These air fryer salmon bites are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Ready in under 10 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or adding a flavorful protein boost to salads and bowls throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Cooked in just 5 to 7 minutes in the air fryer.
• Packed with flavor – Fresh garlic, real lemon juice, and melted butter create a vibrant, savory sauce.
• Perfect for meal prep – Bite-sized pieces store and reheat beautifully.
• Versatile – Add to salads, rice bowls, vegetables, or enjoy on their own.
• Minimal cleanup – Using an air fryer liner keeps things simple and mess-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound skinless salmon filet, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, finely minced

Directions

1. Prepare the salmon
   Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Cut it into evenly sized 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
2. Season the salmon
   Place the salmon cubes in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. Gently toss to coat all pieces evenly.
3. Add the lemon garlic butter
   Pour the melted butter over the salmon. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic. Toss gently until every piece is well coated in the sauce.
4. Preheat the air fryer
   Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes if your model requires preheating.
5. Arrange in the basket
   Place an air fryer liner in the basket to catch the sauce. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Pour any remaining sauce over the top.
6. Air fry
   Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon cubes. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. There is no need to shake the basket halfway through.
7. Serve
   Carefully remove the salmon bites and drizzle any remaining lemon garlic butter from the liner over the top before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 to 7 minutes
Total time: Approximately 15 to 17 minutes

Each serving contains approximately 241 calories, 23 grams of protein, 16 grams of fat, and 1 gram of carbohydrates.

Variations

Spicy version
Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture for a gentle heat.

Herb-infused
Stir in 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives into the sauce before coating the salmon.

Dairy-free option
Replace the butter with 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted ghee for a dairy-free alternative.

Honey lemon glaze
Add 1 teaspoon honey to the sauce for a slightly sweet contrast to the garlic and lemon.

Asian-inspired bowl
After cooking, drizzle with a small amount of sesame oil and low-sodium soy sauce, then top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator
Store cooled salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer
Allow the salmon bites to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating in the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Heat the salmon bites for 2 to 3 minutes, checking for doneness. Add 1 to 2 additional minutes if needed.

Reheating in the oven
Warm at 300°F (150°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes until heated through.

Microwave reheating
Heat in 20-second intervals at medium power to avoid drying out the salmon.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but it must be completely thawed in the refrigerator overnight before cutting and seasoning to ensure even cooking and proper sauce absorption.

Do I need to remove the skin from the salmon?

Yes, this recipe works best with skinless salmon so the bites cook evenly and absorb the sauce fully.

What type of salmon works best?

Sockeye, Coho, or Atlantic salmon all work well. Since the salmon is cut into bites, you do not need an expensive cut.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Is an air fryer liner necessary?

It is highly recommended because the butter sauce can drip through the basket. The liner helps retain the sauce and simplifies cleanup.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

Why are my salmon bites dry?

Overcooking is the most common reason. Since the pieces are small, they cook quickly. Start checking at 5 minutes.

Can I prepare the salmon ahead of time?

Yes. You can cube and season the salmon up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator before cooking.

What can I serve with salmon bites?

They pair well with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, salads, or tucked into wraps and bowls.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Proper air circulation ensures even cooking and crisp edges.

Conclusion

Air fryer salmon bites with lemon garlic butter are a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy salmon any day of the week. With minimal prep, fast cooking time, and endless serving options, this recipe is ideal for both quick dinners and weekly meal prep. Tender, buttery, and bright with fresh lemon, these bite-sized pieces are sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

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