I make these air fryer salmon bites with lemon garlic butter sauce all the time. Salmon bites are perfect served over rice and ready to eat in about five minutes.
Salmon air fryer bites are my favorite for a quick, healthy dinner. I eat salmon about twice a week, and whipping up these bites is one of my favorite ways to enjoy it. They’re crispy and tasty, and they’ve become a regular part of my meal lineup.
I find the lemon garlic butter sauce really highlights the overall flavor of the salmon and it’s so easy to put together. There are also endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning the salmon , depending on your preferences.
Why I Love This Recipe
- I love a good dinner option that can be ready start to finish in 10 minutes.
- Dinner bowls are a favorite for me and salmon with rice or quinoa and some veggies are a great option.
- Leftover salmon can be chilled and used in a salad the next day.
Making air fried salmon is a familiar process for me. My original air fryer salmon recipe uses various seasonings and utilizes fresh, whole fillets. It’s an incredibly popular recipe! Additionally, my air fryer frozen salmon recipe will show you how to air fry salmon directly from frozen, eliminating the need for thawing. If you’re seeking a distinct flavor profile, my air fryer maple glazed salmon recipe has incredible flavor too.
Ingredients
Just a handful of ingredients are necessary to bring this air fryer salmon bites recipe to life.
- Salmon: I use fresh salmon fillets and cut them into 1″ cubes. Salmon is easier to cut into cubes the colder it is, so I make sure to cut it right after I remove it from the refrigerator.
- Butter: I prefer using a salted, European butter, like Kerrygold for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Garlic: Press or mince your garlic cloves. If my cloves are really small, I might use 3-4.
- Lemon Juice: I use fresh lemon juice for it’s brightness and it balances the richness of the butter and salmon.
- Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper: A simple seasoning trio that doesn’t overpower the fish or the sauce.
How to Make It
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- This recipe couldn’t be easier to put together. While I preheat the air fryer, I make the lemon garlic butter sauce.
- I coat the salmon bites, with the sauce, before placing the salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- I air fry the salmon and serve it over rice.
Recipe Notes
- I’ve found it’s not necessary to toss or turn the salmon while it’s in the air fryer. I leave them in one spot so they get crispy in areas.
- I make sure not to overcook the salmon bites, otherwise they will be dry.
- My favorite salmon bites dinner bowl has salmon with rice and a green vegetable. It’s the best and so easy to make.
- The salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. You can use a meat thermometer to check, but I usually take a fork and open up a piece to check for doneness on the inside.
- I have doubled and tripled the recipe to ensure leftovers. When I do this, I cook the salmon in batches as to not overcrowd the air fryer basket, which would require longer cooking times and possibly lead to overcooked salmon.
Leftovers and Storage
- I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If I want to enjoy the leftovers warm, I’ll either reheat the air fryer salmon bites in the air fryer or warm them up on the stove in a skillet before serving.
- I also like to enjoy the salmon chilled, straight out of the refrigerator, whether it’s over a salad or sandwiched in a bun with my favorite condiments.
MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES FEATURING SEAFOOD
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Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 4 tbsps. butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic pressed or finely minced
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. table salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1 lb. salmon filet cut into 1" cubes
- fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Whisk until fully combined. Add salmon and gently toss to coat.4 tbsps. butter, melted, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp. table salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, 1 lb. salmon filet
- Transfer seasoned salmon into the air fryer basket, laying out the pieces in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through. (145 degrees F).
- Serve over rice and garnish with fresh parsley.fresh parsley for garnish
Notes
Nutrition
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