Dinner

Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe

Bylina Carter January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Introduction

These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender, perfectly cooked salmon. Coated with a blend of spices and air-fried to crispy perfection, they make a delicious snack or appetizer. Serve them with lemon wedges and spicy mayo for an extra kick.

A round white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice topped with bright green steamed broccoli on one side, sprinkled lightly with sesame seeds, and a wedge of yellow lemon resting on the broccoli. On the other half of the bowl, there are golden-brown grilled chicken pieces that appear juicy and slightly charred, also sprinkled with small sesame seeds and chopped green herbs. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a small glass bowl of sesame seeds above it and a silver fork to the right, with a soft pink cloth partially visible underneath the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds skinless salmon fillets (cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon thyme

½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Spicy mayo (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the salmon cubes, olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the salmon evenly with the seasonings.

Step 3: Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Air fry the salmon bites for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and browned on all sides.
Step 5: Serve the salmon bites warm with lemon wedges and spicy mayo on the side.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce the cumin and paprika by half or omit the spicy mayo.
You can use fresh herbs like dill or parsley instead of thyme for a different herbal note.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to keep the bites crispy.

Try serving the salmon bites over a salad or with steamed rice for a light meal.

Storage

Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes to restore crispness without drying out the salmon.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with many small, square pieces of cooked salmon that are orange-brown with a slight charred look. The salmon pieces are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green herb bits. On the plate, there are two lemon wedges placed near the bottom right side. A small white bowl filled with a creamy light orange sauce sits on the plate’s bottom left, next to the salmon pieces. Above the plate, on the white marbled surface, there is a small glass bowl with sesame seeds. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface with a soft pink cloth peeking from the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed salmon cubes to ensure even cooking and the right texture. Using frozen salmon may result in uneven cooking and soggy bites.

How do I make homemade spicy mayo?

Mix mayonnaise with a little sriracha or another hot sauce, adjusting the amount to your heat preference. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.