Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Easy air fryer salmon bites are made with 6 ingredients in under 30 minutes from start to finish. A wet rub of butter, brown sugar, Old Bay, and paprika make them irresistible!

Why this recipe works

Flakey tender morsels rubbed in a flavorful seasoning mix, these air fryer salmon bites are such an easy way to get protein-rich salmon on the table whether it’s served as an appetizer or main course.

Baking these poppable bites in the air fryer makes the process a lot quicker without needing to heat up the entire house with the oven. I like to make a double batch and eat them for lunch tossed into salads, prepped into bowls with veggies, or wrapped snuggly inside lettuce leaves. You can go as far as switching up the flavorings of your bites by using a spicy cajun or creole blend or even tossing them in a rich umami sauce as we do in our classic salmon bites recipe.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

SALMON – When shopping for center-cut salmon, try to find a fillet that is of even thickness (as much as possible). If you still end up with a piece of salmon with a thinner flat edge, you can use those pieces to make our Salmon Croquettes or Fish Cakes!

SEASONINGS – The wet rub is a combo of butter, brown sugar, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and garlic salt. Feel free to season your salmon bites however you wish. Our blend adds a little savory and a little sweet to the mix.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Cut salmon filets into 2-inch cubes and place into a large mixing bowl.
2. To make the wet rub, combine all remaining ingredients in a small bowl until completely mixed.
3. Pour mixture over the salmon cubes. Using gloved hands, toss to completely coat the salmon in the rub.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400 F for 2 minutes.
5. Place air fryer basket liner into the air fryer, then add the salmon cubes, skin side down, in a single layer.
6. Air fry at 400 F for 6 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

We have left the skin on in our version of salmon bites simply because it helps prevent them from falling apart. You can remove it if desired or ask the grocer’s meat department to remove it for you. If removing the skin from the salmon yourself, use a sharp chef’s knife held horizontally to carefully slice the skin away from the flesh.

Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Rewarm in the air fryer using the reheat function.

Serving Suggestions

Serve air fryer salmon bites over or alongside a bed of rice with roasted veggies on the side. Or, pair them with dippers such as teriyaki, salmon sauce, or Alabama white sauce and serve as an appetizer with toothpicks. Leftovers are great reheated, but they’re also delicious crumbled over a leafy salad. Enjoy!

More Related Recipes

• Salmon Bites
• Air Fryer Fish
• Air Fryer Salmon
• Air Fryer Crab Cakes

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!