Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe

Air fryer salmon bites are seriously good! Use them as the basis for a salmon bowl, add them to a salad, or stir them into your favorite pasta dish. These are one of my all-time top air fryer salmon recipes. Plus, I find kids are happier eating these tasty morsels than a whole salmon fillet, so they're a great way to encourage little ones to eat fish.

A new way to cook salmon

There are some recipes that feel too good to be true. Air fryer salmon bites are one of those. Yummy golden cubes of salmon that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and ready to add to a whole host of dishes – or just enjoy as a snack with your favorite dip. And the best part? They cook in less than 10 minutes. Honestly, they’re so quick, you’ll barely have time to set the table.

Discover more about the health benefits of salmon here.

Why use the air fryer for this salmon recipe?

The air fryer works magic here. It gives you that crispy edge without overcooking the salmon inside. Plus, no flipping fillets or watching pans - you just set the timer and let the air fryer do its thing.

I used my Ninja air fryer for these air-fried salmon bites but they work in any model.

Ingredients for salmon bites

Here's what you'll need for this air fryer salmon recipe:

• Salmon fillets (skinless, fresh or thawed)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Seasoning — think paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like it spicy
• Lemon - to squeeze on at the end for a fresh zing

How to cook air fried salmon bites

Cut your salmon into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces).

Toss the salmon pieces in a little oil and your chosen seasonings.

Place the salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Cook at 200°C / 400°F for 7–9 minutes, gently shaking the basket halfway. If the salmon sticks to the basket, gently lift the pieces using silicone tongs.

Check that the salmon bites are cooked all the way through, then serve with an optional squeeze of lemon. Add your favorite salad ingredients to create a salmon bowl, or add the bites to pastas, salads or wraps.

How long to air fry salmon bites

These salmon cubes cook in 7–9 minutes at 400°F (200°C). That’s it! If your pieces are smaller, check them at 6 minutes; if they’re chunkier, they may need a minute or two longer.

Top tips for perfect salmon bites

• Use skinless salmon as it's easier to cut and nicer to eat when making these bites.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket — crowded salmon means soggy salmon.
• A squeeze of lemon at the end makes everything pop.
• For extra flavour, marinate the salmon cubes for 15 minutes before cooking.
• You can use an air fryer liner to stop the salmon from sticking to your air fryer basket. Alternatively, gently lift the salmon bites using silicone tongs when turning them.

Alternative seasonings and flavors

The beauty of this air fryer salmon bites recipe is that you can tailor the flavors any way you want. Here are some ideas:

Teriyaki salmon - add teriyaki seasoning, or marinade the bites in a teriyaki sauce before air frying.

Cajun salmon - add cajun seasoning, or marinade the bites in a cajun sauce before air frying.

Hot honey salmon - marinade the bites in a hot honey sauce before air frying. You can buy a ready-made hot honey from the supermarket, or make your own by combining honey with chili flakes and a splash of white wine vinegar.

For more ideas, check out these salmon bowl suggestions.

What to serve with salmon bites?

I love serving these crispy cubes of salmon with salad ingredients like avocado, cucumber and tomatoes. They also make a great addition to wraps and tacos. Or you can use them to create a tasty salmon bowl by adding rice, cous cous or other grains, plus your favorite veggies and salads.

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside - these Air Fryer Salmon Bites are quick, tasty, and perfect for dipping, snacking, or adding to your favorite bowl. Ready in under 10 minutes, they’re the easiest way to make salmon feel fun (and kid-approved too!).

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy,

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 9 minutes minutes

Makes: 2

Calories: 180kcal

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets skinless, fresh or thawed. One small fillet per person is plenty.
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Seasoning — think paprika garlic powder, salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like it spicy
• Lemon wedges optional to serve

Instructions

• Cut your salmon into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces).
• Toss them in a little oil and your chosen seasonings.
• Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook at 400°F / 200°C for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
• Serve and enjoy

Notes

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and for guidance only (and  are for the salmon bites, before adding any sauces/extras).

Top tips for perfect salmon bites:

Cut the salmon pieces into evenly sized cubes so that they cook at the same time.

Cook the bites in a single layer with space around each piece.

Lift the salmon bites using silicone tongs. They can stick a little to the basket sometimes but just give them a gentle lift and they will come away. If you're worried about sticking, you can use an air fryer liner.

Cooking time depends on the size of your salmon pieces - check towards the end of the cooking time and adjust as necessary.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 110g | Calories: 180kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1.5g