Ingredients
- 400g fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional if you want extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh herbs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Salmon
Start by cutting your salmon fillet into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly. If you’re worried about sticking, dust the salmon lightly with flour. This trick works wonders for achieving that golden-brown crust without adding too much fat. Once coated, set aside while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Season Generously
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this spice blend generously over the salmon chunks, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Then drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil to help the spices adhere better. Gently toss the salmon until everything is evenly distributed. At this point, you might notice how aromatic the mixture smells trust me, it’s going to taste as good as it smells!
Step 3: Cook in the Air Fryer
Now comes the magic part. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (or 375°F). Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer inside the basket, leaving some space between each piece for proper airflow. Spray them lightly with additional oil before closing the lid. Air fry for 12 to 13 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. By the end, your kitchen will smell amazing, and the salmon will have developed a beautiful golden exterior.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, transfer the crispy air fryer salmon bites to a plate and garnish with optional toppings like sesame seeds or fresh herbs. They’re fantastic served hot straight out of the air fryer, but don’t stop there! Pair them with a creamy dill sauce, tartar sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for added flair.
Notes
Preheat the Air Fryer: Just like preheating an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures faster and more even cooking. Set it to 190°C (375°F) for a couple of minutes before adding the salmon.
Don’t Overcrowd: Leave enough room between the salmon pieces to allow hot air to circulate. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
Use Fresh Herbs: For an elevated flavor profile, sprinkle freshly chopped dill or parsley over the cooked salmon bites. It adds brightness and freshness to the dish.
Experiment with Sauces: While the salmon itself is delicious, pairing it with the right sauce can take it to the next level. Try experimenting with different flavors, such as honey mustard or soy-ginger glaze.
- Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 ounces
- Calories: 220-268 kcal
- Sugar: 1-3 grams
- Sodium: 594-908 mg
- Fat: 11-17 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8-14 grams
- Carbohydrates: 4-5 grams
- Fiber: 0.4-0.5 grams
- Protein: 23-24 grams
- Cholesterol: 62-67 mg