Get ready for a crave-worthy dinner that’s impossibly easy and bursting with flavor! These Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Lemon Garlic Butter) are bite-sized, buttery, and perfectly seasoned—with golden edges and juicy middles you’ll be popping straight from the basket. If you’re craving an effortless weeknight main or a protein-packed salad topper, this recipe will quickly become your new obsession.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Fast and Easy: From prep to plate in about 20 minutes, your weeknight dinners just got a major upgrade!
- Irresistibly Saucy: Every bite is coated in luscious lemon garlic butter that melts into the salmon and caramelizes in the air fryer.
- Crispy Edges, Tender Center: The air fryer delivers perfectly cooked salmon with a golden outside and juicy, flaky inside—no flipping or fussing!
- Super Versatile: Serve Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Lemon Garlic Butter) as dinner, an appetizer, or toss them on salads, rice bowls, and more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of powerhouse ingredients to create Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Lemon Garlic Butter) that taste restaurant-worthy. Each one plays a special role, whether adding richness, zesty brightness, or savory depth—don’t skip a thing!
- Salmon filet (1 pound, skinless): Opt for fresh or thawed salmon—look for vibrant color and a fresh, ocean scent for best taste and texture.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon and helps the seasonings penetrate every bite.
- Freshly ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and slight bite, balancing the richness of the butter.
- Melted butter (3 tablespoons): Gives luscious, silky flavor and helps create those beautiful caramelized edges in the air fryer.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brings zippy brightness that wakes up the salmon (freshly squeezed is always best!).
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Infuses every salmon bite with fragrant, savory depth for that signature lemon-garlic combo.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Lemon Garlic Butter) is just how easy they are to personalize. You can play with flavors, make swaps for dietary preferences, or change things up based on what’s in your fridge!
- Cajun Twist: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of your favorite Cajun seasoning for a spicy Southern kick that’s simply addictive.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a quality vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter to make this dish completely dairy-free.
- Sweet & Smoky: Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and a drizzle of honey for an irresistible balance of sweet, smoky, and zesty.
- Herb Lovers: Stir in some finely chopped fresh dill or parsley to the sauce before tossing—it brightens every bite.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Lemon Garlic Butter)
Step 1: Season the Salmon
Add your bite-sized salmon cubes to a mixing bowl and give them a generous but even dusting of kosher salt and black pepper. Gently toss everything together to ensure every side is perfectly seasoned—this is your flavor foundation, so don’t skimp on the toss!
Step 2: Add the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same bowl, pour over the melted butter, squeeze in your lemon juice, and add the minced garlic. Toss well to coat every cube. You want the butter and zesty garlic-lemon to cling to the salmon—don’t worry if it looks a little saucy, that’s exactly what you want!
Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon Bites
Line your air fryer basket with a parchment liner—this step is essential to catch all of that gorgeous lemon garlic butter as it sizzles. Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer (if needed, cook in two rounds to avoid crowding) and pour over every last drop of the buttery sauce. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. No flipping or shaking needed—just peek at 5 minutes for your preferred doneness.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Using tongs, transfer your golden, sizzling salmon bites to a serving plate and drizzle with any extra lemon garlic butter left in the liner—don’t skip this step for maximum flavor! Enjoy them over greens, on a bowl of fluffy rice, or as a finger food with extra lemon wedges for bright pops of flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Lemon Garlic Butter)
- Cut Even Bites: For the most consistent cooking, try to slice your salmon into uniform 1-inch pieces so every bite turns out juicy and evenly cooked.
- Line That Basket: Don’t skip the air fryer liner! It keeps the luscious butter sauce from escaping, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite and making cleanup a breeze.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Give each salmon cube just a bit of space so that hot air can circulate freely and create that crave-worthy golden edge.
- Fresh Lemon Zest Bonus: Want even more citrus punch? Microplane a little lemon zest over the finished salmon bites before serving—it’s a flavor game-changer!
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Lemon Garlic Butter)
Garnishes
Nothing says “finished with love” like a cascade of fresh herbs—try a sprinkle of chopped dill, parsley, or even chives right before serving. Add a few lemon wedges or a final dusting of black pepper for a restaurant-worthy look and an extra pop of freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Lemon Garlic Butter) with fluffy jasmine rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to soak up all that magical sauce. A side of roasted vegetables—think asparagus or broccoli—rounds out a wholesome, color-packed plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the dinner plate! These salmon bites are fabulous served as party skewers, tucked into lettuce wraps with extra lemon, or scattered over a vibrant grain bowl. For a fun appetizer spread, arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and a little sauce for dipping—crowd-pleaser guaranteed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool, then transfer your Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Lemon Garlic Butter) to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. They hold up incredibly well and can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated.
Freezing
While best fresh, you can freeze cooked salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then store in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture—just know the sauce may be a bit less silky after freezing.
Reheating
To bring back that lovely just-cooked feel, pop your salmon bites back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes—just enough to warm through without drying out. Or, gently reheat on the stovetop with a little extra butter and fresh lemon for a flavor boost!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon for Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Lemon Garlic Butter)?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your salmon fillet completely and pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning. Excess moisture can keep the butter sauce from sticking and may result in less crispy edges.
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What’s the best way to get evenly sized salmon bites?
Use a sharp knife and aim for uniform 1-inch cubes. This will help every piece cook at the same rate, so you don’t end up with overcooked or undercooked bites. If your fillet is thick in places, slice it in half horizontally before cubing.
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Do I need to marinate the salmon before air frying?
No need! The magic of this recipe is that the lemon garlic butter acts as both marinade and sauce in one. The salmon is juicy and flavorful after just a quick toss right before cooking.
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! If you’re making a big batch of Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Lemon Garlic Butter), simply cook the cubes in several batches so they have room in the air fryer basket. Keep finished batches warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dinner that’s ridiculously simple but still feels special, give these Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Lemon Garlic Butter) a try. I guarantee you’ll fall for their bright, buttery flavor and the fact that dinner can be this easy and this delicious, any night of the week. Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Lemon Garlic Butter) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with lemon garlic butter flavor. A quick and easy seafood dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites:
- 1 pound skinless salmon filet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Season the salmon: Add the salmon to a mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Add the sauce: To the same mixing bowl, add the butter, lemon juice, and garlic. Toss to combine.
- Air fry the salmon: Place a liner in the basket of the air fryer. Add the salmon along with the sauce to the lined basket and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding and cook in batches if necessary.
- Serve them up: Enjoy the salmon bites with your favorite sides or atop a salad or macro bowl. Drizzle any remaining garlic lemon butter on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
