery tender inside—these air fryer salmon bites are one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to. Whether you serve them as a protein-packed snack, toss them on a salad, or make them the star of your dinner plate, they’re simple, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Spicy mayo, optional for dipping
Instructions
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. While it heats up, add the salmon pieces to a large bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil and sprinkle all the spices over the top. Gently toss everything together so the salmon is evenly coated.
- Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overlapping. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through to help them brown evenly on all sides.
- Once they’re golden and cooked through, pull them out and squeeze a little fresh lemon over the top. Serve with spicy mayo or your favorite dip on the side.
Notes
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 400°F for a couple of minutes to bring back that crispness. The microwave works too, though they won’t stay as crispy.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 532Total Fat 34gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 144mgSodium 435mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 51g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Notes
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are the kind of meal that feels like a win every time. Quick, flavorful, satisfying—and somehow, they always disappear faster than I expect. Once you try them, you’ll see why they’ve become a favorite in my kitchen.
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