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Air Fryer Salmon Bites are quick, crisp, and so versatile—perfect for piling onto rice bowls, tucking into tacos, or tossing into fresh salads. The marinated salmon cooks up tender and flavourful in minutes, then gets a pesto finish for an easy upgrade.
For more air fryer recipes, try my Air Fryer Chicken Legs and Air Fryer Fries, next!
Air fryer salmon bites are perfect for so many situations. They’re bite-sized and tender, which makes them just as fun to serve as a snack as they are to enjoy as a main course. These homemade salmon nuggets with way more flavour and nutrition packed in.
What I really like is how easy it is to customize them. Some days I toss them in pesto, other times I switch up the sauce depending on what I’m serving them with. Once you see how to cook salmon in the air fryer, you’ll realize how quick and stress-free it is.
They come out perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside every time. I reach for them when I want something that’s both delicious and nutritious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Salmon Fillets: Use fresh or frozen salmon filets; just make sure it is completely thawed before cooking. Cut them into bite-sized cubes.
- Pesto Sauce: I’ll never discourage someone from making fresh pesto but using a storebought variety is an easy shortcut. Use a high-quality pesto.
- Olive Oil: This oil helps the seasoning adhere to the salmon cubes and also helps them properly brown in the air fryer without burning.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: That pop of citrus flavour adds the perfect amount of acidity to complement the pesto.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Add to taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use grated cheese as an optional garnish.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Marinate the Salmon
I start by tossing the salmon cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Letting the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes gives it time to soak up the seasoning and turn out extra flavourful.
Air Fry Salmon
While the salmon is marinating, I preheat my air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Then I place the cubes in the basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded so they crisp up evenly. They usually cook in 8–10 minutes, and I flip them halfway through for the best texture.
Toss Salmon Bites with Pesto
Once the salmon bites are cooked and golden, I transfer them to a large bowl with pesto and a splash of lemon juice. I toss everything together until the salmon is evenly coated in that fresh, herby sauce. A sprinkle of parmesan or fresh herbs on top makes the perfect finish before serving.
How Long to Air Fry Salmon Bites
When cooked at 375°F (190°C) in the air fryer, salon bites take 8-10 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and the model of the air fryer.
Avoid overcooking the salmon by cooking it just until it reaches the internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the fish to check.
Recipe Tip
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Giving the salmon bites a little space helps them cook evenly and turn out crisp on the outside while staying tender inside.
Storage
Salmon bites can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through, or enjoy them cold for a quick meal.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Wondering what to eat with your salmon bites? Here are some yummy suggestions.
- Pasta: Toss salmon bites with your favorite pasta for a quick meal. They pair well with light cream sauces, garlic butter, or even a simple olive oil and herb mix.
- Salad: Add salmon bites to a crisp salad for a fresh, low-carb lunch. They bring plenty of protein and flavour to balance out the greens.
- Salmon Bites Bowl: Serve them over rice, or switch things up with orzo, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Add some veggies and a drizzle of sauce for a customizable bowl that works for any taste.
Salmon Bites Recipe Variations
- No Air Fryer? You can cook salmon bites in the oven at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden.
- More Seasonings: Swap the basic seasoning for Cajun spice, lemon pepper, taco seasoning, or a simple garlic herb blend. Each brings a new flavour while keeping the recipe quick and easy.
- Different Sauces: If pesto isn’t your thing, try tossing the salmon bites in teriyaki, buffalo, barbecue, or honey garlic sauce. The bites are versatile enough to work with so many flavours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I cook salmon bites in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C). This temperature gets them crisp on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. They usually take about 8–10 minutes, with a flip halfway through for even cooking.
Yes, just make sure it’s thawed before cooking so it cooks evenly. The best way is to let it defrost overnight in the fridge, but you can also use the cold water method by sealing it in a bag and submerging it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Avoid leaving salmon out at room temperature, since that can cause uneven thawing and food safety issues.
Yes, but it’s easier to remove the skin before cutting the salmon into cubes. This way, the bites cook evenly and are easier to toss in sauce afterward.
More Salmon Recipes
- Brown Stew Salmon
- Lemon Chive Salmon Cakes
- Jamaican Coconut Curried Salmon
- Parmesan Herb Crusted Salmon
- Easy Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon
- Baked Honey Mustard Salmon
- Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
- Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil
- Honey Sriracha Salmon
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Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe
Equipment
- 2 Mixing Bowls
- Air-Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Salmon Fillets, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 tbsp Basil Pesto
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3 tbsp Parmesan Cheese, grated, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned salmon cubes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in the preheated air fryer for 8-10 minutes, turning the salmon at the halfway point, until cooked through and golden.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the pesto sauce with lemon juice. Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to the bowl with the pesto. Toss the cooked salmon in the sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with parmesan cheese, fresh herbs (optional), serve while hot and enjoy!
