Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Equipment

• Basket-style or oven-style air fryer
• Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
• Paper towels
• Large mixing bowl
• Silicone-tipped tongs

Ingredients

The Salmon Base

• 1.5 lbs (680g) fresh salmon fillets , skin removed, pin bones discarded, cut into uniform 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil

The Savory Herb & Spice Rub

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• ¾ tsp fine sea salt
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for gentle heat)

The Garlic Lemon Herb Butter Finish

• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter , melted
• 1 clove garlic , grated or finely minced
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley or dill

Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Dry the Salmon (Intensity: Low)

1. Remove any remaining skin from the salmon fillets using a sharp knife. Pat the fillets completely dry on all sides with paper towels. Slice the fillets into uniform 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Season the Cubes (Intensity: Low)

1. Place the salmon cubes into a large bowl. Drizzle with the avocado oil and toss gently to coat.
2. In a small ramekin, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the salmon. Use a silicone spatula or clean hands to gently toss until every side of each cube is coated.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer (Intensity: Medium)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 4 minutes. A preheated basket instantly sears the bottom of the fish cubes, preventing sticking and speeding up caramelization.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crisp Perfection (Intensity: High Convective Heat)

1. Lightly mist the preheated air fryer basket with avocado oil spray.
2. Place the salmon cubes in the basket in a single layer , leaving a small gap between pieces to allow convective airflow. (Cook in two batches if using a smaller air fryer; overcrowding causes the salmon to steam rather than crisp).
3. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes . 6 minutes: Yields a tender, medium-rare center.
4. 7–8 minutes: Yields crispier edges with fully cooked, flaky flakes.
5. Note: Do not shake the basket mid-cook; turning isn’t required and aggressive shaking can break the delicate fish flakes.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve (Intensity: Low)

1. While the salmon cooks, whisk together the melted butter, grated garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
2. Transfer the hot salmon bites to a shallow serving dish and immediately drizzle or brush with the warm lemon garlic butter.
3. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or over a fresh salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 310 kcal — · Protein: 33 g 66% · Fat: 19.5 g 25% · Carbohydrates: 1.2 g 0% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 5.2 g 26% · Fiber: 0.4 g 1% · Sugar: 0.3 g — · Sodium: 490 mg 21%