This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This easy air fryer salmon bites recipe is a hassle-free way to cook deliciously tender salmon! They’re perfectly seasoned and great with salads, rice bowls, and more.
Try my Air Fryer Buffalo Wings or Air Fryer Bacon next.
Why you’ll love it
I make salmon on the regular, and it’s because of my air fryer. Several times a week, in fact. It’s just so quick and effortless! These simple salmon bites are evenly cooked with the tender, juicy moisture locked in thanks to the evenly circulated heat in the air fryer.
A little savory-smoky flavor from a few pantry seasonings makes this air fryer salmon recipe totally irresistible. When you pair it with my creamy Bang Bang Sauce in your favorite bowl or salad, it’s next-level tasty! I crave these little salmon nuggets very often.
What you’ll need
- Salmon – choose a filet that’s about an inch thick
- Olive oil – use a spray can. The beauty of air frying is that you can get away with much less oil!
- Seasoning blend – I use a trio of seasoning salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder
Helpful tips
- Air fryers all vary, so I recommend checking early for doneness. The salmon should flake easily with a fork. It’s easy to cook it for a little more time if needed!
- Air fryers need the air to circulate around the food properly, so ensure the salmon bites aren’t touching each other. Do two batches if needed.
- I prefer the taste and fattiness of Atlantic salmon, but feel free to use wild salmon if you prefer. Keep in mind it can dry out faster, so be mindful of cooking time.
How to make air fryer salmon bites
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Cut the salmon into cubes. In a prep bowl, toss it with the seasoning mixture. Spray the air fryer basket with a light sheen of oil.
Add the salmon in a single, even layer, working in batches if necessary. Air fry until cooked through (no need to flip). Serve as suggested below.
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- This is my go-to air fryer model.
- These magnetic nested measuring spoons don’t get separated in your drawer.
- Toss the salmon with the spices in a glass prep bowl, and chop it up with a sharp chef’s knife.
Substitutions and variations
- You can swap the suggested seasonings with your favorite herbs/spices. I love Trader Joe’s salmon rub, for example.
- The options are endless! Lemon pepper seasoning, add a hint of cayenne for heat… it’s up to you.
What to serve with these salmon bites
- I love making a bowl with cooked rice, sliced avocado and cucumbers, scallions, sesame seeds, and the above mentioned bang bang sauce. Your favorite noodles will work as well.
- You could get creative and add them to some pasta with my Quick Homemade Alfredo Sauce, or make tacos with these salmon bites and my Chipotle Ranch Dressing. They’re very versatile.
Leftovers and storage
- I prefer to eat leftover fish within 1-2 days. You can freeze the leftovers for 3 months, but they can dry out a bit and change texture.
- Heat them up in the air fryer at 350F for a couple of minutes until warmed through.
- Salmon bites are great cold in a salad the next day. Try my 10 Minute Caesar Dressing and make a quick salmon Caesar salad!
More easy salmon recipes
Is the air fryer also your favorite method for cooking salmon? Talk to me in the comments below! Or tag me on Instagram so that I can feature your S&L creations.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon about 1" thick
- Olive oil spray as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt see note
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For serving (optional):
- Bang Bang Sauce to taste
- Cooked rice, avocado, scallions to taste
Instructions
- If making the bang bang sauce and other serving suggestions, it's a good idea to prep it prior to starting the salmon bites recipe.
- Cut your salmon into 1" cubes. If it has the skin on, you can use a sharp knife to remove the skin prior to cutting it up, or leave the skin on if you prefer (it'll get nice and crispy!).
- Add the salmon to a bowl and toss with the seasoning salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Spray your air fryer basket with the olive oil spray. Add the salmon in a single layer (you may need to do 2 batches).
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes at 400F or until the salmon is cooked through (I don't preheat the air fryer or turn/flip the salmon).
- Serve as desired. I love making a bowl with rice, avocado, scallions, and plenty of bang bang sauce!
Notes
- Seasoning salt or Tony’s Original seasoning works great. Or use regular salt & pepper if you prefer.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
© Salt & Lavender Inc. Content and photographs are copyrighted. Sharing this blog post is much appreciated, but copying and pasting full recipes without authorization to social media is strictly prohibited.
Leave a comment