Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Lemon Butter

Are you looking for a quick, delicious dinner option that’s both healthy and full of flavor? These air fryer salmon bites are about to become your new weeknight favorite! Perfectly cooked in just minutes, these tender, juicy bites of salmon are coated in a mouthwatering garlic lemon butter sauce that makes them absolutely irresistible.

I wasn’t always confident cooking salmon at home, but when I discovered how foolproof this method is, it became a staple in our house.

Even my picky eaters Sophia and James both cleaned their plates the first time I made these a true miracle in our household!

If you enjoy seafood recipes, you’ll also love my honey garlic salmon bites which use a similar technique but with a different flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Fast and foolproof: Ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish with minimal hands-on time.

Family-friendly: Even kids who normally turn up their noses at fish tend to enjoy these bite-sized, non-fishy tasting morsels.

Versatile: Works perfectly as a main dish, protein topper for salads, or even as a high-protein snack.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon Bites

![Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon Bites]

• ▢ 1 pound skinless salmon filet: Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best results. I prefer wild-caught when possible, but farm-raised works too.
• ▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon.
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
• ▢ 3 tablespoons melted butter: Creates a rich, golden exterior on the salmon bites.
• ▢ 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps cut through the richness.
• ▢ 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the salmon with savory flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites

![Step-by-step photo of air fryer salmon bites preparation]

1: Prep the Salmon

Cut your salmon filet into 1-inch cubes. Try to make them relatively equal in size so they cook evenly. Place them in a medium mixing bowl.

Season the salmon with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.

2: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Pour this mixture over the seasoned salmon cubes and toss gently to ensure each piece is coated in the flavorful sauce.

3: Air Fry to Perfection

Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or an air fryer liner. This is crucial as it prevents the sauce from dripping through and keeps the salmon from sticking.

Place the salmon bites in the lined basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching. If needed, cook in two batches rather than overcrowding.

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model and how well done you prefer your salmon. There’s no need to flip or shake the basket during cooking.

You’ll know they’re done when the salmon is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

4: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the salmon bites from the air fryer. Don’t forget to drizzle any remaining garlic lemon butter sauce from the air fryer basket over the salmon before serving!

Serve hot with your favorite sides for a complete meal, or use these salmon bites as a protein topper for salads, grain bowls, or pasta.

Tips for Perfect Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer

• Pat the salmon dry before cutting it into cubes. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes better browning.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If making a larger batch, cook in multiple rounds to ensure even cooking and proper air circulation.
• Check for doneness a minute early, especially if your air fryer runs hot. Overcooked salmon can become dry.
• Use a liner in your air fryer basket. This isn’t just for easy cleanup—it helps keep the delicious sauce with the salmon instead of dripping through the basket.
• Try to cut the salmon pieces uniformly in size so they cook at the same rate.

Flavorful Variations

Add Honey: Mix 1 tablespoon of honey into the sauce for sweet and savory honey salmon bites: that caramelize beautifully in the air fryer.

Go Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.

Herbed Salmon: Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs (dill, parsley, or chives) to the sauce before coating the salmon.

Asian-Inspired: Swap the lemon juice for lime, add a teaspoon of grated ginger, and substitute half the butter with toasted sesame oil.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon Bites

These versatile salmon bites pair well with so many sides! Here are some of my favorite combinations:

• Steamed rice or cauliflower rice with roasted vegetables
• Quinoa or couscous salad with fresh herbs
• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli

How to Store and Reheat

Storage: Store leftover air fryer salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I don’t recommend freezing them as the texture can become mushy when thawed.

Reheating: The best way to reheat these salmon bites is in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for just 1-2 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but the texture won’t be as good.

FAQs

Recipes You May Like

• Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe
• How to Cook Salmon Without White Stuff
• What to Pair with Maple Salmon

The Verdict: Quick, Easy, and Delicious

These air fryer salmon bites have become one of my family’s most-requested weeknight dinners. They’re so quick to make, packed with flavor, and a healthy option that doesn’t taste like “diet food.”

The air fryer gives them the perfect texture tender and flaky inside with a slightly crisp exterior.

David always comments on how restaurant-quality they taste, and I love that I can have a protein-packed dinner on the table in less than 15 minutes.

If you’ve been hesitant to cook salmon at home, this foolproof method is the perfect place to start.

Give these air fryer salmon bites a try this week, Love this recipe? Pin it on Pinterest so you can find it easily next time. Drop a comment below or tag me in your food photos on social media.

Happy cooking! Iris

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