Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Salmon Bites made with perfectly seasoned salmon cubes. These bite-sized delights are coated in a smoky, slightly spicy seasoning, air fried to a crisp outside while tender inside, and served with a tangy, creamy dipping sauce. Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or served over rice or salad for a light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Bites
- 2 lbs skinless salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Olive oil spray
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional for brightness)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for glaze)
- ½ tsp honey (optional, for glaze)
- Everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds (optional, for sprinkling post-cook)
Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp light mayo
- 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- ½ tsp sriracha
- Juice of ½ lime
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimum temperature for crisping the salmon bites.
- Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon cubes dry thoroughly to help the seasoning stick and crisp up. Toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional lemon zest to coat evenly. If desired, also toss with soy sauce and honey to add a sweet glaze. Lightly spray the salmon cubes with olive oil spray to assist browning.
- Air Fry Salmon: Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to promote even cooking. Air fry for 7-8 minutes, shaking or turning the basket halfway through the cooking time, until the salmon bites are crisp on the outside and cooked through to a tender center.
- Serve: Remove the salmon bites from the air fryer, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds if desired for extra flavor and texture. Serve the bites hot alongside the prepared creamy dipping sauce made by mixing Greek yogurt, light mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. For a fuller meal, serve over rice or a fresh salad.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and sriracha in the dipping sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow the hot air to circulate properly and achieve crispy bites.
- Patting the salmon dry is essential to achieve a good sear and prevent steaming.
- These salmon bites work great as an appetizer, snack, or served as a protein topping on salads or grain bowls.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the air fryer.
