Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Juicy and delicious, Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a must-try recipe for all seafood lovers. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but they also pack a punch of flavor. Healthy and perfect for bowls, as appetizer or as a protein-packed snack.

What’s your favorite protein source? For me, it is hands down salmon. Although I do consume plenty of chicken breast, egg whites, Greek yogurt and co., salmon is still the winner. Differently from other protein foods, whenever I eat salmon I feel satisfied for hours. That’s why it’s always on our weekly menu, usually served with basmati rice, broccoli and avocado. So good!

But this time I wanted something different from our usual baked fillet. So I cut it into dices, seasoned and air fried into these delicious salmon bites!

Get ready to sink your teeth into a tantalizing burst of flavor with this irresistible juicy salmon bite recipe! This dish combines the succulent goodness of salmon with a crispy exterior that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

Why is salmon a healthy food?

Salmon fish offers a wide range of health benefits, making it a popular choice among health conscious people. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, this fish is known to promote heart health by reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of coronary diseases.

The high protein content in salmon also supports muscle mass and increases satiety. Additionally, salmon is an excellent source of vitamins D and B12, which are crucial for bone health, immune function, and the production of red blood cells.

The ingredients

Here is all you need to make salmon bites in the air fryer:

• Salmon fillets: Choose skinless and boneless salmon fillets for easy preparation. Both fresh and thawed fillets works well for this recipe.
• Soy sauce: For a healthier dish this recipe recommends low sodium soy sauce, but you can also use regular soy sauce. Salty and slightly bitter, soy sauce is the main ingredient for the marinade.
• Sriracha: Sriracha is a popular hot sauce made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar and salt. It gives the salmon bites a touch of spiciness with a slightly sweet aftertaste. Replace with your favorite hot sauce, tabasco or ketchup.
• Honey: Adding honey to marinates is great for flavorsome air fryer salmon bites. It gives the fish a delicious barbecue flavor as it caramelizes. Maple syrup, agave syrup or even brown sugar are great substitutes to honey.
• Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a hint of garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray: Cooking spray or olive oil spray is mainly used to lightly coat the air fryer basket, preventing the salmon bites from sticking and promoting even browning.

Which salmon is best for air fryer?

This recipe requires skinless and boneless salmon fillets. Whether you use fresh or frozen fish is up to you. But in case your salmon fillets are frozen, you will need to thaw them ahead.

How to best thaw salmon?

The best way to thaw salmon is to do it gradually in the refrigerator. Remove the frozen fillet from its packaging and place on a plate or shallow dish. Cover it loosely and allow the salmon to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or until fully thawed. Once thawed, use within 1 to 2 days for optimal freshness. Avoid thawing salmon at room temperature or using hot water, as these methods can lead to uneven thawing and compromise the quality of the fish.

How to make air fryer salmon bites?

This salmon bites air fryer recipe is quick and simple. It comes together in less than 10 minutes in three easy steps.

Step 1: Prepare the salmon. Using a sharp knife, cut each salmon filet into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch pieces, and place in a bowl.

Step 2: Marinate salmon cubes. First, prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, sriracha, honey and garlic powder in a small bowl. When you are done, pour the marinade over the fish and toss to coat all salmon morsels.

Step 3: Air fry salmon bites. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil. Arrange the pieces of fish in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch each other. Spray more oil on top of the seasoned salmon bites, then cook in hot air fryer for 7 to 10 minutes. To ensure doneness, flip halfway through the cooking time.

Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon bites from the air fryer. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped parsley, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

How to store air fryer salmon bites?

Once cooked, serve immediately or allow salmon leftovers to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for a maximum of two days. If you want to store them for a longer period, let cool and freeze salmon bites in a freezer-safe container or zipping bags for up to 2 months. Before consuming, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly in the air fryer until warmed through.

Serving ideas

As appetizers or in a wrap, air fryer salmon nuggets are a versatile recipe with endless opportunities. Here are a couple of serving ideas that will elevate your dining experience:

1. As appetizer: Serve the air fryer salmon nuggets on a platter with toothpicks, alongside a selection of dipping sauces like tangy tartar sauce, zesty aioli, hot sauce or teriyaki sauce.
2. In salads: Add a fresh twist by serving your salmon bites in a salad full of goodness. Toss them with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing and nutritious meal.
3. In sliders: Create irresistible mini sliders by enjoying your fish between soft slider buns, along with some crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a dollop of flavorful sauce like sriracha or mayo.
4. Wrap It Up: Wrap the salmon nuggets in a warm tortilla with a medley of colorful veggies, avocado and your favorite sauce. Perfect for a scrumptious meal on-the-go!
5. For Buddha Bowls: Assemble a nourishing Buddha bowl with a base of quinoa, brown rice or cauliflower rice, and top it with the salmon bites, vegetables, avocado, and a drizzle of your favorite dressing.
6. With pasta: Make an irresistible pasta by serving it with white sauce and juicy air fried salmon bites.
7. For brunch plates: Incorporate the salmon morsels into a brunch menu by serving them alongside scrambled eggs, toasted bagels, cream cheese, sliced red onions, and capers for a classic combination.

Recipe tips

• Cut the fish into equal-sized bites so that all can cook homogeneously.
• Experiment with different seasonings or herbs to customize the flavors of your meal. A pinch of chili powder, paprika, cajun seasoning, grated ginger or cayenne pepper are great picks.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, when making the marinade abound with more sriracha or hot sauce.
• Season with salt and black pepper only if it is necessary, the soy sauce alone should be enough.
• Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon nuggets.
• Make sure you shake the air fryer basket halfway through so the fish cooks evenly.
• Serve when the air fryer salmon bites are still warm, they are perfect as side dish, appetizer or as a main.

More air fryer friendly recipes

• Air fryer zucchini fries
• Chickpea nuggets
• Low calorie chicken tenders

Watch the video recipe