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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick, healthy, and flavorful snack or appetizer. These golden, crunchy salmon morsels stay tender and juicy inside thanks to the air fryer cooking method, which reduces oil use while delivering irresistible crispiness. Perfect for busy weeknights, party appetizers, or protein-packed snacks, they combine omega-3 richness with a delightful texture and vibrant seasoning.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh skinless salmon filets, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Cut fresh salmon into evenly sized, bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture, which helps the coating stick better and creates extra crispiness.
  2. Season and Coat: Toss salmon pieces with olive oil in a bowl, coating each piece lightly. In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Dip each salmon chunk into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure immediate crisping of the coating when cooking starts.
  4. Air Fry to Perfection: Arrange coated salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even golden browning on all sides.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Let salmon bites rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute and the coating to remain crispy. Garnish as desired and serve with preferred sides or dips.

Notes

  • Use fresh or fully thawed salmon for best results.
  • Pat salmon dry after cutting to maximize crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
  • Flip salmon bites halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
  • Adjust cooking time for thicker pieces to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon bites, air fryer salmon, crispy salmon, healthy seafood snack, omega-3 snack, gluten-free salmon