Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Salmon bites are a game-changer for dinner—they’re quick, healthy, and so easy to make. Because the salmon is cut up into bite-sized pieces, you get more seasoning on each piece, really letting that delicious lemon garlic flavor stand out even more. With this recipe, you can have a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 20 minutes.

Make it a meal with a side of air fryer asparagus or add on an air fried baked potato.

There are so many things to love about this recipe, from the quick cooking time to the spot-on seasoning. The marinade is the real standout with zippy lemon, garlic, and that little touch of paprika. It’s a simple and straightforward recipe with amazing flavor that is sure to become your new favorite method for making salmon.

Ingredient Notes

• Salmon: You can buy a salmon fillet or salmon portions. Skin-on fillets work, but you’ll want to remove the skin before cubing.
• Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice tends to have a more muted flavor.
• Soy Sauce: You can use a reduced-sodium opinion, coconut aminos, or tamari in the same amount.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: You can also use avocado oil which is always popular for air frying.
• Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic always has the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic from a jar can also be used. It just has a more bitter flavor.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika or hot paprika can also be used to add more flavor.
• Fresh Dill: This fresh herb really adds so much to the flavor, so make sure you don’t skip on this. If using dried dill, reduce the amount to 2 teaspoons.
• Lemon Wedges: Always good to serve alongside seafood to add a little hit of acid.

Salmon Options

Portions or Fillets: You can buy salmon in fillets, which is a whole length or salmon portions which are cut up into individual servings. You want thicker pieces for this so that you can easily cube them into bite-size pieces. The thinner parts of a fillet will cook faster, so keep an eye on those.

Frozen Salmon: Frozen salmon is a lifesaver for those busy nights! Thaw it overnight in the fridge or in cold water for about 30 minutes if you’re short on time. Don’t forget to pat it dry before marinating so it can soak up all that flavorful goodness.

Wild-Caught vs. Farm-Raised: Wild-caught salmon is that deeper pinkish-red salmon you see in the store. It has a bolder, richer flavor and firmer texture. Farm-raised salmon is that lighter pink salmon which has a milder flavor. Farm-raised is almost always cheaper. Both are great here, so pick what works for you.

Skin-On or Skinless: If your salmon has skin, you can remove it easily by sliding a sharp knife between the skin and flesh, and it’ll come right off.

Use Liners for Easy Cleanup

Parchment Liners: These pre-cut, perforated parchment liners are an absolute lifesaver for air fryer cleanup. The little holes make sure the air flows properly so your salmon (or whatever you’re cooking) gets perfectly crispy. Pro tip: Don’t put the liner in until after preheating, and always weigh it down with food so it doesn’t end up flying around.

Silicone Liners: If you’re into reusable options, silicone liners are the way to go. These fit perfectly into your air fryer basket, and bonus—they’re dishwasher-safe. Invest in one of these, and you’ll never look back.

How to Know When Salmon is Done

Test for flakiness by using a fork to gently press into the thickest part of the salmon. If it flakes easily and the flesh is opaque, it’s ready to go. If you’re unsure, a quick check with a meat thermometer is foolproof—look for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Perfectly cooked salmon should be juicy, tender, and just barely cooked through.

Adapting for Different Styles of Air Fryers

Basket Air Fryers: This recipe is designed for basket air fryers. Arrange salmon bites in a single layer and cook at 400°F for 6–8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Ovens with Air Fryer Settings: Use a wire rack or air fryer tray for best results. Check the salmon for doneness at 8–10 minutes, as cooking might take a little longer than in a basket-style air fryer.

Toaster-Oven Style Air Fryers: Place salmon bites on the tray with space between each piece for proper airflow. Rotate the tray halfway through cooking. Expect the cooking time to be slightly longer—check for doneness at 8–10 minutes.

Baking Instructions

If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry—you can still make these in your oven. Just put the bites on a single layer on a pan, then bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes or until cooked through.