Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside – these air fryer salmon nuggets are an easy, delicious way to enjoy salmon.
Made with minimal ingredients, this recipe comes together in minutes right in your air fryer. Paired with a savory garlic parsley butter sauce, these salmon bites make for a quick, restaurant-quality meal or appetizer.
With just salmon filets, basic seasonings, and the air fryer, you can have these tasty morsels on the table in no time. The air fryer gives them a light, crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist. Rounding things out is a rich, addicting butter sauce bursting with garlic, parsley, pepper and salt – sure to have you going back for more.
So if you’re looking for an effortless way to cook up salmon that transforms an everyday filet into a gourmet-worthy bite, look no further than this air fryer salmon nuggets recipe. Read on for the simple step-by-step and get ready to enjoy tender, flaky, buttery salmon in a whole new way!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect Texture– Cooking the salmon in an air fryer makes the outside crispy and golden brown while keeping the inside moist and tender. The contrast of textures takes this air fried salmon bites recipe over the top.
Very Tasty Dish– These salmon bites are incredibly flavorful. The combination of lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic, and herbs gives the salmon a tangy, smoky flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
Great Sauce– The rich, velvety sauce balances perfectly with the salmon. Swirling the creamy, garlicky sauce over the crispy nuggets results in flavor magic in your mouth.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this air fryer salmon nuggets recipe you will need:
- 2 Salmon Filets
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic (minced)
- 3/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
For The Sauce
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
- 4 1/2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Parsley (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy salmon nuggets air fryer recipe:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 400F (200C) and spraying the basket with cooking spray.
Step 2
Make sure the salmon filets are dry. Then, cut each one into squares (about 1 inch in size).
Step 3
Take a medium bowl. Add olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, minced garlic, pepper, and salt. Mix it well. Place the salmon bites inside and cover with the mixture.
Step 4
Place the salmon bites in the air fryer basket – in one layer. Cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 5 minutes, flip the bites, and then air fry for 4-5 additional minutes.
Step 5
To make the sauce, place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, butter, garlic, parsley, pepper, and salt. Stir together until the mixture is heated (about 5 minutes).
Step 6
Pour the sauce over the air fryer salmon bites and serve with your favorite side dish! Enjoy this easy salmon bites air fryer recipe.
💡Tips
1. Marinate the Salmon for Extra Flavor
For even more flavorful salmon nuggets, consider marinating the salmon before breading and air frying. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like dill or parsley can infuse the salmon with flavor.
Let the salmon marinate for 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator. The acid from the lemon juice will help tenderize the salmon too.
Pat the marinated salmon dry before breading and proceed with the recipe. The extra marinating step adds powerful flavor to the fish!
2. Choose the Right Salmon Cut
When selecting salmon for this fried salmon bites air fryer recipe, opt for a thick, center-cut filet over thin tail ends. The thick cut will hold up better to the high heat of the air fryer, cooking more evenly and flaking beautifully. Thinner pieces may end up overcooked and dry.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer Basket
Air flow is crucial for even cooking in an air fryer, so be sure not to overload the basket. Cook the salmon in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Leave a little space around each piece too. This allows the hot air to circulate completely around each bite for perfect crispness.
4. Make Extra Sauce
The luscious garlic-parsley sauce is so delicious with the air fryer salmon bites, you’ll want extra! Consider doubling the sauce ingredients to have plenty to pour over the fish, potatoes, rice or veggies on the side too. Leftovers also reheat beautifully.
5. Sprinkle with Breadcrumbs
For extra crispiness, lightly coat the salmon pieces in breadcrumbs or panko after seasoning. The coating helps brown the exterior while locking in the natural salmon juices as the fish cooks. Just press gently to adhere.
Variations
1. Mediterranean Salmon Bites– Transport your tastebuds to the Mediterranean with this flavorful spin on salmon bites! Swap the smoked paprika for Italian seasoning and add chopped kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the marinade mixture.
For the sauce, a fresh basil pesto would beautifully complement the zesty flavors. Serve over pasta or rice for a taste of the region in easy bite-sized portions.
2. Cajun Blackened Salmon Bites– For those who crave big, bold flavors, this Cajun salmon recipe will satisfy your cravings. The salmon gets a dry rub of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and paprika before air frying.
The creamy, spicy Cajun sauce features hot sauce, chopped bell peppers, scallions, and Worcestershire sauce. Pop open a cold one and let the good times roll with these finger-lickin’ salmon bites!
3. Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Bites- In the mood for takeout but want a healthier option? Make these teriyaki salmon bites at home for all that sticky sweet and salty flavor without the MSG or excess calories.
Simply mix some soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic and ginger together for the glaze. Toss the salmon bites in the teriyaki mixture halfway through cooking. Finish them off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and serve over rice with a side of stir fry veggies.
4. Lemon Pepper Salmon Bites- For a fast weeknight dinner, try these lemon pepper salmon bites. Mix lemon zest, black pepper, salt, dried dill, and olive oil and coat the salmon pieces before air frying.
The fresh, tangy lemon sauce is made with lemon juice, white wine vinegar, dill, garlic, and olive oil. The bright, vibrant flavors are perfect on their own or served over crisp greens for a light and refreshing meal.
5. Honey Glazed Salmon Bites- For something sweet and savory, honey glazed salmon hits that perfect balance. Whip up a quick honey mustard glaze by mixing Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice and garlic.
Brush the glaze over the salmon halfway through cooking. The honey caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, giving that crispy, candied exterior. Serve these tasty salmon bites over wilted spinach or on mini buns for easy party food.
6. Buffalo Salmon Bites– If you love buffalo wings, try this buffalo salmon bite recipe. Toss the salmon pieces with hot sauce, butter and ranch seasoning before air frying. Make the creamy buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce, melted butter and ranch dressing.
Dunk the crispy salmon bites in the buffalo sauce and serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dipping sauce. Turn salmon into fun finger food the whole family will devour!
Storage
To store any leftovers, place the cooked salmon bites and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze the uncooked salmon bites for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the uncooked salmon pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until completely frozen.
Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Side Dishes Ideas
1. Air Fryer Pumpkin Chips– Their natural sweetness combined with the air fryer’s crispy exterior create a delightful contrast to the savory and flaky salmon. The bold orange hues remind us of an autumn orchard, evoking cozy feelings to share with loved ones around the dinner table.
2. Air Fryer Eggplant Fries– Their melt-in-your-mouth interior hides a secret zest that keeps you coming back for more. Dip these purple beauties in the creamy parsley sauce for a flavor explosion in your mouth. The eggplant’s spongy texture soaks up the sauce divinely.
3. Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks– Char them to perfection in the air fryer until lightly crispy on the outside yet still tender within. The subtle sweetness of the cabbage plays nicely with the lemon and garlic notes of the salmon. A perfect feel-good pairing.
4. Air Fryer Steak Fries– There’s something nostalgic about these crispy favorites that brings people together. Sprinkle them with paprika for added flair. Every crunchy, piping-hot bite crammed with authentic potato flavor seems to smile up at you from the plate.
5. Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes– Creamy, cheesy interior capped with a crispy fried outer shell. The flaky saltiness acts as the perfect counterpoint on your palate when enjoying the salmon. You’ll definitely be going back for seconds, thirds and fourths of these heartwarming spuds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to flip the nuggets halfway through cooking?
It is best to flip the nuggets about halfway through the air fryer cooking time to ensure they brown evenly on both sides. Carefully toss them with tongs halfway through for perfectly crispy nuggets.
2. Can I use canned salmon instead?
It’s best to use fresh or thawed frozen salmon fillets for this recipe rather than canned salmon. The texture and flavor of fresh works much better for creating crispy air fried nuggets.
3. Is there a substitute for smoked paprika in this recipe?
You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika or a mix of paprika and a pinch of cumin for a smoky flavor.
4. What sides go well with these nuggets?
These salmon bites pair nicely with small roasted potatoes or rice pilaf. Steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli also make a nice pairing. The options are endless!
Why Salmon is So Healthy
Salmon is regarded as one of the healthiest foods you can eat. This fatty fish is loaded with beneficial nutrients including high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, calcium, and potassium.
Salmon contains anti-inflammatory omega-3s like EPA and DHA, which are especially important nutrients that have been connected to reduced risk of different illnesses.
Salmon is rich in antioxidants and also packs plenty of selenium, a mineral that stimulates immune function. Some research has demonstrated that good selenium status results in less cancer risk. Eating sufficient amounts of selenium may support healthy aging as well.
Cooking salmon the right way ensures you obtain the greatest nutrients from it. Baking, broiling, and grilling are all excellent, but one of the best methods is using an air fryer. Air frying creates a crispy, flavorful outside to the salmon while keeping the interior moist. The high heat accentuates tastes and textures in much less time versus conventional cooking methods.
Air frying also requires minimal or no added oil as the circulation of hot air crisps and browns the salmon fillet using its own oils. This makes it the least messy approach with easy cleanup afterwards.
You receive the healthy nutrients of salmon minus unwanted cooking oils or calories. Air frying lets the essential nutrients and fats in salmon shine through for a lighter meal that maintains flavor.
So for optimal health benefits and great taste, make sure to add salmon to your menu and consider cooking it simply and deliciously using an air fryer. This nutritional powerhouse fish prepared the right way will be an excellent choice.
I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious air fryer salmon nuggets recipe! Salmon is such a healthy and flavorful fish that pairs perfectly with the creamy garlic sauce. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or serve these bites as an appetizer or main course.
Be sure to check out more quick and tasty recipes on my website. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or modifications for this air fryer salmon recipe. I’m always happy to provide more guidance to help you serve up a great meal! Thanks for reading!
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- 2 Salmon Filets
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic (minced)
- 3/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
- 4 1/2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Parsley (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 400F (200C) and spraying the basket with cooking spray.
- Make sure the salmon filets are dry (pat them with paper towels). Then, cut each one into squares (about 1 inch in size).
- Take a medium bowl. Add olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, minced garlic, pepper, and salt. Mix it well. Place the salmon bites inside and cover with the mixture.
- Place the salmon bites in the air fryer basket – in one layer. Cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 5 minutes, and then flip the bites, and air fry for 4-5 additional minutes.
- To make the sauce, place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, butter, garlic, parsley, pepper, and salt. Stir together until the mixture is heated (about 5 minutes).
- Pour the sauce over the air fryer salmon bites and serve with your favorite side dish!
