Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Tender air fryer salmon bites are seasoned with a simple spice rub and cook in just six minutes. Then drizzle them with your choice of sauce.

It may sound like I live under a rock, but I just recently became a Costco member. Our closest Costco is over 40 minutes away. So I don’t get there very often. But one of my most favorite products is their frozen salmon filets. My daughter has cooked them in the air fryer a few times now with great success. The salmon is just perfect. So I’ve been looking for more ways to serve it. You’re going to love these air fryer salmon bites as much as we do. They cook quickly. And then everyone can customize their salmon bites to their own tastes.

Looking for more seafood recipes? Here’s my most popular fish and seafood recipes here on Foodtastic Mom…

• Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
• Baja Fish Tacos
• Citrus Salmon with Avocado Salsa

Why this recipe works

This recipe works because the salmon cooks so quickly – and without oil – in the air fryer. Air fryer salmon bites are especially perfect for when you may only have a couple of salmon filets left in the freezer. But you need to serve three or four people. Bite-sized salmon cubes give the illusion of more food so they are an economical choice. Simply seasoned, these tender salmon bites can be customized to most any tastes. They are really perfect for a bowl meal.

The great thing about frozen salmon filets is that they thaw pretty quickly in cold water. So these salmon bites can be a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. Salmon is a great source of quality protein. And the Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon provide well documented benefits for both your heart and your brain.

Ingredients needed for this air fryer salmon bites recipe

• Salmon – this recipe works best with skinless salmon filets. I prefer salmon without skin and for slicing the salmon into cubes, it’s much better this way. I like the Kirkland brand of signature farmed Atlantic salmon, which comes frozen and individually portioned in 6 to 8 ounce filets. Follow package directions to thaw the salmon before proceeding with the recipe.
• Old Bay Seasoning – Old Bay is a classic seasoning for seafood.
• Smoked Paprika – I really love the smokey flavor this adds to the salmon.
• Garlic Powder – Garlic is a must with salmon or any seafood, in my opinion.
• Onion Flakes – You can use onion powder instead if you don’t have dried onion flakes.
• Salt and Pepper

Honey Sesame Soy Glaze

For each bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds. Pour the sauce over each bowl when ready to serve.

Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

For each bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of sour cream, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, one minced clove of garlic and 1 teaspoon of parsley. Drizzle the sauce over each bowl when ready to serve.

Instructions for making air fryer salmon bites

Once the salmon is thawed, gently pat it dry with paper towels. Cut each salmon filet using a very sharp knife into 1 inch cubes. Mix together all the seasonings until well blended. Gently coat the salmon cubes evenly with the seasoning. Spread the seasoned salmon in a single layer into the basket of your air fryer.

Air fry the salmon bites at 400 degrees F for 5 – 6 minutes. Salmon is ready to eat once it reaches a minimum temperature of 145 degrees F.

FAQ’s

How do you know when salmon is done in the air fryer?

The best and only way I know if salmon (or any meat/seafood) is done is by checking the temperature with a meat thermometer. Always check a few areas in the basket to be sure all the salmon has reached a safe eating temperature. The USDA says that salmon must be 145 degrees F.

What herbs and spices go best with salmon?

Smokey or sweet paprika, garlic powder and onion powder are very popular with salmon. Brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper or blackened style seasonings are also good choices. Dill, parsley, lemon and butter is another classic flavor combination for salmon.

Cooking Spray

I never recommend using an aerosol style cooking spray inside of your air fryer basket as it can damage the nonstick coating over time. I did not find it necessary to use oil at all for this recipe. But if you are worried about sticking, you can use a silicone pastry brush to coat your basket lighting with vegetable or olive oil before placing the cubed salmon fillets into the basket.

Storage directions

Store any leftover cooked salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Use your air fryer for reheating them. I would suggest putting them in an air fryer paper liner to prevent sticking. Reheat the salmon at about 360 degrees F for 5 minutes.

Serving suggestions

As I have already mentioned, I really like these salmon bites as part of a bowl meal. Serve them as I have pictured throughout my blog post. With the honey soy glaze I serve them with white or brown rice, air fried veggies (a mix of green beans, snow peas and bell peppers) and sliced cucumbers. With the creamy garlic butter sauce, I serve them with mashed potatoes and broccoli. Air fryer asparagus would also be a good choice instead of the broccoli. Here are some of my other favorite sides and dipping sauce that would go well with these air fryer salmon bites:

• Fettuccine Alfredo
• Spicy Dill Sauce
• Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
• Caesar Salad

Kitchen tools

• I use a Philips XXL Air Fryer to test all of my air fryer recipes here on Foodtastic Mom
• Sharp paring knife for cutting the salmon into cubes
• The best and most inexpensive instant read digital meat thermometer

More air fryer recipes

• Air Fryer Apples
• Air Fried Lobster Tail
• Perfect Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Crab Cakes
• Individual Cheesecakes

Foodtastic Mom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program (Amazon Associate), an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Any highlighted, clickable Amazon link you see is an affiliate link that I may earn advertising fees on when you click to purchase.

Thank you so much for being a faithful reader and supporter of Foodtastic Mom. Be sure to PIN to Pinterest and print this recipe! Also like and tag ‘Foodtastic Mom’ on Facebook and Instagram if you make this recipe!

Be sure and follow Foodtastic Mom on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!