Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter

These Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter are tender on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside, delivering restaurant-style flavor with minimal effort. The bright citrus of fresh lemon pairs beautifully with rich garlic butter, enhancing the natural taste of the salmon in every bite. Quick to prepare and wonderfully versatile, these bites are perfect for weeknight dinners, protein-packed lunches, or even party appetizers.

Ideal for anyone who loves flavorful seafood without long cooking times, this recipe uses the air fryer to create perfectly cooked salmon that stays moist and flavorful. With simple ingredients and bold taste, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

Salmon Bites

• 1½ pounds salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Lemon Garlic Butter

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Salmon:
   Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the salmon with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and garlic powder until evenly coated.
2. Air Fry the Salmon:
   Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd).
   Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and lightly crisp on the edges.
3. Make Lemon Garlic Butter:
   While the salmon cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add minced garlic and lemon zest, then stir in the fresh lemon juice. Heat briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Combine and Serve:
   Pour the lemon garlic butter over the cooked salmon bites and gently toss to coat. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Recipe Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: American / Seafood
• Course: Main Dish

How to Store

• Allow any leftovers to cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to preserve texture and flavor.
• Do not freeze with sauce already mixed; freeze plain salmon bites instead.

What Not to Do

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket—this prevents even cooking.
• Avoid overcooking the salmon; it becomes dry if left too long.
• Don’t add lemon juice too early in cooking; add it after to retain bright flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the lemon butter for a spicy kick.
• Serve over cauliflower rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Substitute lime zest and juice for a citrus twist.
• Sprinkle with grated parmesan for a cheesy finish.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~290
• Protein: ~32 g
• Fat: ~16 g
• Carbohydrates: ~1 g
• Fiber: ~0 g
• Sugar: ~0 g

Save

Save

Anderson Jorge

Crispy Lemon Garlic Salmon Bites

Crispy Lemon Garlic Salmon Bites

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 9 minutes mins

Total Time 19 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 290

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Salmon Bites

• 1½ pounds salmon fillet skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika optional
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Lemon Garlic Butter

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Method

 

Prepare Salmon:

1. Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the salmon with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and garlic powder until evenly coated.

Air Fry the Salmon:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd).
2. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and lightly crisp on the edges.

Make Lemon Garlic Butter:

1. While the salmon cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add minced garlic and lemon zest, then stir in the fresh lemon juice. Heat briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Combine and Serve:

1. Pour the lemon garlic butter over the cooked salmon bites and gently toss to coat. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Protein: ~32 g
• Fat: ~16 g
• Carbohydrates: ~1 g
• Fiber: ~0 g
• Sugar: ~0 g

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter pair nutrient-rich salmon with bold flavor and minimal hassle. Rich in protein and heart-healthy fats, this dish supports balanced eating while offering a bright, satisfying taste experience. Whether served solo, over greens, or alongside your favorite sides, it’s a delicious and healthy meal option any night of the week.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen salmon?
  Yes — thaw completely before cooking and pat dry.
• Can I air fry at a different temperature?
  You can cook at 375°F; adjust time by a couple of minutes if needed.
• Can I make extra lemon garlic butter?
  Yes—drizzle it over rice, veggies, or other seafood.
• Is this spicy?
  Not by default; add chili flakes for heat.
• Can I bake instead of air frying?
  Yes—bake at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes.