If you have never made Air Fryer Salmon Bites, you need to! I love using the air fryer to cook fish. It's fast, easy, and is always cooked to perfection. The salmon cooks in just 10 minutes. It's a great option for a quick dinner or even lunch! We will show you how to make salmon bites in the air fryer.
We are salmon lovers in my house and I am a huge fan of any recipe that can save time. Since a lot of steps can be done ahead of time, this is the best recipe if you're too busy or tired to cook. Plus, even your kids will love these crispy salmon bites from the air fryer.
If you like air fryer salmon recipes, you will love Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon and Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon or these kid friendly salmon recipes.
Why You'll Love This Salmon Bites in Air Fryer Recipe
- Ready in 15 minutes: It takes 5 minutes to prepare these salmon bites and just 10 minutes to air fry them.
- Weeknight dinner idea: This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Family favorite: These are the best air fryer salmon bites. Everyone will ask for them again!
- Budget-friendly: The main expense is the salmon and you can make this recipe when you can get it on sale or buy it in bulk so you have extra for other dinners.
Ingredients
The main ingredient for this recipe is the salmon. I typically have oil and seasonings on hand in my pantry. This makes these air-fried salmon bites super easy to make because you can use what you have to make them!
- Salmon: I use skinless salmon for this recipe but you can leave the skin on if you prefer. Cut the filet or filets into 1-inch pieces before seasoning them.
- Olive oil: The oil will be mixed with the seasonings to coat the salmon nuggets. It keeps the salmon moist but also helps the seasonings stick to the fish.
- Spices: Besides salt and pepper, I like to use paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can use anything you like. Other great options are chili powder and Italian seasoning.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Blackened salmon bites: Use your favorite blackening seasoning blend or make your own.
- Lemon pepper salmon bites: Season the salmon nuggets with lemon pepper seasoning and finish them with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Maple Dijon salmon bites: Combine your favorite Dijon mustard and maple syrup to make a sweet and tangy marinade.
- Spicy: Add a bit of chili pepper flakes, jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the seasoning mixture for a bit of heat.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Here are the instructions on how to make salmon air fryer bites. Before getting started, all you have to do is preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F and slice your salmon. It's super simple.
Step 1: Combine the oil and spices. Add the olive oil and spices to a large mixing bowl. Whisk it all together until well combined.
Step 2: Season the salmon chunks. Add the salmon bites to the seasoning mixture and evenly coat all of the pieces.
Step 3: Add the salmon to the air fryer basket. Place the salmon bites into the air fryer basket. Make sure there's a little bit of room in between them and that they are in an even layer without overlapping. Cook in batches if they won't all fit.
Step 4: Air fry the salmon. Cook the salmon nuggets for 5-7 minutes or until they flake with a fork. This ensures proper doneness and that they are tender.
⭐️ Hint: Grease the bottom of the air fryer basket with non-stick spray to keep the salmon bites from getting stuck to the bottom. You can also use a parchment paper liner.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy Fried Salmon Bites, Salmon Florentine, Salmon Quiche, Herb Crusted Salmon, Salmon Omelet or Salmon Pizza.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: To reheat, place in a 350-degree F oven or air fryer and gently warm for 3-4 minutes.
- Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Store altogether or in individual portions to make defrosting small amounts easy.
- Make Ahead of Time: Season your salmon bites the night before and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to air fry them.
Serving Suggestions
- Looking for an easy way to use leftover air fried salmon bites? Add them to this Best Greek Rice Salad or shred them and make Old Fashioned Salmon Patties.
- I love rice and noodles with salmon. Easy Coconut Ginger Rice and Gochujang Sesame Noodles are some of my favorite side dish ideas.
- Try Slow Cooker Cabbage or Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower for an easy veggie side to serve with salmon nuggets in the air fryer.
Recipe Tips
- Check the salmon halfway: Take a quick look at the salmon halfway through the cooking process. Shake the air fryer basket if needed.
- Pat the fish dry: I like to pat the salmon with paper towels before seasoning and cooking them. This ensures they become crispy on the outside.
- Marinate the salmon: Feel free to cover the bowl of salmon bites after tossing them in the oil and spices and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking them. It makes them more flavorful.
- Cook in batches: If you have a smaller air fryer basket, you may have to cook the salmon in batches.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. I recommend thawing the salmon before cooking it so it air fries evenly.
Absolutely! I love baked salmon bites, too. As long as you know how long to cook salmon bites in the air fryer, it's easy to figure out how long they need in the oven. Place the salmon chunks on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet. I typically add an extra 2 or 3 minutes to the air fryer cooking time.
No. Depending on their appearance, you may need to shake the basket a little to ensure they are getting even color.
More Delicious Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
Do you like simple recipes you can make in the air fryer? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless salmon cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk oil and seasonings together.
- Add salmon chunks to the bowl and stir until well-mixed.
- Transfer salmon to your greased air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400ºF for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.
Video
Notes
- Check the salmon halfway: Take a quick look at the salmon halfway through the cooking process. Shake the air fryer basket if needed.
- Pat the fish dry: I like to pat the salmon with paper towels before seasoning and cooking them. This ensures they become crispy on the outside.
- Marinate the salmon: Feel free to cover the bowl of salmon bites after tossing them in the oil and spices and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking them. It makes them more flavorful.
- Cook in batches: If you have a smaller air fryer basket, you may have to cook the salmon in batches.
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