Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Air Fryer Salmon Bites are little pieces of tender, flaky salmon with a lightly crispy outside that makes for a perfect bite-sized snack or appetizer. They’re quick to make and…
Tip: save now, cook later.Air Fryer Salmon Bites are little pieces of tender, flaky salmon with a lightly crispy outside that makes for a perfect bite-sized snack or appetizer. They’re quick to make and have just the right balance of juicy salmon flavor and a golden, crunchy coating that’s hard to resist.
I love making these salmon bites when I want something healthy but still super tasty. Using the air fryer means they cook up fast and stay juicy inside without needing a lot of oil. I sometimes toss them with a little lemon juice or dip them in a simple sauce to add a fresh twist.
They’re great served with a fresh salad or as part of a snack plate when friends come over. I find that even people who aren’t huge fish fans usually enjoy these because the crispy outside gives them a fun texture. Plus, they’re easy to pick up and eat, which makes them perfect for casual gatherings or a quick dinner at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon gives the best flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh, thawed frozen salmon works well too. Avoid pre-seasoned fillets to control the flavors yourself.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the bites a light, crisp coating. You can swap with regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a different crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice salty, umami flavor to the coating. If you prefer dairy-free, skip or try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Smoked Paprika and Garlic Powder: These spices add warmth and depth. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your spice preference or use smoked chili powder for more heat.
Dipping Sauce: Mayonnaise gives creaminess, but Greek yogurt is a lighter option with tang. Fresh herbs like dill brighten the sauce, but parsley works great too.
How Do You Get Crispy, Juicy Salmon Bites Without Drying Them Out?
Cooking salmon in the air fryer can dry it out if you’re not careful. Here’s what helps keep the bites crispy outside and tender inside:
- Cut the salmon into even bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Coat each piece well with oil and the breadcrumb mixture to create a crispy crust.
- Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to get it hot before cooking.
- Arrange bites in a single layer, with space around them for air to circulate so they crisp evenly.
- Shake or toss the basket halfway through to brown all sides nicely.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time—about 8-10 minutes works well. Overcooking makes salmon dry, so better to check earlier.
With these steps, you’ll get salmon bites that are golden on the outside and juicy inside every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – essential for making the salmon bites crispy without using much oil.
- Sharp knife – helps you cut the salmon into even, bite-sized cubes easily.
- Mixing bowls – for coating the salmon cubes with oil and breadcrumb mixture.
- Tongs or spatula – perfect for placing and turning the salmon bites in the air fryer basket.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get the seasoning and coating quantities just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try swapping salmon for firm white fish like cod or tilapia for a milder taste that still crisps well.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
- Mix in some lemon zest with the panko to brighten the flavor before coating.
- Top with fresh dill or chives after cooking if you want a fresh herbal note instead of parsley.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For The Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 5 minutes prepping and 8 to 10 minutes cooking. Plus, a few minutes more to mix the dipping sauce—so roughly 15-20 minutes total, making this recipe quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
2. Coat the Salmon Bites
Brush or toss the salmon cubes with olive oil until they’re evenly coated. Then press each piece into the breadcrumb mixture so they’re well covered on all sides.
3. Air Fry the Salmon
Place the coated salmon bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd it—cook in batches if you need to. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crispness. The bites should be golden brown outside and cooked through.
4. Make the Dipping Sauce and Serve
While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, olive oil, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. When the salmon is done, transfer the bites to a plate, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges and the dipping sauce on the side.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer to cook the salmon with a crispy finish.
- Sharp knife to cut the salmon into cubes.
- Mixing bowls for seasoning and coating the salmon.
- Tongs or spatula to handle the salmon bites in the air fryer.
- Measuring spoons and cups for the ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use firm white fish like cod or tilapia instead of salmon for a milder flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading for a little heat.
- Mix in some lemon zest with the breadcrumbs to add bright citrus notes.
- Swap parsley for fresh dill or chives to change up the herb flavor for garnish and sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cutting into cubes. Thaw in the fridge overnight or place the sealed frozen salmon in cold water for faster thawing. Pat dry to remove excess moisture before coating.
Can I Make These Salmon Bites Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salmon bites and breadcrumb coating in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Cook just before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.
What Dipping Sauce Goes Best with Air Fryer Salmon Bites?
The creamy lemon-dill sauce in the recipe is a perfect match. You can also try tartar sauce, a garlic aioli, or a simple squeeze of fresh lemon for extra zing.