Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Air Fryer Salmon Bites are irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Packed with flavor, they are easy to make in less than 15 minutes with simple spices! Serve them as your main protein with sides or as an appetizer with dipping sauce.
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These air fryer salmon bites are sure to impress! The salmon pieces become crispy and golden on the outside while remaining flaky and moist on the inside. The dry rub, a blend of brown sugar, everyday spices and cornstarch, gives each bite a smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness that’s absolutely incredible.
This salmon recipe and my chicken enchilada casserole are the two meals that I make most often. They’re both quick, easy, good-for-you and family-friendly! Plus, I really try to eat a seafood dish at least once a week and this air fryer salmon recipe is my favorite for taste, texture and ease. I also love that it’s super versatile—serve the bites in rice bowls, salads or even tacos!
I made this for dinner last night and served it with roasted veggies, black beans, and a bit of rice—it was incredible! This recipe is definitely getting added to my list of go-to salmon dishes. So delicious!
— Carol
Reasons you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy and juicy: Salmon bites are caramelized on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside.
- Flavor-packed: The seasoning mix creates a perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness.
- So many ways to serve: Enjoy them with your favorite sides, in salads, tacos or as an appetizer.
- Nutritious: A great source of protein and omega-3s.
- Family-friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will love!
Ingredients you’ll need
This air fryer salmon bites recipe keeps things simple with a short ingredient list—just salmon and a handful of pantry staples you likely already have on hand!
For this recipe, you’ll need 1 pound of salmon—whether you go with wild or farmed is entirely up to you. Farm-raised salmon has a milder flavor and a richer, buttery texture, while wild salmon is leaner and more vibrant in color. It’s my personal choice and is often seen as the healthier choice since its natural diet results in higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients, while also containing lower amounts of contaminants like PCBs.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory spices and helps create a caramelized crust.
- Paprika or smoked paprika: Gives a mild smoky depth and vibrant color to the salmon bites.
- Chili powder: Brings a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor.
- Onion powder & garlic powder: Infuses savory richness without overpowering the dish.
- Cornstarch: Optional, but recommend to create a crispier exterior by absorbing excess moisture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Avocado or olive oil: Helps the seasoning adhere to the salmon while ensuring a perfectly golden, crispy texture.
Variations and substitutions
Here are some easy ways to customize your salmon bites:
- For the sweetener: You can completely omit the sugar or swap the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different touch of sweetness.
- Heat level: Turn up the spice by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. These salmon nuggets really aren’t spicy but if you’re super sensitive you can reduce the chili powder.
- Alternative seasonings: Try Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, or a lemon pepper blend for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-free option: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check ingredient labels if needed.
- Cornstarch substitute: Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used in place of cornstarch for a similar crisping effect.
How to make this recipe
Air frying fish is seriously my favorite way to make it. It’s so easy and it’s done in a flash (no marinating time or need to flip)! Plus, the result is SO good!
Step 1. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and cut it into 1-inch cubes, as evenly as possible.
Step 2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, seasonings, and cornstarch, pressing out any clumps for an even mix.
Step 3. In a medium to large bowl, coat the salmon cubes with the spices and oil, using your hands to ensure everything is well mixed.
Step 4. Place the salmon pieces in the basket of the air fryer and spread them out slightly to avoid overlapping as best that you can. Air fry at 400°F for 5-6 minutes. If you like your salmon more done, you can add 1-2 minutes.
Helpful tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your salmon bites turn out perfectly:
- Pat the salmon dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning. This helps the spices stick better and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Cut evenly-sized pieces: Keeping the salmon pieces uniform ensures they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Arrange the salmon in a single layer with space between each piece to allow proper air circulation for crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon pieces. Check for doneness at the lower end of the cooking range.
- Don’t overcook: Salmon continues to cook slightly after being removed from heat. Take it out once it reaches 120-130°F internally for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Let it rest: Allow the salmon to rest in the air fryer for a couple of minutes before serving to help retain its juices.
Frequently asked questions
Here’s a short video, if you need a visual for removing skin from salmon. Use a sharp knife to slice a little at one of the sides and then gently pull the skin off, so as not to remove too much of the flesh with the skin. The skin will sometimes leave a bit of gray color on the actual flesh – no need to remove this.
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon before cooking. Pat it dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture for the best texture.
Absolutely! You can bake the salmon bites at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Ways to serve
- In a rice bowl: Layer the salmon bites over a bed of steamed rice and top with avocado, cucumber and/or edamame. Drizzle with a little soy sauce, coconut aminos or your favorite dressing.
- Tacos: Wrap the salmon bites in soft tortillas with this slaw and sauce from my cod fish tacos.
- On a salad: Add the salmon bites to a leafy green salad for a protein-packed meal. Toss with your favorite salad veggies, such as tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, and finish with a light vinaigrette or my creamy tahini dressing.
- With roasted veggies: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, baby potatoes or Brussels sprouts for a wholesome, well-rounded meal.
- As an appetizer: Serve them as part of an appetizer spread with dipping sauces like tangy honey mustard, creamy dill sriracha sauce (scroll to the recipe card), spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or homemade tartar sauce.
- In a grain bowl: Combine with cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous, and top with fresh veggies, a drizzle of dressing, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Storage recommendations
Salmon is best served just after cooking for maximum juiciness! However, it will keep fresh for a few days and is great served cold, tossed over a salad.
- In the refrigerator: Allow the salmon bites to cool to room temperature before storing them. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat: To maintain their crispiness, reheat the salmon leftovers in the air fryer for just about 2-3 minutes at 350°F, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a skillet over medium heat to warm them, flipping them to ensure even crisping. I do not recommend microwaving the salmon.
My Air Fryer
COSORI 6-Qt Air Fryer
Highly reviewed air fryer with a large basket!
More tasty salmon recipes
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Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon, skin removed
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons avocado or olive oil
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Instructions
- If salmon has skin on, with a sharp knife, carefully remove the skin. I can usually slice a little at one of the sides and then gently pull the skin off, so as not to remove too much of the flesh with the skin. The skin will sometimes leave a bit of gray color on the actual flesh – don't worry about removing this.
- Gently pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then, cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, seasonings, and cornstarch, pressing out any clumps for an even mix.
- In a medium to large bowl, coat the salmon cubes with the spices and oil, using your hands to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Place the salmon pieces in the air fryer and spread them out slightly to avoid overlapping as best that you can. Air fry at 400°F for 5-6 minutes. No flipping necessary! If you like your salmon more done, you can add 1-2 minutes.
Notes
- Thick cut center filets work better than thin end pieces. You can usually find boneless, skinless salmon filets at Trader Joe’s, Target and other grocery stores. If you’re purchasing from seafood counter, you can ask them to remove the skin before packaging it for you.
- This amount of spice mix will work for anywhere from 1 to 1.5 pounds of salmon.
- I don’t recommend marinating the salmon for this recipe. When I tried letting it sit with the spices, it didn’t make a noticeable difference in flavor. If you want to prep ahead, I suggest cutting the salmon and mixing the spices in advance, then tossing everything together just before cooking.
Did you make this recipe?
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this sounds amazing! I’m cutting sugar right now, will this recipe still work without the brown sugar?
Yes, it will still be delicious, just won’t have the hint of sweetness.
Just made these for lunch and this is one of the best salmon recipe I’ve ever had!
I made this for dinner last night and served it with roasted veggies, black beans, and a bit of rice—it was incredible! This recipe is definitely getting added to my list of go-to salmon dishes. So delicious!