Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Salmon bites are a game-changer for dinner—they're quick, healthy, and super easy to make. Since the salmon is cut into bite-sized pieces, you get more spice in each piece, really making that delicious lemon garlic flavor stand out even more. With this recipe, you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in 20 minutes.

Make it a meal with a side Air Fryer Asparagus or add one Air-fried Baked Potatoes.

There's a lot to love about this recipe, from the quick cooking time to the spot-on seasoning. The marinade is the real standout, with zippy lemon, garlic and a slight touch of paprika. This is an easy and simple recipe with amazing flavor that will become your new favorite way to cook salmon.

Material notes

• Salmon: You can buy a salmon fillet or salmon portion. Skin-on fillets work, but you'll want to remove the skin before dicing.
• Lemon juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor. Bottled lemon juice has a more muted taste.
• I willow: You can use the same amount of low-sodium opinion, coconut aminos or tamari.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: You can also use avocado oil which is always popular for air frying.
• Garlic Mince: Freshly minced garlic always tastes best, 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 also be used to add more flavor.
• Fresh Dill: This fresh herb really adds a lot to the flavor, so make sure you don't skip it. If using dried dill, reduce the amount to 2 teaspoons.
• Lemon Wedge: Always good to serve alongside seafood, to add some acid.

Salmon substitute

Portions or fillets: You can buy salmon in fillets, which are whole lengths, or salmon portions that are cut into individual servings. You want thick slices for this so you can easily cube into bite-sized pieces. Thinner parts of a fillet will cook faster, so keep an eye on them.

Frozen Salmon: Frozen salmon is a lifesaver for those busy nights! If you are short on time, thaw it in the fridge for about 30 minutes or overnight in cold water. Be sure to pat it dry before marinating so it can soak up all the flavorful goodness.

Wild-Caught vs. Farm-Raised: Wild-caught salmon is the deep pinkish-red salmon you see in stores. It has a bold, rich flavor and firm texture. Farm raised salmon is the light pink salmon with a mild flavor. Farm-raised is almost always cheaper. Both are great 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 be fine.

Use liners for easy cleaning

Parchment liners: These pre-cut, perforated parchment liners are an absolute life saver for air fryer cleaning. The small holes ensure that air flows properly so that your salmon (or whatever you're cooking) is perfectly crispy. Pro tip: Don't put the liner on until preheating and always weigh it down with food so it doesn't fly away.

Silicone liner: If you're into reusable options, silicone liners are the way to go. They fit perfectly in your air fryer basket and bonus—they're dishwasher-safe Invest in one of these and you'll never look back.

How will you know when Salman is over?

Test for flakiness by gently pressing the thickest part of the salmon with a fork. If it flakes easily and the flesh is opaque, it's ready to go. If you're not sure, a quick check with a meat thermometer is accurate—look for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Perfectly cooked salmon should be juicy, tender and just cooked through.

Adaptable for different styles of air fryers

Basket Air Fryers: This recipe is designed for basket air fryers. Arrange salmon bites in a single layer and cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Oven with Air Fryer Settings: Use a wire rack or air fryer tray for best results. Check the salmon after 8-10 minutes, as it may take a little longer to cook than in a basket-style air fryer.

Toaster-Oven Style Air Fryers: Place the salmon bites on the tray with space between each piece for proper airflow. Rotate the tray halfway through cooking. Expect the cooking time to be a bit longer – check if done in 8-10 minutes.

Baking Instructions

If you don't have an air fryer, don't worry—you can still make it in your oven. Place the bites in a single layer on a pan, then bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.