Air-Fryer Salmon Cubes: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Cooking salmon cubes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. Air fryers can cook salmon to perfection in under 10 minutes, resulting in tender, flaky, and crispy bites that are packed with flavour. This cooking method is also versatile, allowing you to season and serve the salmon in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a fancy appetizer, air-fried salmon cubes are a great option that's both nutritious and tasty.

Salmon cube preparation

Ingredients

• Skinless salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Lime juice
• Butter
• Cream
• Parsley

Instructions

• Cut the salmon fillets into 1-inch cubes.
• Place the salmon cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
• Combine your chosen spices and seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika) and gently rub the mixture over the salmon until thoroughly coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F.
• Place the salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each cube to allow for even cooking.
• Air fry for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 120-145°F.
• While the salmon is cooking, prepare the garlic cream sauce by heating butter, cream, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until well combined.
• Remove the cooked salmon cubes from the air fryer and place them in a bowl.
• Pour the garlic cream sauce over the salmon cubes and gently toss to coat.
• Serve the salmon cubes with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Air fryer temperature and time

Air-frying is a quick and convenient way to cook salmon cubes, yielding crispy and tender bites in under 10 minutes. The temperature and time settings for your air fryer will depend on the model and your desired level of doneness. Here is a guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked salmon cubes:

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (about 190-200°C). This temperature range is ideal for cooking salmon cubes, ensuring they cook through evenly without drying out. Different air fryer models may heat up slightly differently, so you may need to adjust the temperature setting slightly based on your experience with your specific air fryer.

Once preheated, place the salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each cube. This arrangement ensures that hot air circulates evenly around each piece, promoting even cooking and browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Now, it's time to set the timer. For salmon cubes, it's best to air fry for 5 to 8 minutes at 400°F (200°C) or 6 to 7 minutes at 350°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of your salmon cubes and your desired level of doneness. For well-done salmon with a crispy exterior, aim for the longer end of the time range. If you prefer your salmon slightly rarer, 5 to 6 minutes may be sufficient.

Halfway through the cooking time, shake or flip the basket. This step ensures even browning and helps prevent the salmon from sticking to the basket. If you're cooking a larger batch and need to cook the salmon in multiple batches, be sure to shake or flip the basket with each batch.

Finally, check the doneness of your salmon cubes. The salmon is ready when it is cooked through and browned all over. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 120-145°F (50-63°C) for medium-rare to well-done salmon. If the salmon is not yet at your desired temperature, return it to the air fryer in one-minute intervals until it reaches the perfect doneness for your taste.

Sauce and seasoning

Salmon cubes cooked in an air fryer can be seasoned and served with a variety of sauces. For seasoning, you can use salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add smoked paprika for a spicy kick. Some recipes suggest coating the salmon cubes in olive oil before adding the seasoning.

For a simple sauce, you can melt butter and mix it with lemon juice and garlic. This sauce should be added to the salmon cubes in a mixing bowl and tossed to coat before air frying. You can also add parsley to this sauce.

If you want to make a garlic cream sauce, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour this over the salmon cubes and toss to coat. Then, heat butter, cream, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a saucepan and stir until combined. Pour this sauce over the cooked salmon cubes.

For an Asian-inspired sauce, you can whisk together salt, garlic, pepper, soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Toss the salmon cubes in this mixture before air frying and reserve the leftover sauce. After cooking, brush the salmon cubes with the sauce, thickened with a cornstarch slurry.

You can also serve salmon cubes with a remoulade sauce or hot honey.

Serving suggestions

Salmon cubes cooked in an air fryer are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Salads

Salmon cubes are an excellent addition to salads, providing a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Try adding them to a Caesar salad, or get creative with your favourite greens, veggies, and dressings. The bite-sized pieces add a nice texture and make it easy to eat.

Rice Bowls

For a hearty and nutritious meal, serve your salmon cubes with a bed of rice and a variety of vegetables. You can also add a sauce or dressing to the bowl, such as a remoulade or chimichurri sauce, for an extra flavour boost.

Tacos

Salmon tacos are a fun and unique way to enjoy your salmon cubes. Simply add the salmon to a tortilla shell and top with your favourite slaw or other toppings.

Sides

Salmon cubes can also be served as a main dish with a variety of sides. Some suggested sides include roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, and breadsticks. Broccoli and potatoes are also a great option, or you can switch it up with different vegetables.

Sauces

To enhance the flavour of your salmon cubes, consider serving them with a delicious sauce. Some options include a creamy garlic butter sauce, a sweet and savoury Asian-inspired sauce, or a lemon garlic butter sauce. Don't forget to drizzle any remaining sauce on top of your salmon cubes before serving!

Appetizers

Air fryer salmon cubes make a great appetizer or starter. Serve them with a dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or remoulade, for your guests to enjoy before the main course.

With their versatility and quick cooking time, air fryer salmon cubes are a great way to add more seafood to your diet and impress your guests with a variety of serving options.

Storing and reheating

Storing your salmon cubes

If you have any leftover salmon cubes, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are completely cool before freezing, and place them on parchment paper in a storage container to prevent them from sticking to the sides.

Reheating your salmon cubes in the air fryer

The air fryer is a great way to reheat your salmon cubes, keeping them moist and adding a delightful crunch to the surface. Before you start, make sure your air fryer is clean and in good working condition.

Take a sheet of aluminium foil and wrap it around the salmon cubes, creating a packet. The foil should be sealed but loose enough to allow hot air to circulate around the fish. This will help keep the salmon moist during the reheating process.

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). While it's heating up, you can prepare your salmon. When the air fryer is ready, place the foil-wrapped salmon inside the basket, making sure they are in a single layer.

Reheat the salmon cubes for 3-4 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the salmon and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't overcook. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C).

You can also reheat salmon cubes without the foil. Simply preheat your air fryer and place the salmon chunks inside, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes at 365°F (180°C).

Frequently asked questions