These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are one of our very favorite ways to cook salmon! Bite-size pieces of salmon are coated in a delicious spice rub and air fried until tender and flaky. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner!
Air Fryer Salmon Bites make dinner easy and delicious!
We cook salmon for dinner almost every week, and this air fryer salmon bites recipe has joined our rotation of favorite salmon recipes! I love these air fryer salmon bites because they are just so flavorful. By cutting the salmon into bite-size pieces and then tossing it with the seasonings, we ensure that every bite is coated with mouthwatering flavor.
The other benefit to cooking salmon bites in the air fryer is that they cook so quickly! Just 6-7 minutes is all it takes to cook perfectly succulent salmon bites in the air fryer. The seasoning blend I use in this recipe is a variation of what I use in my Air Fryer Salmon recipe, with a few extra spices added for even more flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon: For this recipe it’s best to use salmon fillets that are about 1-inch thick. You’ll need the skin removed before you cut the salmon into pieces. If you buy salmon at a fish counter you can have them remove the skin for you, otherwise you can cut it off carefully with a sharp knife.
- Brown Sugar: I love to add a little brown sugar to the spice rub. The sweetness is so good with the savory spices and rich fish, and it also helps to caramelize the spice rub on the salmon bites as they cook.
- Seasonings: You’ll need chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. My Salmon Seasoning would also work great in this air fryer salmon bites recipe!
- Olive Oil: I toss the salmon pieces with a little olive oil before adding the spice mixture. The oil helps the spices to stick and adds moisture.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
This recipe is really so simple! Here’s an overview of how to make it. Find the full printable recipe with ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.
Prepare salmon. Start by cutting the salmon into 1-inch cubes. Place the salmon cubes in a bowl and toss with the olive oil. Then add the spice mixture, a little at a time, tossing gently until all of the salmon is evenly coated.
Air fry. Preheat air fryer to 380° F. Once hot, add the salmon bites in a single layer and cook for 6-7 minutes, until cooked through. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Use thawed salmon. If your fish is frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge or thaw quickly in cold water before using in this recipe.
- Cut the salmon into similarly-sized pieces. This helps them to cook evenly so that they will all be done at the same time.
- Air fry in a single layer. Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket with a little space in between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate around each piece of fish. I usually need to cook the salmon bites in two batches.
- You don’t need to flip the salmon bites. I tried flipping them halfway, and it was too difficult to do so without the fish falling apart. I’ve found the salmon bites cook just fine without flipping!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Rice and veggies, like Roasted Carrots or Roasted Broccoli. You could also add in a fresh salsa or sauce. Try mango salsa, Teriyaki Sauce, Chimichurri or a drizzle of hot honey.
- Salad. Add salmon bites to your favorite salad. I love them with this Lentil Salad and this Farro Salad. Or, swap salmon bites for the chicken in my Cobb Salad recipe.
- Salmon Tacos. Wrap in warm tortillas, add shredded cabbage and avocado (see my Fish Tacos recipe) and drizzle with Fish Taco Sauce.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for more air fryer recipes? Try these favorites:
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon, skin removed
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- Preheat air fryer to 380° F.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon in the mixing bowl and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle the seasonings evenly over the salmon, a little bit at a time, tossing gently to evenly coat the fish with the seasonings.
- Place salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer with a little space between them (work in batches as needed). Air fry at 380° F for 6-7 minutes, until salmon is cooked to your liking. (You do not need to flip the salmon during the cook time.)
