These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are tender and juicy on the inside with a perfectly crispy exterior. Ready in just 15 minutes, this quick and flavorful recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner or appetizer. The salmon is seasoned with a delicious spice mix and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, making it a healthier and quicker alternative to pan-frying or grilling.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb salmon (skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 3 tsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Directions

1. Prepare the Salmon:
   Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to help the spices stick. Cut the salmon into 1-2 inch cubes for even cooking.

2. Season the Salmon:
   In a small bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, olive oil, and cornstarch. Toss the salmon cubes in the spice mix until evenly coated.

3. Air Fry:
   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the seasoned salmon in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Air fry for about 8 minutes, or 6-7 minutes for medium-cooked salmon.

4. Serve:
   Once the salmon is cooked and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce like creamy dill or honey mustard.

Nutrients

• Calories: 206 per serving

• Carbohydrates: 4g

• Protein: 23g

• Fat: 10g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Cholesterol: 62mg

• Sodium: 642mg

• Potassium: 602mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 3g

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Salmon Bites

These salmon bites are quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. The air fryer cooks the salmon to perfection, ensuring a tender and flaky interior with a crispy, golden crust on the outside. The spice mix adds a delightful depth of flavor, enhancing the natural richness of the salmon without overpowering it.

These salmon bites are also a healthier alternative to fried foods, as they require very little oil to achieve that crispy texture. They are lower in calories, making them a great option for a light dinner or appetizer. Additionally, the recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to customize the seasoning or pair them with different dipping sauces to suit your tastes.

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you simply want a quick and satisfying meal.

The Ingredients That Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites Special

• Salmon: The star of the dish, salmon provides a rich, tender texture and is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

• Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the salmon bites, making them more complex and aromatic.

• Brown Sugar: Helps balance out the heat from the chili powder and smoked paprika, adding a subtle sweetness to the spice mix.

• Smoked Paprika: Contributes a smoky depth to the salmon, enhancing the flavor profile with a unique, savory twist.

• Chili Powder: Adds a mild kick to the dish without overpowering the other flavors, giving the salmon just the right amount of spice.

• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These pantry staples provide a savory backbone to the spice mix, boosting the overall flavor without being too strong.

• Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the salmon and gives it a golden, crispy finish in the air fryer.

• Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps create that perfect crispy exterior, giving the salmon a nice crunch without deep-frying.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Making these Air Fryer Salmon Bites is incredibly easy and quick. Here’s how you can prepare them:

1. Prepare the Salmon

• Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the spices stick to the fish, ensuring the seasoning adheres properly during cooking.

• Cut the salmon into 1-2 inch cubes, making sure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.

2. Season the Salmon

• In a small bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, olive oil, and cornstarch. Mix well.

• Toss the salmon cubes in the spice mixture until they are evenly coated. Make sure each piece of salmon is thoroughly covered in the seasoning.

3. Air Fry the Salmon

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 2 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready.

• Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure the salmon cooks evenly.

• Air fry the salmon for 8 minutes, or for 6-7 minutes if you prefer medium-cooked salmon. The salmon should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

4. Serve

• Once the salmon bites are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.

• Pair with a dipping sauce such as creamy dill, honey mustard, or a spicy mayo for extra flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Air Fryer Salmon Bites

These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients:

• Calories: Each serving (approximately 4-5 salmon bites) contains about 206 calories, making this a light yet satisfying meal.

• Protein: With 23 grams of protein per serving, the salmon provides a substantial amount of lean protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.

• Fat: The total fat content is 10 grams per serving, with 2 grams of saturated fat. The majority of the fat comes from healthy sources like olive oil and the natural oils in the salmon.

• Carbohydrates: At 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving, these salmon bites are a low-carb option, perfect for those following low-carb or keto diets.

• Fiber: The dish provides 1 gram of fiber, thanks to the spices and any vegetables you serve alongside it.

• Sodium: With 642 mg of sodium per serving, the dish is moderately high in salt, primarily due to the seasoning and soy sauce (if used in dipping sauces). You can adjust the salt content to taste by using a low-sodium soy sauce or reducing the amount of added salt.

• Potassium: Each serving provides 602 mg of potassium, which helps support healthy muscle and nerve function.

Serving Suggestions

These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and sauces:

• With Steamed Vegetables: Serve the salmon bites with steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a light and healthy meal.

• With Rice: Serve the salmon over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete, satisfying meal.

• As an Appetizer: These salmon bites make a great appetizer for parties, game days, or family gatherings. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like creamy dill, soy sauce, or a tangy yogurt dip.

• On Salad: Top a fresh salad with these salmon bites for a protein-packed lunch or dinner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a tasty appetizer. With a crispy exterior, juicy interior, and a delicious spice mix, these salmon bites offer the perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors. The air fryer ensures they cook quickly and evenly, making them a healthier and faster alternative to traditional frying. Pair with your favorite sides and dipping sauces for a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Try these Air Fryer Salmon Bites today for a tasty, hassle-free dish that everyone will love!