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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites Easy Garlic Butter Recipe for Perfect Snack

crispy air fryer salmon bites - featured image

These crispy air fryer salmon bites are coated in a rich garlic butter glaze, offering a perfect snack or appetizer that’s quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh salmon fillets, skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch bite-sized chunks
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into roughly 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a mixing bowl, toss the salmon bites with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
  5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp outside but moist inside.
  6. While salmon cooks, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
  7. Remove garlic butter from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice.
  8. Transfer cooked salmon bites to a bowl, drizzle with warm garlic butter, and toss gently to coat.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness; cook in batches if necessary. Remove garlic butter from heat as soon as garlic turns golden to avoid bitterness. For dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Frozen salmon can be used if fully thawed and patted dry. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

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