Making quick air fryer salmon bites has gradually become a staple in our house. I love that this method gives a yummy delight in minutes! This air fryer salmon bite tops the chart when you ask my son what he wants for dinner!
Since the air frying uses hot air circulation to cook food, which means less oil is required. This results in healthier, crispier salmon bites without the excessive calories or greasiness of traditional frying.
WHY COOK SALMON IN THE AIR FRYER?
I love cooking my salmon in the air fryer due to several benefits. Few of these include:
1. Consistent Results: I get the same result each time with my air fryer’s salmon bites. This gives a consistently cooked piece of salmon every time, with the desired flakiness on the inside and a slightly crispy exterior.
2. Healthier Option: Traditional methods of preparing salmon, such as pan-frying, often require more oil. The air fryer allows you to achieve a similar texture with significantly less oil, making it a healthier cooking option.
3. Faster Cooking Time, Flavor Retention, Less Mess are other
INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE THESE AIR FRYER SALMON BITES
- Salmon fillet: This is the main ingredient. You can use either fresh or frozen Salmon. If the salmon you are using still has skin on, remove it and cut it into bite-sized pieces – I usually go for about 2″ thickness. Make sure to have a similar size to prevent burning and even cooking of all the salmon bites.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil: Adds flavor. The perfect medium for the spices to mix properly into the salmon.
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter: Adds flavor to your salmon bites!
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Optional: lemon zest or fresh herbs for added flavor
HOW TO MAKE IT Salmon Bites in an air fryer
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed salmon pieces with olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and any optional seasonings. Toss until the salmon is well-coated.
Step 4: Cook for 12 – 15 minutes until the golden brown salmon flakes easily with a fork, shake or turn half way for even cooking of your salmon.
Step 3: Place the seasoned salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they aren’t touching so that they cook evenly.
My Pro Tip: Because of the butter and oil used in seasoning plus the oil from the salmon, I love cooking mineinside a removable basket to reduce mess, smoke (from the butter)!
Serve immediately with your favorite dip/sauce or dishes.
VARIATIONS TO THIS RECIPE
You can make your salmon bites in the oven. Eithe refresh or frozen salmon will work for this recipe. Make sure to properly defrost frozen salmon before cooking.
What should I serve with salmon bites?
Salmon bites, with their rich flavor and crispy exterior, can be paired with a variety of sides to create a balanced and delicious meal. Here are some popular side dishes that I enjoy serving with salmon bites:
Vegetables: Roasted Asparagus, Steamed Green Beans, Brussels Sprouts and Grilled Zucchini or Eggplant.
Starches: Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Quinoa Salad, Rice an dSweet Potato Fries.
IS SALMON GOOD FOR YOU?
Absolutely, salmon is renowned for being incredibly nutritious and offers a plethora of health benefits. Here are several reasons why salmon is good for you. It is rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, High-Quality Protein, Packed with Vitamins and Minerals.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but ensure it’s fully thawed before seasoning and cooking. Thawed salmon ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.
What dips or sauces pair well with salmon bites?
Salmon bites are versatile and go well with tartar sauce, lemon aioli, yogurt dill dip, or even a simple squeeze of lemon.
How long do Air Fryer Salmon Bites last in the refrigerator?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven for the best results.
Can I use other seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Consider adding some smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a touch of brown sugar for a sweet and spicy variant.
Quick Salmon Bites in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- Salmon fillet - Dice into cubes of about 2"
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Optional: lemon zest or fresh herbs for added flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized salmon pieces, with olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and any optional seasonings. Toss until the salmon is well-coated.
Step 3: Place the seasoned salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they aren’t touching so that they cook evenly.
Step 4: Cook for 10-12 minutes until the golden brown salmon flakes easily with a fork, shake, or turn halfway for even cooking of your salmon.
Serve immediately with your favorite dip/sauce or dishes.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Salmon Bites are not just a healthy snack option but also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or want to introduce fish to the kids in a fun way, these salmon bites are the perfect choice. Happy cooking!
Other yummy air fryer recipes to try
About the Author
I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many amazing tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!
