Air Fryer Salmon Bites: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking salmon bites in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy, flavorful dish. The bites are tender, flaky, and crispy, with a cooking time of under 10 minutes. The air fryer also makes cleaning up a breeze, as you only need to wash the basket. The bites can be served as a quick snack or a meal with sides, and go well with a variety of sauces and dips.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/190°C/380°F

To make salmon bites in an air fryer, it is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to 400°F/190°C/380°F for a few minutes. This temperature range ensures the salmon bites cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness on the outside while remaining tender and flaky on the inside.

Preheating the air fryer is an important step as it helps to create the optimal cooking environment for the salmon bites. It ensures that the appliance reaches the desired temperature before the food is placed inside, promoting even cooking and browning. By preheating, you can also ensure that the salmon bites cook through in the specified time frame, preventing overcooking or undercooking.

When preheating your air fryer to 400°F/190°C/380°F, keep in mind that the preheating time may vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer. Some air fryers may take longer to reach the desired temperature than others. It is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

Additionally, when cooking salmon bites, it is crucial to ensure that the salmon pieces are placed in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate evenly around each piece, promoting uniform cooking and browning.

By preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature of 400°F/190°C/380°F and following the suggested cooking techniques, you can achieve the best results for your salmon bites, ensuring they are cooked to perfection.

Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes

To make salmon bites in an air fryer, you'll want to start by cutting your salmon fillet into cubes. It's important to make sure you're using skinless salmon fillets, and you should cut them into evenly sized, small cubes, about 1-inch in size. This will ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and quickly in the air fryer.

Once you have your salmon cubes, you can move on to seasoning them. You can use any combination of spices you like, but some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and thyme. Simply sprinkle the spices over the salmon cubes and toss gently to combine. You can also add olive oil to the salmon at this stage, which will help the spices to stick and give the salmon a nice brown colour when cooked.

After the salmon has been seasoned, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. First, preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each cube to allow for even cooking. Cook the salmon for about 5 to 8 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Finally, let the salmon bites rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in juicy, tender salmon bites.

Toss salmon with olive oil and spices

To make salmon bites in an air fryer, start by cutting a skinless salmon fillet into cubes of roughly the same size. Place the salmon cubes in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. You can also spritz the salmon with olive oil spray. Next, it's time to add your spices. You can use any spices you like—paprika, cumin, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are all popular options. You can also try blackening spices, Cajun seasoning, or lemon pepper seasoning. Once you've chosen your spices, combine them in a small bowl and mix. Then, gently rub the spice mixture over the salmon until it is thoroughly coated.

Now, it's time to cook the salmon. Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-200°C) for a few minutes. Place the salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece so that the heat can circulate evenly. Cook the salmon for about 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The salmon is done when it is well-browned and cooked through in the center.

You can serve salmon bites with anything you like. Try them on a salad, with rice or your favorite grain, in a bowl with veggies and sauce, or even in tacos. They're a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.

Air fry for 5-8 minutes

Air frying your salmon bites for 5-8 minutes is a quick and easy way to cook this healthy dish. The cooking time will depend on the temperature you choose to cook at, the thickness of your salmon bites, and whether you are reheating or cooking the salmon from fresh.

If you are cooking your salmon bites from fresh, you should preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-200°C). Place your salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each bite to allow the heat to circulate evenly. You should cook your salmon bites for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You can tell when your salmon bites are done as they will be well browned and flaky.

If you are reheating your salmon bites, you should preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (180°C). Place your salmon bites in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

You can serve your salmon bites with a variety of sides, such as broccoli, potatoes, rice, noodles, or a salad. They also go well with sauces such as remoulade, spicy mayo, or cucumber yogurt.

Rest for 5-10 minutes

Once your salmon bites are cooked, it's important to let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This is a crucial step as it allows the wonderful meaty juices to settle back into the meat, ensuring your bites are succulent and moist.

While the salmon bites rest, you can prepare some sides. Salmon bites are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, such as broccoli, potatoes, rice, or a salad. If you're feeling creative, you can even make salmon rice bowls or salmon tacos.

Additionally, this resting period provides an opportunity to prepare any sauces or dips that you plan to serve with the salmon. A popular option is a remoulade sauce, which can be easily made by mixing all the ingredients in a bowl and refrigerating them for 30 minutes. If you're looking for something sweeter, you can also drizzle hot honey over the salmon bites after they have rested.

For those who enjoy a more complex flavor profile, you can also use the resting time to make a glaze. Simply combine cornstarch with water to form a slurry and whisk it into the leftover marinade. Place this mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat and let it simmer until it thickens. Brush this glaze onto the salmon bites after they have rested, and you're ready to serve!

Frequently asked questions