Air Fryer Salmon Cubes
Air fryer salmon bites (also called salmon nuggets or salmon cubes) are your new favorite 6-minute protein! These tender air fried salmon bites are perfectly seasoned and so versatile – they’re the ultimate quick-fix for lunch or dinner. The best part? You can make these salmon chunks with ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now!
The air fryer is one of my favorite ways to get dinner on the table fast. If you love using the air fryer too, be sure to check out all my air fryer recipes including how to make frozen shrimp in the air fryer or teriyaki salmon in the air fryer.
If you’re constantly racing against the clock to get dinner on the table, you’re in the right place. As a former personal trainer and nutrition coach, I’ve helped countless women just like you find simple ways to eat well with limited time. That’s exactly why I created Bites of Wellness—to be your go-to resource for quick, nutritious meals (like these air fryer salmon nuggets) that actually fit into your hectic life.
Why you will love this recipe
- Ready in just 6 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights
- Simple ingredients you likely have on hand
- Kid-friendly bite-sized pieces
- Crispy exterior, tender inside – no dry salmon!
- Versatile – add to salads, wraps, pasta, rice bowls, or enjoy alone
- Great for portion control and easy serving
- Works with fresh or frozen salmon cubes
- Gluten free, dairy free, Whole30, low carb
- Clean-up is super simple – especially if you use a air fryer liner
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
Prep Tips:
- Use skinless salmon for best results. If using skin-on, be sure the skin is upright when cooking so it gets crispy.
- Cut salmon into equal 1-inch cubes using sharp kitchen shears or a knife
- Use a plastic cutting board for fish so you can throw it in the dishwasher
- Line your air fryer basket with a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Use silicone-tipped tongs or spatula to protect your air fryer’s coating
Batch Cooking:
- Avoid overcrowding – cook in batches if doubling the recipe
- Second batch may cook faster (about 5 minutes) since the air fryer is preheated
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
Ways to serve air fried salmon bites
- Quick lunch wraps or pitas – add greens, avocado and your favorite sauce
- Power-packed salads – these salmon bites make any salad a filling meal
- Easy fish tacos or burrito bowls (check out my popular BBQ salmon tacos!)
- 10-minute grain bowls – add these salmon cubes to quinoa or rice with your favorite veggies Meal prep containers – air fried salmon bites stay fresh for 3-4 days
- Quick family dinner – serve over rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower with simple steamed veggies and spicy sriracha mayo
Common questions about air fryer salmon chunks
Can I make salmon cubes without an air fryer?
Yes! You can make these salmon bites under the 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 my 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 air fried salmon cubes?
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!
What’s the best salmon to use?
- Fresh or previously frozen both work well
- Wild-caught or farm-raised salmon both work
- I typically use Wild Caught Salmon, which is leaner but use whatever you have on hand.
- Choose whatever fits your budget – this recipe works with any variety!
Storing leftovers
- Fridge – store air fried salmon cubes in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer – freezing leftovers is not recommended.
- Reheating – Reheat in air fryer at 375F for 3-4 minutes.
Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets
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, but you can use skin-on, just make sure the skin is facing up during cooking.
- Cut the fish into similar sized pieces
- 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
