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Close-up of perfectly seared crispy air fryer salmon bites stacked on a white plate with garlic butter sauce, parsley, and lemon wedges.

Crispy & Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon Bites

These tender Air Fryer Salmon Bites are seasoned to perfection with garlic, herbs, and a touch of paprika. They are the ultimate healthy, 15-minute meal that’s crispy on the outside and buttery-soft on the inside. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Salmon fillet skinless and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/2 Lemon cut into wedges

Method
 

  1. Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  2. Dry: Pat the salmon cubes completely dry with a paper towel. This is the secret to the crispy crust!
  3. Season: In a medium bowl, combine the salmon cubes, olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently toss until every cube is evenly coated.
  4. Arrange: Place the salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they are not overlapping so the air can circulate properly.
  5. Cook: Air fry for 7–9 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
  6. Finish: Once the salmon is cooked through and golden on the edges, remove from the basket. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Notes

  • Pro Tip: For extra texture, you can add a teaspoon of panko breadcrumbs to the seasoning mix.
  • Don't Overcrowd: If you have a smaller air fryer, cook in two batches. Overcrowding will make the salmon steam instead of crisp.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.