Salmon Bites in Air Fryer
If you know me, you know I’ll find any excuse to eat salmon. I’m obsessed. So when I realized how quickly chicken bites cook in the air fryer, I had to try salmon—because let’s be real, when I’m hungry, I do not want to wait for my food to cook!
After years of working with women in the gym as a personal trainer and nutrition coach, I know that getting enough protein can be a daily struggle. That’s why I love this recipe—these air fryer salmon bites cook in just 6 minutes, making it easier than ever to add protein to your meals.
And if you’re loving quick air fryer seafood, don’t stop here! Try air fryer frozen shrimp or teriyaki salmon for a fun twist.
These air fryer salmon bites are a game-changer for busy weeknights. They cook in just 6 minutes, use simple ingredients you probably already have, and are perfect for portion control with their kid-friendly, bite-sized pieces. Plus, they have a crispy exterior and tender inside—no more dry salmon!
Not only are they gluten free, dairy free, Whole30, and low carb, but they’re also incredibly versatile. Here are some easy ways to serve them:
- Quick lunch wraps or pitas – Add greens, avocado, and your favorite sauce.
- Power-packed salads – Toss them into any salad for a protein boost.
- Easy fish tacos or burrito bowls – Try them in my BBQ salmon tacos!
- 10-minute grain bowls – Serve over quinoa or rice with veggies and your favorite sauce
Ingredient spotlight
- Skinless salmon – I personally prefer skinless salmon for this recipe but you could use skin-on if you prefer.
- Olive oil – this helps the spices stick to the salmon
- Spices – I like a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, oregano and red pepper flakes but the seasonings you can use are really endless.
How to make air fryer salmon nuggets
Cut the salmon into cubes, about 1-2 inch cubes (use a knife or kitchen shears)
Season: Add the salmon to a bowl and add the olive oil and spices. Stir well.
Cook in the air fryer: Add salmon chunks to air fryer basket (line with parchment paper or silicone liner for easy clean up). Be sure they are in a single layer. Cook at 400F for 6 minutes. No need to shake the basket or flip the salmon.
Essential tips for perfect air fryer salmon bites
- Use skinless salmon for best results. If using skin-on salmon, have the skin facing up so it will get crispy as it cooks.
- I recommend using kitchen shears for cutting the salmon quickly.
- For easy clean up and to prevent sticking: Line your air fryer basket with a silicone mat or parchment paper
- Use silicone-tipped tongs or spatula to protect your air fryer’s coating
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, cook in batches if doubling the recipe (the second batch may cook quicker, check at 5 minutes.
Other flavors to try
- Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning – Add about 1 tablespoon of herbs de provence or italian seasoning to the garlic powder, oregano and salt.
- Cajun – add about ½ tablespoon of cajun seasoning.
- Ranch – omit the oregano. Add ½ tablespoon dried chives, 1 teaspoon dried parsley and ½ teaspoon dried dill to the garlic powder and salt.
- Taco – add about ½ tablespoon of taco seasoning
- Smoky – add ½ teaspoon cumin
- Squeeze of lemon or lime – add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime at the end
Common questions
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes! You can make these salmon bites under the oven broiler:
- Coat the salmon chunks with oil and seasonings
- Place on a broiler-safe baking sheet, cast iron skillet, or large skillet
- Broil for 4 minutes Flip and broil for another 2-3 minutes until done
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
- This recipe was tested in a Ninja air fryer without preheating
- If your air fryer model requires preheating, check the salmon bites at 5 minutes
- Cooking time may vary slightly between different air fryer models
Can I use frozen salmon?
For best results, use thawed salmon. Here’s how to quickly defrost salmon:
- Remove from original packaging
- Transfer to a zip-lock bag (don’t defrost in vacuum packaging)
- Place in a bowl of cold water
- Change water every 10-15 minutes
- Salmon will thaw in under 1 hour
Pro Tip: Plan to make these air fryer salmon nuggets? Move your salmon to the fridge the night before for easy thawing!
Air Fryer Salmon Cubes
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cut the salmon into 1-2 inch cubes. You can use sharp kitchen shears or a knife and cutting board.
- Add the salmon chunks into a bowl. Add the oil and spices to the salmon then stir well.
- Transfer the salmon cubes to the air fryer. I like to put down a silicone liner or parchment paper liner into basket first. Be sure that the salmon is in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400F for 6 minutes.
Equipment
Notes
- I recommend using skinless salmon,
- If using skin-on salmon, be sure the skin is facing up during cooking.
- I recommend using a silicone liner or parchment paper to help ensure nothing sticks.
- Use silicone tipped tongs or a silicone spatula to avoid scratching the air fryer basket.
- To double the recipe, cook in 2 batches. The second batch may be done in 5 minutes so keep an eye on it.
- Fridge: in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 375 for 3-4 minutes or serve cold or at room temperature.
- Freezer: Not recommended
These are so easy and perfect for a busy weeknight!
These really are so perfect for busy nights! So glad you loved them! I appreciate you coming to leave a review so much. Happy cooking xo Sam