Savor the Flavor: Tasty Air Fryer Salmon Bites for a Quick and Delicious Treat
Are you a seafood lover who craves the perfect combination of healthy and tasty? Look no further! These air fryer salmon bites are not only mouthwatering, but also a fantastic alternative to deep frying. Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids and flavorful spices, these scrumptious bites will leave you wanting more. Read on for the easiest and most delightful air fryer salmon bites recipe that’ll have you whipping up a storm in no time!
Ingredients
- 1lb salmon, cubed
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest, optional
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges, for serving optional
Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 stick of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup parsley
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
- Season the salmon: In a bowl, season salmon cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Air fry the salmon bites: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the coated salmon cubes in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch to allow for even cooking. Lightly spray the top of the salmon bites with olive oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, turning halfway for even browning.
- Make the sauce: Place the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant. Pour heavy cream and lemon juice in and let it cook for another 2 minutes. Stir frequently. Add the remainder of the ingredients and set aside.
- Serve: Remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Pour the lemon garlic sauce over the salmon bites and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
These air fryer salmon bites are perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner or as a delicious appetizer for your next get-together. They’re not only easy to prepare, but also bursting with flavor and nutrients. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed with these delectable, crunchy, and tender salmon bites that’ll have you savoring every last morsel.
Top Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Bites Every Time
- Choose fresh, quality salmon: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets to ensure the best flavor and texture. Look for bright, firm, and moist flesh. Frozen salmon can be used as well, but make sure to thaw it properly in the refrigerator before use.
- Remove the skin: To achieve even cooking and better breading adhesion, remove the skin from the salmon fillet before cutting into cubes.
- Pat the salmon dry: Before coating the salmon cubes, pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture stick better, resulting in a crispier crust.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and create a flakier, crunchier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs. If you prefer gluten-free options, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Season to taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture. Some other popular options include dill, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for added heat.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Place the salmon bites in a single layer with some space between each piece to ensure even cooking and browning. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures the salmon bites cook evenly and develop a crispy crust. Give it 3-5 minutes to reach the desired temperature before adding the salmon.
- Turn the salmon bites: Flip the salmon bites halfway through the cooking time to achieve even browning and cooking on all sides.
- Check for doneness: Air fryer models may vary in cooking times, so keep an eye on your salmon bites. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve your air fryer salmon bites as soon as they’re done cooking. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a delicious and balanced meal.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating perfect, flavorful air fryer salmon bites that are sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy!
4
servings5
minutes10
minutes1069.51
kcal15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Salmon Bites
1 lb salmon, cubed
2 tbsp garlic powder
2 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp lemon pepper
1 tbsp paprika
2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp lemon zest, optional
Olive oil spray
Lemon wedges, for serving optional
- Garlic Lemon Sauce
1/2 stick of unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup lemon, juiced
2 tbsp minced garlic
1/4 cup parsley
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Prep the salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
- Season the salmon: In a bowl, season salmon cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Air fry the salmon bites: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the coated salmon cubes in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch to allow for even cooking. Lightly spray the top of the salmon bites with olive oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, turning halfway for even browning.
- Make the sauce: Place the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant. Pour heavy cream and lemon juice in and let it cook for another 2 minutes. Stir frequently. Add the remainder of the ingredients and set aside.
- Serve: Remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Pour the lemon garlic sauce over the salmon bites and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
