These easy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with lemon garlic butter are the perfect quick and healthy dinner option. Ready in under 10 minutes, these bite-sized salmon pieces are tender, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep, salads, or weeknight meals. Learn how to make crispy, delicious salmon in your air fryer with this simple recipe.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced

How To Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites:
- Prep the Salmon: Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes and place them in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add the Sauce: In the same bowl, pour the melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic over the salmon. Gently toss to ensure the salmon is well-coated.
- Air Fry: Line the air fryer basket to catch the sauce. Place the salmon cubes in a single layer without crowding (cook in batches if needed). Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Drizzle any leftover garlic lemon butter sauce over the salmon and serve with your favorite sides or salads.
Common Questions:
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but ensure it is completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking to achieve a crisp exterior.
2. How do I prevent the sauce from dripping in the air fryer?
Using a liner or parchment paper in the air fryer basket helps keep the sauce from falling through and makes cleanup easier.
3. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, if you prefer, substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter version of the recipe.
4. How do I know when the salmon is done?
Salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

What To Eat With Salmon Bites:
- Salads: Top a fresh garden salad or a Caesar salad with these bites for a protein boost.
- Rice Bowls: Pair them with steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a well-balanced meal.
- Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a delicious, nutritious meal.
- Pasta: Combine the salmon bites with a lemon garlic butter pasta for a complete dish.
- Wraps: Use the salmon bites in lettuce wraps or soft tortillas with your favorite toppings for a quick lunch.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the salmon bites for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: To maintain crispness, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon chewy.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Course: DinnerCuisine: American4
servings15
minutes5
minutesThese easy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with lemon garlic butter are the perfect quick and healthy dinner option. Ready in under 10 minutes, these bite-sized salmon pieces are tender, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep, salads, or weeknight meals. Learn how to make crispy, delicious salmon in your air fryer with this simple recipe.
Ingredients
1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
Directions
- Season the Salmon: In a mixing bowl, toss the salmon cubes with salt and pepper until evenly coated.
- Make the Garlic Lemon Butter: Add melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic to the salmon. Stir to combine everything well.
- Air Fry: Line the air fryer basket to prevent the sauce from dripping through. Arrange the salmon cubes in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes. If necessary, cook in batches. There’s no need to shake the basket during cooking.
- Serve: Drizzle any remaining garlic lemon butter over the salmon bites and enjoy with your favorite sides, salad, or a macro bowl.
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