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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon: Easy 15-Minute Recipe

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These crispy air fryer salmon bites with lemon are ready in 15 minutes with simple ingredients. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, offering a golden, crunchy exterior with tender, flaky salmon inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) salmon fillet, skin removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon: Place salmon fillet on a cutting board. Check for pin bones and remove with tweezers. Cut into 1-inch cubes, keeping them uniform.
  2. Dry the salmon: Arrange cubes in a single layer on a plate lined with paper towels. Place another paper towel on top and gently press. Refrigerate uncovered for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  3. Season the bites: Transfer salmon cubes to a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Toss gently until evenly coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange in the basket: Place salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Cook the salmon: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes. At the 4-minute mark, shake the basket or flip each piece with tongs. Salmon should be golden brown and flake easily with a fork.
  7. Add the lemon finish: Transfer cooked salmon to a serving plate. Immediately zest lemon over the top, squeeze fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Add flaky sea salt if desired.
  8. Serve immediately: Enjoy while the exterior is still crispy.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the salmon in the fridge for 10 minutes—it ensures maximum crispiness. Cut uniform cubes for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Flip halfway through for even browning. Start checking doneness at 6 minutes as air fryers vary. Clean the air fryer basket right after cooking to prevent stubborn residue.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon bites, crispy salmon, lemon salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon, 15-minute dinner, air fryer recipe

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/crispy-air-fryer-salmon-bites-with-lemon-easy-15-minute-recipe/