Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Salmon bites are a game changer for dinner—quick, healthy, and easy to make. Because the salmon is cut into bite-sized pieces, you get a lot of flavor in each piece, really letting that lemon garlic flavor shine through. With this recipe, you can have a tasty, restaurant-quality meal on the table in less than 20 minutes.

Make it into a side dish of asparagus or add to air-fried potatoes.

There are many things to love about this recipe, from the quick cooking time to the seasoning. The marinade is a real highlight with zippy lemon, garlic, and that little touch of paprika. A simple and straightforward recipe with amazing flavor that is sure to become your new favorite way to make salmon.

Ingredients notes

• Salmon: You can buy salmon fillet or parts of salmon. Leather ties work, but you’ll want to remove the leather before cubing.
• Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice tends to have a more muted taste.
• Soy sauce: You can use reduced sodium, coconut aminos, or tamari in the same amount.
• Extra Olive Oil: You can also use avocado oil which is always popular for air frying.
• Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic always has the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic from a jar can also be used. It just has a more bitter taste.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika or hot paprika can be used to add more flavor.
• Fresh Dill: This fresh herb adds a lot of flavor, so make sure you don’t overdo it. If using dried dill, reduce the amount to two teaspoons.
• Lemon Wedges: It’s always good to serve alongside seafood to add a little acid.

Salmon options

Portions or Fillets: You can buy salmon in fillets, which are whole lengths or portions of salmon that are cut into individual servings. You want thick slices of this so you can easily break them into bite-sized pieces. The smaller portions of the fillet will cook faster, so keep an eye on those.

Frozen Salmon: Frozen salmon is a savior for those busy nights! Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or in cold water for about 30 minutes if you are short on time. Don’t forget to pat it before marinating so it can soak up all that tasty goodness.

Wild Caught vs. Farm-Raised: Wild caught salmon is that deep pink salmon you see in the grocery store. It has a bold, rich flavor and a firm texture. Farm raised salmon is a lighter pink salmon with a milder flavor. Farm raising is almost always cheaper. Both are good here, so choose what works for you.

Skin-On or Skinless: If your salmon has skin, you can easily remove it by sliding a sharp knife between the skin and the flesh, and it will come right off.

Use Liners for easy cleaning

Parchment Liners: These pre-cut, perforated leather pouches are the perfect savior for cleaning the airway. The small holes ensure good air circulation so your salmon (or whatever you’re cooking) is perfectly crispy. Pro tip: Don’t put the line in until after the warm-up, and keep it heavy with food so you don’t end up flying around.

Silicone Liners: If you like reusable options, silicone liners are the way to go. These fit neatly into your air storage basket, and bonus—they’re dishwasher-safe. Invest in one of these, and you’ll never look back.

How to Know When Salmon is Done

Check for looseness by using a fork to lightly press into the thickest part of the salmon. If it pops easily and the meat is not visible, it is ready to go. If you’re not sure, a quick check with a meat thermometer is a no-brainer—look for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). A well-cooked salmon should be juicy, tender, and lightly cooked.

Adapting to Different Styles of Air Fryers

Basket Air Fryers: This recipe is made for basket air fryers. Arrange the salmon bites on one side and cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. Shake the basket in half to ensure even cooking.

Ovens with Air Fryer settings: Use a wire rack or air fryer tray for best results. Check the salmon for doneness in 8-10 minutes, as cooking may take longer than in a basket-style air stock.

Toaster-Oven Style Air Conditioners: Place the salmon bites on the tray with space between each piece for proper airflow. Rotate the tray during cooking. Expect the cooking time to be a little longer—check it in 8–10 minutes.

Baking Instructions

If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry—you can still make this in your oven. Simply place the bites in a single layer in the pan, and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.