Enjoy a quick and flavorful meal with these Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites! Tender salmon pieces, marinated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, make for a healthy and delicious dish ready in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Delicious: Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, this recipe is both nutritious and flavorful.
- Tender & Flaky: The air fryer ensures the salmon bites are perfectly cooked, tender, and flaky.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or add to salads and bowls.
Ingredients
- Salmon Fillet: Provides a tender, flaky protein base.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Coats the salmon and helps it cook evenly.
- Minced Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the salmon.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
- Minced Fresh Dill: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Lemon Wedges: For garnish and extra lemon juice.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Cut the salmon fillet into 1-inch cubes and place them in a shallow dish.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, soy sauce, olive oil, and minced garlic. Pour over the salmon cubes and toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Sprinkle the salmon with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring even distribution.
Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spritz the air fryer basket or tray with oil. Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and sprinkle with minced fresh dill. Serve with lemon wedges.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Even Cubes: Cut the salmon into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the salmon in a single layer in the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Adjust Seasoning: Adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and paprika to your preference.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Appetizer: Serve as a tasty appetizer with dipping sauces.
- Main Course: Pair with roasted vegetables, rice, or quinoa.
- Salad Topping: Add to salads for a protein boost.
- Bowl Ingredient: Include in grain bowls or poke bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw the salmon completely before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
2. Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, other flaky white fish like cod or tilapia can be used. Adjust cooking times as needed.
3. Can I add other seasonings?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes for heat or other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
4. How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with oil and ensure the salmon is arranged in a single layer.
Print
Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Tender salmon cubes are marinated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in crispy edges and a flaky, moist interior. Serve with fresh dill and lemon wedges for a light and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillet or salmon portions
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
- 1 medium lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Cut the Salmon: Cut the 1 pound salmon fillet into 1-inch cubes and place them in a shallow dish.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Pour the mixture over the salmon cubes and toss to coat evenly.
- Season the Salmon: Sprinkle the salmon with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika, ensuring the seasoning is distributed evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Air Fry the Salmon: Lightly spritz the air fryer basket or tray with oil. Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle them with 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a squeeze of extra lemon juice.
Notes
- Basket Air Fryers: This recipe is designed for basket air fryers, so make as directed.
- Toaster-Oven Style Air Fryers: Arrange bites with space between each piece. Rotate the tray halfway through and cook for 8–10 minutes.
- Ovens with Air Fryer Settings: Use a wire rack or tray. Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon cubes.
- For extra crispy edges, you can spray the salmon with a little more olive oil before air frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
