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Air Fryer Salmon Bites in a white bowl topped with sesame seeds and fresh parsley

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Emily Wilson
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick healthy dinner with crispy edges, tender centers, and simple seasoning that works for busy weeknights. Ready in about 15 minutes, this high protein dinner is great for rice bowls, salads, wraps, or easy family meals.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients
  

Salmon Bites

  • 1.5 lb salmon fillet skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt or to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Optional for Serving

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill chopped
  • lemon wedges for serving
  • cooked rice, quinoa, salad greens, or roasted vegetables for serving
  • yogurt sauce, spicy mayo, honey mustard, or garlic aioli for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Let it heat for 3 to 5 minutes so the salmon starts cooking right away and browns more evenly.
  • Pat the salmon dry with paper towels, then cut it into even 1-inch cubes. Dry salmon helps the seasoning stick better and gives you a lightly crisp exterior.
  • Add the salmon cubes to a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss gently until evenly coated.
  • Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between the pieces so hot air can circulate. Cook in batches if needed.
  • Air fry for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the salmon halfway through. The salmon is done when the outside is lightly browned and the center flakes easily.
  • Let the salmon rest for 1 minute, then transfer to a plate. Finish with chopped parsley or dill and serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides or sauce.

Notes

Patting the salmon dry is one of the best ways to improve texture in the air fryer. Try to cut the pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate. Do not overcrowd the basket or the salmon may steam instead of crisping. For best results, start checking for doneness at 7 minutes, especially if your cubes are small or your air fryer runs hot. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes.
Nutrition Facts:
  • Calories: 280
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Potassium: 620 mg
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Vitamin A: 180 IU
  • Vitamin C: 4 mg
  • Calcium: 20 mg
  • Iron: 1 mg