This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
My kids love salmon, so I’m always finding creative ways to cook it! These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are my new creation (and favorite). They’re so easy and flavorful—thanks to a homemade spice mixture!—and crispy all the way around. That’s the beauty of an air fryer!
Table of Contents
- Recipe At a Glance
- Ingredients to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Popular Substitutions & Additions
- How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Salmon Bites No Breading
- What to Serve With Air Fried Salmon Nuggets
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Salmon Recipes:
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe
These air fried salmon nuggets start by tossing the fish in olive oil and cumin, paprika, dried thyme, and garlic powder. There’s no marinating time since the fish absorbs the flavor of the spice mixture quickly! Plus, the last thing I want on a weeknight is for dinner to take longer than it has to!
Lately, I’ve been serving these air fryer salmon bites with rice, air fryer broccoli, and spicy mayo on top. It’s a no-fail combination everyone in my house is happy with!
Recipe At a Glance
Cuisine Inspiration: American
Primary Cooking Method: Air fryer
Dietary Info: Dairy-free
Key Flavor: Salmon
Skill Level: Easy
Why This Is So Good
- Fast: These air fryer salmon bites cook in less than 10 minutes.
- Delicious with anything: Whether eaten on rice, on top of noodles, or dipped into cucumber yogurt sauce, these nuggets are so tasty!
- Great with any spices: The spices I call for are simple and what I always have on hand, but you could use any spice mixture you’re a fan of!
Ingredients to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Salmon filets: Make sure to buy skinless salmon filets and cut them into evenly sized, small cubes!
- Olive oil: This adds flavor, helps the salmon brown, and allows the spices to stick to the fish.
- Paprika, cumin, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper: My spice blend of choice! You can use sweet or smoky paprika.
- Lemon wedges: These air fry salmon cubes are delicious with a squeeze of lemon juice on top!
Popular Substitutions & Additions
- Switch up the spices. Use whatever you like. BBQ seasoning, za’atar, and Italian seasoning are all great options.
- Serve them with a sauce. Spicy mayo’s been my go-to lately, but cilantro yogurt sauce or tahini sauce would also be delicious.
- Use another fish. Halibut, tilapia, Arctic char, or cod would be fine substitutes!
- Top with herbs. Try sprinkling chopped, fresh cilantro, parsley, basil, dill, or mint on top.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
It’s recipes like this that remind me how great the air fryer is! It cooks so quickly and browns the salmon incredibly well.
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Salmon Bites No Breading
- Cut the salmon into evenly sized pieces. This will ensure they cook at the salmon speed!
- Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. You want to leave a bit of room between each of the salmon bits. That way, they brown all over. If the basket’s crowded, you’ll get unevenly browned salmon!
- Make sure to shake the basket mid-way through cooking. Because air fryers have heating elements in their ceilings, it’s important to shake the basket mid-way through cooking as the top will brown quicker than the bottom.
- Mind your air fryer’s cooking time. Some air fryers run hotter than others (and some cooler!), so use my recipe as a starting point and adjust the cooking time as needed.
What to Serve With Air Fried Salmon Nuggets
Frequently Asked Questions
Kept in the fridge in an airtight container, the cooked salmon will last for up to 3 days! You can reheat the salmon in a 400°F air fryer for a couple of minutes. The microwave works too.
Yes! You absolutely can. Just allow the salmon to thaw in the fridge overnight before cutting it into pieces.
Because the salmon is cut into small pieces and cooked at such a high temperature, you don’t really have to worry about whether or not it’s cooked. When the salmon’s well-browned, it’ll be done!
Crispy, flavorful, and so easy to make: I think these Air Fryer Salmon Bites have it all. My whole family loves them—and I love that the air fryer cooks so quickly. Plus, air fryers are easy to clean! All you have to do is wash the basket, which leaves more time for enjoying this delicious salmon.
More Salmon Recipes:
- Mediterranean Stuffed Salmon
- Honey Glazed Salmon
- Spicy Harissa Salmon
- Lemon Pepper Salmon
- Air Fried Greek Salmon
- Baked Honey Mustard Salmon
- Pan Seared Salmon
- Roasted Butter Salmon with Asparagus
- Blackened Skillet Salmon
If you try this feel good Recipe Name recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
order MY book
The Feel Good Foodie Cookbook is now available everywhere books are sold!
Amazon TargetBarnes & Noble Books A Million Hudson Booksellers BookshopSCHULER Books
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 2 pounds skinless salmon filets cut in 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
- spicy mayo
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the salmon cubes, olive oil and seasoning in a large bowl and toss gently to combine the salmon with the seasoning.
- Transfer the salmon to the air fryer in a single layer not touching. Air fry the salmon until cooked through and browned all over, shaking the basket halfway through, 7-8 minutes total.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
