Tasty and Healthy Air Fried Salmon Bites: A Must-Try Recipe!
Looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that's not only delicious but also fun to eat? These Air Fried Salmon Bites are packed with flavor, full of protein, and cook up in no time, making them the perfect option for those busy weeknights. Plus, they're incredibly versatile, so that you can customize them with your favorite sauces and dips.
Looking for more delicious air fryer recipes with salmon? Check out my air fryer salmon cookbook.
Tasty and Healthy Air Fried Salmon Bites: A Must-Try Recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe:
One of the things I adore about air fried salmon bites is how fun they are to eat! They are just perfect for popping right into your mouth - no utensils necessary. Also, if you're pressed for time, this appetizer is your new best friend. These little snacks cook up so much faster than a whole salmon fillet.
Serving this side dish over a bed of fluffy rice with some steamed veggies on the side is one of my favorite ways to enjoy them. I love how versatile they are too- there are so many different flavor variations you can experiment with.
I love how you can drizzle them with a different sauce every time you eat them to keep things interesting. Plus, they also make fantastic dippers, so be sure to eat them with your favorite sauce or dip.
Air Fried Salmon Bites Ingredients
2 portions of salmon
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp ginger powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp parsley flakes
2 tbsp paprika
How to Make Air Fried Salmon Bites
Take your two portions of salmon and begin by cubing them into bite-sized pieces. This is the key to getting that perfect pop-in-your-mouth size.
Cube the salmon then toss in the olive oil to coat. Sprinkle the garlic powder + onion powder + ginger & salt. Mix to combine in a small bowl.
Coat the seasoned salmon cubes in the panko + parsley mixture evenly. Finish with dipping in paprika on both sides.
Preheat your air fryer to 380F (I used my Wonder Oven for this recipe!). Once it's up to temperature, arrange your salmon cubes in a single layer, ensuring they're not overcrowded. This is essential for achieving that lovely golden-brown exterior. Leave the salmon bites in the air fryer for 6 minutes.
Flavor Variations
BBQ:
A BBQ twist can add a smoky, tangy dimension that pairs remarkably well with the rich, meaty texture of salmon. Brush your salmon bites with your favorite BBQ sauce before popping them in the air fryer. For an even deeper flavor, you can give them another quick brush after they're done cooking. The result? Sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky salmon bites.
Teriyaki:
If you're a fan of Asian flavors, a Teriyaki variation is for you. Swap out the Cajun seasoning for a simple marinade of Teriyaki sauce, with its perfect balance of sweet and savory, before air frying. You can sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
Garlic:
Shaking your salmon bites in a blend of minced garlic, parsley, and a dash of salt before frying will make the garlic slightly crispy, offering a punchy, aromatic flavor that goes beautifully with the salmon.
Lemon:
For a light and zesty variation, try a lemon-flavored version. You can marinate the salmon bites in a mixture of lemon zest, lemon juice, and a bit of thyme before frying. This gives the salmon a bright, tangy flavor that's utterly refreshing.
Olive Oil:
Just a good drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil mixed with a touch of salt and pepper can elevate the salmon bites into a Mediterranean dream. The olive oil not only enhances the natural flavor of the salmon but also gives the bites a beautiful golden color.
Honey Glazed:
A combination of honey, garlic, and lemon creates a deliciously sticky glaze that caramelizes as the salmon bites cook. With just a hint of tanginess from the lemon, this flavor variation adds a burst of flavor to the tender salmon.
Marinade:
Check out my other salmon recipes for a delicious marinade that you can use to drizzle or as a dip for these salmon bites.
Air Fried Salmon Bites FAQs
How long does it take to air fry salmon bites?
It takes approximately 8 minutes to air fry salmon bites. The prep time is only 10 minutes, so you can have a delicious and healthy dinner ready in just 18 minutes.
What is the best seasoning for air fried salmon bites?
Cajun seasoning gives a flavorful and mildly hot kick to the salmon, making each bite incredibly tasty. The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder, salt, parsley flakes, and paprika in the cajun seasoning creates a perfect balance of flavors that enhances the natural taste of the salmon. However, if you're not a fan of cajun seasoning, you can also try other flavor variations such as BBQ, teriyaki, garlic, lemon, or simply season it with olive oil and salt for a more classic taste.
What dipping sauces go best with air fried salmon bites?
Tartar sauce, sweet chili sauce, honey mustard, soy ginger sauce, and sriracha mayo are just a few of the endless options for dipping sauces. Swap out some of your typical faves to keep the flavor variations going!
How do you store air fried salmon bites?
Let the salmon bites cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable bag. Then, pop them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
If you want to store them for longer, you can also freeze the salmon bites. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover salmon bites, simply heat them up in the air fryer or oven until they're warmed through. They may not be as crispy as when they were freshly cooked, but they will still taste delicious!
Air Fried Salmon Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- •2 portions of salmon
- •1 tbsp olive oil
- •1 tsp garlic powder
- •1 tsp onion powder
- •1/2 tsp ginger powder
- •1/4 tsp salt
- •1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- •1 tbsp parsley flakes
- •2 tbsp paprika
Instructions
- Cube the salmon then toss in the olive oil to coat. Sprinkle the garlic powder + onion powder + ginger & salt. Mix to combine.
- Coat the seasoned salmon cubes in the panko + parsley mixture evenly. Finish with dipping in paprika on both sides.
- Spray air fryer, air fry salmon cubes at 380F for 8 minutes until crispy & golden. Finish with honey!
