Name: Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 8 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon filets I use Atlantic salmon, but you can use your favorite variety of salmon; 2 tsp olive oil; 2 tsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning (no salt added) I like the kinders brand; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp kosher salt

There’s something about these Air Fryer Salmon Bites that makes me come back to them again and again. It started as a weeknight experiment — just trying to get dinner on the table fast with a leftover salmon filet. I tossed it in the air fryer with some seasoning, and to my surprise, it came out perfectly crispy on the edges and buttery soft in the middle. From that moment on, it’s been in heavy rotation.

This recipe has become one of my favorite ways to cook salmon — not only because it’s quick and low-effort, but because it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it in rice bowls, on salads, or tuck the bites into tacos. They’re bite-sized, easy to portion, and full of bold, fresh flavor. Whether I’m prepping lunches for the week or pulling together dinner in a pinch, these salmon bites never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Salmon Bites

These little salmon cubes are everything I want in a quick protein: crispy, flavorful, and easy to pair with whatever’s already in the fridge. The air fryer gets the edges just caramelized enough while keeping the center tender. It’s almost too easy — toss, season, air fry — and they’re done in under 10 minutes.

The best part? They’re endlessly customizable. Whether you want a clean and simple meal with veggies and potatoes or you’re building out something more creative like tacos or a salmon bowl with chimichurri, these bites fit right in.

They’re also an ideal meal-prep option. I make a batch early in the week and reheat them for quick lunches or easy dinners. Even straight from the fridge, they still taste great cold over a salad.

Salmon: A Nutritional Powerhouse

If you’re looking for a protein that’s rich in nutrients and flavor, salmon really does it all. Here’s why I keep a few filets in my freezer at all times:

Omega-3s: One of the best sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats help support brain function, reduce inflammation, and promote heart health.
Protein-Packed: You’re getting about 20 grams of quality protein per 3-ounce portion — it’s a great way to stay full and fuel your day.
B Vitamins: Loaded with B12 and B6, salmon helps support energy production and healthy metabolism.
Low-Calorie, High-Satiety: It’s lean, satisfying, and doesn’t weigh you down — ideal for keeping meals balanced and nutritious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making these crispy, flavorful bites:

Salmon Filets: I usually go for Atlantic salmon for its buttery texture and milder flavor. But Coho, Sockeye, or King work too — just pick what you like.
Avocado or Olive Oil: I prefer avocado oil for its high smoke point and neutral taste, especially in the air fryer.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: I like using a no-salt version (like Kinder’s), which gives more control over the seasoning. If you’re using one with salt, skip the added kosher salt.
Garlic Powder, Paprika, Oregano, Kosher Salt: These pantry staples add warmth and savory depth to the spice mix.
Fresh Lemon: Don’t skip this — the squeeze of fresh lemon at the end makes everything pop. Lime works too, especially for taco night.

How to Cook Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Prep the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon dry with paper towels — this helps the seasoning stick and gives you crispier edges. Cut the filet into even cubes (about 1 to 1½ inches) so they cook at the same rate.

Season:
In a bowl, toss the salmon pieces with oil, then add the spice blend and gently mix until every piece is well-coated.

Air Fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lay the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket (don’t crowd them). Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The edges should be golden, and the centers should flake easily with a fork.

Finish:
Once cooked, let them rest for a minute, then hit them with a generous squeeze of lemon.

Ways to Enjoy Air Fryer Salmon Bites

I’ve found so many ways to serve these — here are some of my favorites:

With Roasted Veggies and Potatoes: Classic, simple, and satisfying. I often roast some broccoli or asparagus while the salmon is cooking — everything’s ready at once.
Rice Bowls: A bowl of warm jasmine or brown rice, some pickled onions or cucumbers, a drizzle of sauce — total comfort in one bowl.
Salads: Toss salmon bites onto a big leafy green salad with a creamy tahini or lemon vinaigrette.
Tacos: Layer salmon bites into warm tortillas with slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of spicy mayo or salsa verde.
Appetizer Style: Serve with toothpicks and a dipping sauce like sriracha mayo, tartar sauce, or yogurt dill dip. Perfect for sharing or casual entertaining.

Helpful Tips

Use Fresh Salmon When You Can: It should smell clean and look bright. Avoid anything with dry or discolored edges.
Defrosting Frozen Salmon: If using frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag in cold water for 30–60 minutes.
Don’t Skip the Citrus: A squeeze of lemon or lime after cooking brightens the whole dish — it’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give the salmon space so it crisps evenly. If making a big batch, cook in two rounds.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Storage:
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Preheat the air fryer to 365°F, then reheat the salmon for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. You can also eat them cold over salads or grain bowls.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen pro with almost no effort. They’re quick, healthy, and packed with flavor — and best of all, they fit into just about any kind of meal.

Whether you’re building a quick lunch bowl, meal prepping for the week, or pulling together a simple dinner, these bites are a reliable, crowd-pleasing option. I always keep some salmon in the freezer now, because once you see how easy and good this is, you’ll be making it on repeat too.

Yield: 4