Air Fryer Salmon Bites
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are golden, crispy on the outside, juicy and flaky on the inside — the ultimate protein-packed snack or quick dinner. Perfectly seasoned and coated with lemony parmesan panko for next-level crunch, they’re your new weeknight favorite.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- 2 medium bowls for seasoning + coating
- Tongs or silicone spatula
- Paper towels
- Measuring spoons
- Zester optional but fab
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet skin removed (ask the fish counter to do this if you're not feeling it)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika smoked if you got it — so good!
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste, babe
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, but I love a little kick!
For the Crispy Coating:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs the secret to that perfect crunch
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese because everything's better with cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest trust me on this one
Instructions
Prep Your Salmon Like a Pro
- First things first — pat that salmon completely dry with paper towels.
- Cut it into 1-inch cubes, trying to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
- Don't stress about perfection — rustic is cute, and they're gonna taste amazing either way!
Season That Fish
- In a big bowl, toss your salmon cubes with the olive oil until they're all nicely coated.
- Sprinkle in all your seasonings — garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dill, salt, pepper, and that little kick of cayenne if you're feeling spicy.
- Gently toss everything together until every piece is seasoned and gorgeous. Taste a tiny bit (raw salmon is fine, babe) and adjust if needed.
Get That Crispy Coating Ready
- In another bowl, mix your panko, parmesan, and lemon zest.
- This is where the magic happens — that combo gives you crunch, flavor, and that little citrus brightness that makes everything pop.
Coat Those Babies
- Take each seasoned salmon cube and roll it in the panko mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.
- Don't go crazy — you want a nice coating but not so thick that it's all breading and no fish.
- Place them on a plate and give yourself a little pat on the back because you're doing great!
Air Fry Like a Queen
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray (or brush with a little oil).
- Place your salmon bites in the basket in a single layer — don't overcrowd them, babe. Cook in batches if you need to.
- Air fry for 7-9 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and flake easily with a fork.
Serve It Up with Style
- Let them rest for just a minute (I know, it's torture), then serve immediately.
- Squeeze fresh lemon over the top, sprinkle with some fresh dill, and watch everyone's faces light up!
Notes
- No parmesan? Just add a little extra seasoning and more panko — it’s still delicious.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes!
- Want less mess? Use a baking tray lined with parchment to rest the coated bites before air frying.
- Reheat like a queen: Air fry leftovers at 375°F for 2–3 minutes to restore that gorgeous crunch.
- Spice it up: Add a few red pepper flakes or smoked chipotle to the seasoning blend. Total flavor bomb.