If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious way to prepare salmon, these Air Fryer Salmon Bites are the perfect solution! With a sweet and spicy seasoning blend, these bite-sized salmon pieces are crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and ready in just 18 minutes.
They’re incredibly versatile, making them perfect for rice bowls, salads, tacos, or simply served with vegetables. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer makes them super easy with minimal cleanup!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Salmon Bites
✅ Fast & Easy – Ready in just 18 minutes with minimal prep.
✅ Crispy, Tender & Flaky – Perfectly cooked in the air fryer.
✅ Healthy & Nutritious – High in protein and omega-3s.
✅ Versatile – Great for rice bowls, salads, tacos, and wraps.
✅ No Mess, No Fuss – Simple air fryer cooking with little cleanup!
What Are Air Fryer Salmon Bites?
These bite-sized salmon pieces are coated in a bold, flavorful seasoning mix and air-fried to perfection. The sweet-spicy rub, made with brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika, creates a caramelized crust while keeping the salmon tender and juicy inside.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or healthy snacking, these salmon bites pair beautifully with rice, veggies, salads, or even tacos!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry spices to create a bold, flavorful crust on the salmon.
For the Salmon Bites
- Salmon (skin removed) – Cut into 1-inch cubes for bite-sized pieces.
- Olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and adds richness.
For the Sweet-Spicy Seasoning
- Light brown sugar – Adds a subtle caramelized sweetness.
- Chili powder – Gives the salmon a mild heat.
- Paprika – Enhances color and flavor.
- Garlic powder & onion powder – Add a savory, well-rounded taste.
- Salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning balance.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
This recipe is super easy and requires just a few simple steps!
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
- Remove the skin from the salmon (if not already done).
- Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
- In a small bowl, whisk together the:
- Brown sugar
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Step 3: Season the Salmon
- Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the salmon, tossing gently until well coated.
Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon Bites
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece. (Work in batches if needed!)
- Air fry for 6-7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness. (No need to flip!)
💡 Tip: For extra crispy edges, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately!
Ways to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Bites
These crispy, flavorful salmon bites are super versatile! Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
🍚 Over Rice – Serve with steamed rice and roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
🥗 On a Salad – Toss them over a fresh green salad for a protein boost.
🌮 In Tacos – Add them to warm tortillas with slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of hot honey!
🥒 With Veggies – Pair with sautéed or roasted vegetables for a low-carb meal.
🍜 In a Bowl – Serve with quinoa, greens, or cauliflower rice for a healthy bowl.
💡 Pro Tip: Drizzle with honey, sriracha, or a squeeze of fresh lemon for an extra pop of flavor!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Bites
🔥 Cut Evenly – Ensure all salmon pieces are uniform in size so they cook evenly.
🍯 Balance the Sweet & Spicy – Adjust the amount of brown sugar or chili powder based on your preference.
💨 Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer – Cook in batches if necessary to get a crispy exterior.
📏 Check for Doneness – Salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches 145°F (63°C) inside.
🌿 Add a Garnish – Sprinkle with fresh parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
🥡 Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freeze: Freeze cooked salmon bites in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
🔥 Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
💡 Pro Tip: For meal prep, store the seasoned, uncooked salmon bites in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying!
FAQs About Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes! Just thaw the salmon completely before cutting and seasoning.
Q: Do I need to flip the salmon in the air fryer?
A: No! Air fryers circulate hot air evenly, so flipping isn’t necessary.
Q: Can I make this without an air fryer?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or pan-sear for 2-3 minutes per side.
Q: What’s the best way to remove the salmon skin?
A: Use a sharp knife to slice between the skin and flesh, or ask your fishmonger to remove it for you.
Q: Can I use a different seasoning?
A: Absolutely! Try a lemon-garlic rub, Cajun seasoning, or teriyaki glaze for different flavor variations.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick, flavorful, and healthy way to enjoy salmon. With a sweet-spicy seasoning, crispy edges, and a tender, flaky center, they’re perfect for any meal—whether you’re making tacos, salads, rice bowls, or a quick snack.
Try this easy air fryer salmon recipe today and enjoy a delicious, high-protein meal in under 20 minutes! 🐟🔥
Short Version
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon skin removed
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the salmon, adding a little at a time, and toss gently to coat the fish evenly.
- Place the salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer, ensuring there’s a little space between them (work in batches if necessary).
- Air fry at 380°F for 6-7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking. There’s no need to flip the salmon during the cook time.
