Easy Peasy Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Oh, friend, do you ever have those moments when you crave something healthy and delicious, but you need it right now? Maybe it's a busy weeknight, or you just got home and your stomach is rumbling, or you're trying to whip up a quick appetizer before guests arrive. Whatever the reason, these Air Fryer Salmon Bites are about to become your new superhero recipe! Seriously, in less time than it takes to decide what to watch on Netflix, you can have perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful salmon bites ready to devour. They're juicy, tender, and packed with simple, fresh flavors thanks to a little garlic, lemon, and butter. Trust me, once you try this, you'll keep coming back to it again and again. It's just that easy and that good.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Medium bowl
- Small bowl
- Tongs Optional, for flipping
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillet cut into roughly 1-inch cubes
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3 garlic cloves minced
Instructions
- First things first, grab a medium bowl and toss those lovely salmon cubes with the salt and pepper. Just give them a gentle mix to make sure they're seasoned all over.
- In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the melted butter, that fresh lemon juice, and the minced garlic.
- Now, pour that glorious butter mixture right over the salmon cubes. Gently toss everything together until each little bite is nicely coated in that buttery, garlicky, lemony goodness.
- While you're doing that, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Once your air fryer is hot, arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer in the basket. This is important! Don't overcrowd the basket, or your salmon will steam instead of crisp up nicely. If you have a lot of salmon, cook it in batches.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes. About halfway through (around 3-4 minutes), give the basket a shake or flip the bites with tongs. This helps them cook evenly on all sides.
- You'll know they're done when they're opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork.
- And just like that, they're ready! Serve them immediately while they're hot and fresh.
Notes
**Substitutions & Additions:** Want to change things up? Here are a few ideas: Different Flavors: Instead of lemon garlic butter, try using olive oil and adding spices like paprika, chili powder, cumin, or a store-bought seafood seasoning blend. Herbs: Toss in some fresh chopped dill, parsley, or chives after cooking for a burst of freshness. Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a little kick. Dipping Sauce: These are fantastic on their own, but they'd also be great with a simple yogurt-dill sauce, a sriracha mayo, or even just a little extra lemon wedge squeezed over them. **Tips for Success:** Don't Overcrowd: I know I said it already, but it's the most common air fryer mistake! Cook in batches for the best results. Cube Size: Try to cut your salmon into roughly equal-sized cubes so they cook evenly. Keep an Eye On It: Air fryers can vary. Start checking around 6 minutes, especially the first time you make them, to find the perfect cooking time for your machine and desired doneness. Salmon cooks quickly! Prep Ahead: You can cube the salmon and mix the butter sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then combine and air fry when you're ready. **How to Store It:** If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a big IF in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them gently in the air fryer for a few minutes or in a skillet until just warmed through to avoid drying them out. **FAQs:** Q: Can I use frozen salmon? A: Yes, absolutely! Just make sure it's fully thawed before you cut it into cubes and proceed with the recipe. Q: How do I know when the salmon bites are done? A: They should be opaque throughout and flake easily when you gently poke them with a fork. Be careful not to overcook, or they'll be dry! Q: Can I make this without an air fryer? A: You could pan-sear the bites in a hot skillet with a little oil or bake them on a lined baking sheet at around 400°F (200°C). Adjust cooking times accordingly (pan-searing will be very fast, baking might take 8-12 minutes depending on size).