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

Air fryers are a great way to cook salmon bites, which are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. They are easy to make, healthy, and can be served in a variety of ways, such as in a rice bowl, on a salad, or with a dipping sauce. Salmon bites are also a good source of protein and healthy fats, and can be paired with a variety of sides.

Salmon preparation and seasoning

The first step in making salmon bites in an air fryer is to prepare the salmon fillets. Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces or cubes, preferably around 1 inch in size. Try to ensure that the pieces are of a similar size so that they cook evenly. If you are using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it first by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water.

Once the salmon is cut into pieces, place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You can also spritz the salmon with oil using an olive oil spray. Then, it's time to season the salmon. You can use a variety of seasonings and spices to add flavour to the salmon. Here are some options:

• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Dried thyme and oregano
• Lemon pepper seasoning

Combine all the spices and gently rub the mixture over the salmon until it is thoroughly coated. You can also add some lemon juice to the salmon for extra flavour.

After seasoning the salmon, it's time to move on to the next step of air frying.

Air fryer settings and cooking time

The air fryer temperature and cooking time will depend on the type of salmon bites you want to make. If you're making blackened salmon bites, it's best to cook them at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This will give you crispy, blackened salmon bites that are perfect for topping a salad or serving with rice or grains.

For lemon garlic butter salmon bites, you'll also want to set your air fryer to 400°F, but this time for 5 to 7 minutes without shaking the basket. Don't forget to use a liner in the basket to prevent the sauce from falling through!

If you're looking for a sweet and savory sauce to dress your salmon bites, you'll first need to marinate them. Then, cook them in the air fryer at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Finally, for panko-breaded salmon bites, preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. These bites are perfect as an appetizer or main course and can be served with a simple homemade sweet and spicy sauce.

Salmon bite serving suggestions

Salmon bites are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air-fried salmon bites:

Main Course

Salmon bites can be served as a main course with a variety of sides. Some side dish suggestions include:

• Rice bowls: Serve the salmon bites on a bed of rice with vegetables such as avocado, boiled eggs, and green onions. For an Asian flair, add a drizzle of sesame oil and soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.
• Salad: Top a bed of fresh salad greens with salmon bites and your choice of fresh-cut vegetables such as cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and avocados.
• Vegetables: Pair the salmon bites with your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, potatoes, or spinach.
• Tacos: Fill corn tortillas with salmon bites, cabbage slaw, and a creamy yogurt sauce.
• Rice and vegetables: Serve the salmon bites with a side of rice and your favorite vegetables, such as cauliflower rice and broccoli rice.

Appetizer

Salmon bites can also be served as an appetizer or starter. Here are some suggestions:

• Salmon bites can be served with a dipping sauce such as tartar sauce or sriracha mayo.
• For a more substantial appetizer, serve the salmon bites with a toothpick for easy eating.

Leftovers

If you have any leftover salmon bites, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the cooled salmon bites on parchment paper in a storage container to prevent sticking. Reheat the salmon bites in the air fryer at 375°F until warmed through.

How to store and reheat salmon bites

Storing and reheating salmon bites is simple!

Storing Salmon Bites:

Firstly, it's important to note that salmon bites should only be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. If you're not planning on eating your salmon bites within that timeframe, it's best to freeze them.

Reheating Salmon Bites:

There are several ways to reheat your salmon bites, including using an air fryer, an oven, a stovetop/skillet, or a microwave.

• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon bites, skin-side down, in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat for 3-5 minutes or until the exterior is crispy and the salmon is heated through.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. You can revive the glaze by brushing the salmon lightly with honey glaze, adding a splash of water, or drizzling with olive oil. Loosely cover the salmon with foil and bake for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
• Stovetop/Skillet: For this method, opt for a non-stick skillet for easy release and cleanup. Use low heat and add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to create steam and keep the salmon moist. Place the salmon skin-side down and heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until warmed through.
• Microwave: While not the best option, as it can dry out the salmon and make the glaze rubbery, you can use a microwave in a pinch. Place the salmon in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking regularly to avoid overcooking.

Bon appétit!

Dipping sauce recipes

There are several dipping sauces that you can serve with salmon bites made in an air fryer. Here are some recipes:

Remoulade Sauce

This sauce is mentioned by two sources as a great pairing with air-fried salmon bites. To make it, you'll need:

• Mayonnaise
• Stone-ground mustard
• Milk
• Horseradish
• Celery seed
• Onion powder
• Dried parsley flakes
• White vinegar
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Chipotle Crema

This sauce is designed to complement the flavours of salmon bites with a smoky, spicy, and tangy crema. It's made with:

• Sour cream (regular, fat-free, or dairy-free) or Greek yogurt
• Mayonnaise (regular or fat-free)
• Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce

Blend the ingredients until smooth and serve on the side for dipping.

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

This sauce is a great choice if you're looking for a quick and easy salmon dinner. It's made with:

• Melted butter
• Fresh lemon juice
• Fresh garlic

Toss the salmon cubes in the sauce before air frying, and don't forget to drizzle any remaining sauce on top after cooking!

Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is a classic choice for fish and chips, and it also goes well with salmon bites. While there is no specific recipe mentioned, you can find various recipes online or in cookbooks.

Key Lime Tartar Sauce

A variation on traditional tartar sauce, this sauce is recommended to serve with blackened salmon bites. Unfortunately, no specific recipe is provided.

Yogurt Sauce

This creamy sauce is suggested as a topping for fish tacos made with air-fried salmon bites. No specific recipe is provided, but you can find various recipes for similar sauces online or in cookbooks.

Frequently asked questions