Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside—these Air Fryer Salmon Bites come together in a flash and pack in tons of flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or prepping protein for the week, this easy recipe is always a win!
Table of Contents
What Is Air Fryer Salmon?
Air fryer salmon is a fuss-free way to enjoy perfectly cooked fish with a crispy edge and juicy center. It’s made by tossing salmon pieces in a simple spice blend, giving them a warm, smoky flavor before crisping them up in the air fryer. This method locks in moisture without the need for excess oil, and the results are super satisfying, especially if you love a little crunch with your protein.
Because the pieces are cut small, each bite gets golden and flavorful on the outside while staying buttery soft inside. The spices add layers of smoky, tangy, and savory notes that make the salmon pop—plus, it’s ready in minutes. Serve it on a salad, in tacos, or alongside rice and veggies for a quick, flavor-packed meal.
Ingredients You Need
- Salmon – Thick-cut salmon works best for this recipe because it stays juicy on the inside while getting golden on the outside. We love using skinless salmon for easy, even cooking.
- Smoked Paprika – This adds a smoky, slightly sweet depth that makes each bite super flavorful. It also helps give the salmon that rich golden color.
- Ground Cumin – We add this to bring a warm, earthy flavor that complements the smokiness of the paprika. It balances everything out without overpowering the fish.
- Garlic Powder – This is a great way to add savory flavor to every bite. We love it because it blends evenly into the spice mix.
- Sumac – Tangy and bright, sumac brings a citrusy kick that cuts through the richness of the salmon. It’s one of our favorite ways to level up seasoning blends.
- Sea Salt – This brings out the natural flavor of the fish and helps the spices shine. We prefer sea salt for its clean, pure taste.
- Black Pepper – A touch of heat and a bit of bite—black pepper rounds out the spice blend perfectly. Freshly ground adds the best flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – This helps the spices stick and adds richness to the salmon as it cooks. It also gives the salmon that gorgeous golden finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
- Get the salmon ready. Gently pat the salmon dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Then, add it to a large mixing bowl.
- Coat with flavor. Sprinkle in all the spices and drizzle olive oil on top. Toss gently with a spoon or your hands to make sure every piece is coated with the seasoning blend.
- Let it crisp up. Place the salmon pieces in your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded. Cook until they’re flaky when pierced with a fork.
Variations
- Lemon Zest – Add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the spice blend for extra brightness and zing.
- Heat – Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy twist.
- Glaze – Brush the salmon with a mix of honey and soy sauce before air frying for a sweet and savory finish.
- Spices – Use chili powder, onion powder, or curry powder to change up the flavor profile.
- Herbs – Toss in some dried thyme or oregano for extra earthy notes.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover salmon tends to lose its crispy edges in the fridge, but it’s still super tasty. Try reheating it in the air fryer or oven to bring back some of that texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can freeze the salmon bites once cooled, but the texture may change slightly when reheated. Keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Common Questions about Air Fryer Salmon
Air frying is quicker and gives the salmon a crispier texture on the outside, while baking is great for a softer, more evenly cooked finish. Both are tasty—it just depends on your preference!
Make sure you don’t overcook it, and use a little oil to help lock in moisture. Also, using thick pieces helps the inside stay juicy.
Nope! One of the perks of air frying is that you can cook salmon in a single layer without flipping, and it still gets perfectly crisp.
Make sure to use a little oil, and don’t move the salmon until it’s had a chance to crisp up. Using parchment paper liners or a light spray of cooking oil can also help.
More Salmon Recipes
We love how easy it is to dress up salmon and get it on the table fast! Check out more of our simple salmon recipes that are sure to become favorites!
Za’atar Baked Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Salmon Wellington with Puff Pastry
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1¼ pounds salmon skin removed and cut into 1½-inch cubes (use thick-cut for best results)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Prep the Salmon:
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels and place in a large bowl.1¼ pounds salmon
Season:
- Add smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, sumac, sea salt, and black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated.1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sumac, 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Air Fry:
- Arrange salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F for 5–7 minutes, or until golden on the outside and flaky on the inside. No need to flip!
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
