Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Why Salmon Bites?

Okay, so I used to think the same thing—like, why bother cutting the salmon first and cooking it in pieces when I could just cook the whole fillet and chop it up later? But then I tried making air fryer salmon bites, and OMG, total game changer! The seasoning coats every single piece perfectly, and they get all crispy on the outside, which you just can’t get when you cook the whole Air-fried Salmon. Plus, the bites cook way faster and more evenly, so you don’t end up with dry edges or raw spots. Trust me, once you try them this way, you’ll get why cooking the bites first is 100% worth it!

Air-fried Salmon bites are basically the fancier, healthier cousin of Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. I love them for snacking, throwing on top of a salad, or impressing my family when I’m on dinner duty. Plus, they cook up in under 8 minutes, so you can spend more time doing… literally anything else.

The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside while keeping them tender and flaky inside. Bonus: you only need a tablespoon of oil, so they’re pretty healthy too. You can dip them in your favorite sauces (hello, Spicy Mayo or Ranch), or eat them as is.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious salmon bites:

• 1 pound fresh salmon fillet (skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup Adding soy sauce and maple syrup to air fryer salmon bites creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, with a hint of caramelization that makes them irresistible!
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer

Prepare the Salmon

• Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.

Season the Salmon

• In a mixing bowl, toss the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, soy sauce and maple syrup (if using).
• Ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Air Fry Salmon Bites

• Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
• Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket (or flipping each piece) halfway through to ensure even crispiness.

Serve and Enjoy

• Once cooked, garnish the salmon bites with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or side.

Tips for the Best Damn Air Fryer Salmon Bites

1. Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between salmon pieces for optimal air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
2. Choose Fresh Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets yield the best flavor and texture. If using frozen salmon, ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
3. Customize Seasonings: Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or drizzle with honey and soy sauce for a sweet-savory twist.
4. Use a Liner: Use parchment paper or liners designed for air fryers. Using parchment paper for air fryer salmon bites makes cleanup easier, but it can slightly reduce the crispiness of the edges—though they’ll still taste amazing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make air fryer salmon bites with frozen salmon?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon to make air fryer salmon bites, but be sure to fully thaw and pat it dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, evenly cooked bites.

Do I need to remove skin from salmon?

Yes, it’s best to remove the skin from salmon when making air fryer salmon bites to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. The skin can prevent seasoning from coating the salmon evenly and might not crisp up well in the air fryer. Once the skin is removed, you can cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces and season them thoroughly.

To remove the skin from salmon when making air fryer salmon bites, place the salmon fillet on a cutting board, skin-side down. Using a sharp knife, carefully slide the blade between the skin and the flesh at the tail end of the fillet. Once you’ve made a small incision, grip the skin with your other hand (or use a paper towel for a better grip) and gently pull while continuing to cut along the skin with the knife. Make sure to keep the knife angled slightly downward to avoid wasting any of the fish. Once the skin is removed, you can cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces for your air fryer recipe!

Can I use wild-caught salmon for salmon bites?

Definitely! Wild-caught salmon is leaner, thinner, and has a richer flavor than farmed salmon, so it works great for this recipe. Just make sure to remove the skin if it’s on, and cut it into bite-sized pieces before popping it in the air fryer. It might cook a little faster since it’s leaner, so check on it after about 5-6 minutes. The bites should be crispy on the outside and soft and flaky on the inside. You can use a fork to check if it’s done, or use a meat thermometer – aim for 125°F (52°C) for a tender, juicy texture, or 145°F (63°C) for a more well-done bite!

How to store leftovers?

Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

Can I add breadcrumbs to my salmon bites for extra crunch?

Absolutely! Toss the salmon bites in seasoned bread crumbs or panko for a crispy coating that takes their texture to the next level. Cook at the same temperature for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway.

Are they good for meal prep?

Yes, air fryer salmon bites are great for meal prep! Store them in the fridge for up to 3-5 days and reheat in the air fryer for a quick, healthy meal or snack.

More Air Fryer Fish Recipes You’ll Love

If you love air fryer salmon bites, there are plenty of other air fryer seafood recipes to try! Breaded Air Fryer Cod is a great option for fish tacos, while Air Fryer Tilapia is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. For something snackable, Air-fried Shrimp are always a hit – shrimp cooks super fast and gets perfectly juicy with a crispy coating. Want a little spice? Try spicy Cajun shrimp for bold, zesty flavors. These recipes are all quick, easy, and deliver perfectly cooked seafood with minimal cleanup!