Air Fryer Salmon Bites
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When I’m busy and want to make fish for dinner, Air Fryer Salmon Bites is my first choice! This kid-friendly meal comes together in minutes, and the crispy bites of salmon are easy for my boys to hold. This meal is like fish sticks for kids and grown ups!
If you’re a parent, you know how precious time is, especially when it comes to cooking meals. I don’t want to spend time making something that my kids will refuse to eat.
Fortunately, they love fish sticks, but the store-bought frozen fish sticks aren’t very tasty, and I never know what kind of fish they’re made from. Because salmon has heart-healthy, Omega 3 fats, I decided to create a recipe for crispy, crunchy air fried salmon bites!
Why This Recipe is a Favorite
This is one of those recipes that’s so easy, it almost feels like a kitchen shortcut. Just cut the fish into cubes, toss it with oil and spices, and let the air fryer do the work. In under 20 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked salmon bites with a golden exterior and tender, flaky center.
Learn how to cook anything in your air fryer with our free cook time chart!
The turmeric, ginger, paprika, and garlic powder give the fish a slightly smoky, earthy flavor that pairs well with salads, wraps, or a side of rice and veggies!
I can assure you that this meal only takes 10 minutes of prep, and about 7 minutes of air frying time. Even better, the spices are noticeable, but not overpowering or spicy, so kids love them!
This is actually one of the most popular of all of my healthy air fryer recipes!
Happy Kitchen Secrets
Here are my most important mom tested cooking tips for making salmon bites in your air fryer! I’ve made this countless times, to save you from a failed attempt.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give the salmon space so it crisps evenly. You should work in batches if needed.
- Cut pieces evenly. Uniform 1-inch cubes help ensure everything cooks at the same rate.
- Watch the cook time. Salmon cooks quickly, so check for doneness around the 5-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Ingredients
- Salmon: Fresh and frozen salmon are both good options. I prefer skinless salmon fillets. You can use any type of salmon you like, whether it’s wild-caught salmon, sockeye salmon, or another variety.
- Avocado Oil: Helps the spices adhere to the salmon chunks and promotes crisping in the air fryer. You can use any high-heat cooking oil you like.
Helpful Tip
Be sure to check out my favorite air fryer accessories!
Variations
For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
Try a different flavor. You can use any spice blend you like. I think Cajun seasoning, homemade Old Bay seasoning, or lemon pepper would be delicious.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
This is a summary of the steps. For the full instructions, see the recipe card! ⬇️
Jump to Recipe
- While your air fryer is heating up, cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes.
- Toss salmon in the spices, and turn the pieces over to make sure everything has a nice coating.
- Place salmon bites in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 5–7 minutes, or until salmon is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
FAQs
Yes, but if the salmon is frozen, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
You could leave it on if you'd like, but I prefer it without! Skinless pieces are easier to cube and cook evenly.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or a skillet.
Serving Ideas
This air fryer salmon bites recipe is super versatile. Try it with:
- Grains or potatoes. Serve your salmon bites with a grain of choice, like this Instant Pot Jasmine rice, or with your favorite potato dish. We love these ranch potatoes.
- Salad. You can serve this salmon over salad greens with a simple vinaigrette, like this apple cider vinaigrette or this lemon vinaigrette.
- Vegetable sides. Pair with these roasted sweet potatoes and carrots for a complete meal!
After you make it, please leave a comment and star rating below to let me know how it went!
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs salmon cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Instructions
- Cut salmon into 1 inch pieces.
- Toss salmon in spice mixture and avocado oil until coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, until internal temperature is 145°F (63°C).
Notes
- Make sure there is space around the salmon pieces, cook in batches if needed.
- Uniform 1-inch cubes help ensure everything cooks at the same rate.
- Salmon cooks quickly, so check for doneness around the 5-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or a skillet.
Nutrition
2025 Update: This recipe is still a favorite of ours! It's been updated to simplify the cooking instructions and include extra cooking tips. We hope you love it as much as we do!
MY KIDS ARE ACTUALLY EATING FISH!! A huge thank you for this recipe. I’ve tried cooking fish so many different ways over the years, but my kids still wouldn’t eat it. I made this last night and they ate every single bit – honestly shocked in the best way!
That’s amazing to hear! Kid-approved fish is definitely a huge win, so glad they loved it! – Jennifer, Cook at Home Mom Team