Description
Quick and zesty air fryer salmon bites deliver restaurant-quality flavor in minutes. Crispy exterior and tender center make this dish a simple, protein-packed meal perfect for weeknight dinners or appetizer spreads.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 grams) salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- lemon wedges, for serving
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Meticulously cube salmon into uniform bite-sized pieces, carefully extracting any residual pin bones to guarantee a seamless culinary experience.
- Seasoning: Thoroughly coat salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, ensuring an even and robust flavor distribution through gentle massage.
- Air Fryer Setup: Preheat air fryer to 400F (200C), creating an ideal thermal environment for achieving perfectly crisp and succulent salmon bites.
- Cooking Process: Strategically place seasoned salmon cubes in a single, spacious layer within the air fryer basket, rotating or cooking in batches to prevent overcrowding and promote consistent browning.
- Finishing Touches: Cook for 8-10 minutes, midway pausing to gently agitate the basket, developing a golden exterior while preserving the salmon’s delicate internal texture; garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serving Suggestion: Present salmon bites alongside a vibrant dipping sauce like tangy lemon aioli or creamy garlic spread, elevating the overall gastronomic experience and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Precise Cube Cutting: Create uniform 1-inch salmon pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout each bite.
- Season Generously: Massage seasonings thoroughly into salmon cubes, ensuring complete flavor absorption and preventing bland spots.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Maintain single-layer spacing in air fryer basket to achieve crispy exterior and prevent steaming effect, which compromises texture.
- Temperature Control: Monitor salmon carefully during 8-10 minute cooking window, checking internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfect doneness without drying out fish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg