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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Butter Sauce

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Quick and easy crispy air fryer salmon bites with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, these salmon bites are golden and crunchy on the outside, tender and flaky inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon: Place salmon fillet on a cutting board. Remove any pin bones with tweezers. Cut into 1-inch cubes, keeping them as uniform as possible.
  2. Dry the salmon thoroughly: Lay salmon cubes on a plate lined with paper towels. Place another layer of paper towels on top and press gently. Let sit for 5 minutes, then replace towels and repeat until the surface feels dry to the touch.
  3. Season the salmon: Transfer dried salmon cubes to a mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss gently to coat. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle over salmon and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the salmon bites: Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil. Place seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Cook in batches if needed.
  6. Air fry the salmon: Cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through. Check at 6 minutes for doneness (golden brown exterior, opaque and moist inside, or internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium).
  7. Make the garlic butter sauce: While salmon cooks, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust salt.
  8. Combine and serve: Transfer hot salmon bites to a serving plate. Drizzle garlic butter sauce over the top or serve on the side. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the salmon extremely dry for maximum crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Serve immediately for best texture. The garlic butter sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon bites, crispy salmon, garlic butter salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon, keto salmon, gluten-free salmon

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/crispy-air-fryer-salmon-bites-with-garlic-butter-sauce/