Name: Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound skinless salmon filet (cut into 1-inch cubes); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons melted butter; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves (minced)

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about these little gems—the Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Recipe deliver tender, buttery salmon magic in just minutes. They’re crisp on the outside, juicy inside, and bright with that zesty lemon-garlic kick that keeps me coming back for more.

A white plate holds about twenty small pieces of cooked salmon, each piece showing a bright orange color with light seared edges and scattered black pepper specks. Some pieces also have tiny green herb bits on them. The texture looks soft and slightly shiny from juices, and a silver fork rests on the upper left side of the plate touching some salmon pieces. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a light cloth napkin visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is one of my go-tos when I want something that feels special but is shockingly easy to make. I love sharing it with friends because it’s impressive without needing to fuss over complicated steps. Plus, cooking salmon in the air fryer keeps it perfectly moist—no drying out here!

Speedy Cooking: Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Crispy & Tender Texture: The air fryer crisps the outside while locking in salmon’s natural juiciness.
Flavor Explosion: Lemon, garlic, and butter make every bite bright, rich, and satisfying.
Super Versatile: They’re fantastic on salads, as a snack, or served with your favorite sides for a full meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen. The butter lifts the garlic and lemon flavors, while the salmon’s natural fattiness shines through. Picking fresh garlic and fresh lemon juice really makes a difference here.

Flat lay of skinless salmon filet cut into 1-inch cubes arranged neatly, a few sprigs of fresh garlic cloves with papery white skins intact, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant yellow lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper scattered lightly around, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon filet: Fresh, skinless salmon is ideal so the salmon bites cook evenly without extra steps of removing skin afterwards.
Kosher salt: Gives clean seasoning that enhances salmon’s flavor without overpowering it.
Black pepper: A touch of freshly ground black pepper adds subtle spice and warmth.
Melted butter: Rich and velvety, butter carries the garlic and lemon flavors and helps in crisping.
Lemon juice: Adds bright acidity that balances the butter’s richness beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic delivers that unmistakable punch of flavor—the key to garlic lovers’ hearts.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to switch things up depending on the mood or what's in my kitchen. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky twist or toss in fresh chopped herbs like parsley or dill right at the end. You should absolutely try what feels right for your palate!

Variation: I once tried swapping butter for olive oil and adding a dash of chili flakes — it brought a lovely peppery heat that’s perfect for spice lovers.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Recipe

A white round plate sits on a white marbled surface with a layer of green and white chopped broccoli and cauliflower rice, topped with a second layer of small golden-brown cooked salmon cubes with a slightly crispy texture. Two lemon wedges with a pale yellow color rest on the left side of the broccoli cauliflower rice. A silver fork is placed on the right side of the plate, touching the broccoli cauliflower rice. The dish looks fresh and colorful, with small green herb bits sprinkled over the salmon and vegetables photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Prep the Salmon

Start by cutting your salmon into bite-sized 1-inch cubes. Place them in a mixing bowl and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to coat all the pieces—this simple seasoning sets the stage perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

To that same bowl, pour in the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Toss everything together gently so each salmon bite gets a nice coating. The butter and lemon create a tangy richness that’s just divine.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Here’s a pro tip: line your air fryer basket with a silicone liner or parchment designed for air fryers to catch the drippings—this keeps clean-up easy and avoids messes. Place the salmon bites and all that buttery sauce into the basket, making sure they’re in a single layer without crowding. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. You don’t need to flip or shake them halfway; just keep an eye to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Serve with a Drizzle and Your Faves

Once cooked, transfer the salmon bites to your serving dish and drizzle any leftover garlic lemon butter from the basket over the top. This little extra touch pumps up the flavor. Now, dig in or use them to elevate salads, bowls, or alongside veggies for meal magic.

Top Tip

After cooking these salmon bites a dozen times, I’ve learned a few ways to keep the flavor punchy and texture spot-on. These pointers will help you avoid common pitfalls and impress every time.

Don’t Skip the Liner: Using a silicone liner or parchment prevents sauce drips from sticking and keeps cleaning a breeze.
Don’t Overcrowd: Crowding traps steam and leads to soggy bites instead of crispy edges; air fry in batches if necessary.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Fresh garlic and lemon juice make a dramatic difference compared to pre-minced or bottled alternatives.
Watch the Time: Salmon cooks fast—5 to 7 minutes is perfect. Overcooking dries it out, so keep your timer close!

How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or dill right before serving; it adds color and a herbaceous touch that really brightens the dish. Sometimes a tiny lemon wedge on the side invites an extra squeeze for citrus lovers.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with garlic roasted asparagus, a crisp green salad, or a fluffy quinoa pilaf. When I want something extra cozy, mashed potatoes or buttery rice work like a charm too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served these salmon bites atop butter lettuce cups with avocado slices and a drizzle of spicy mayo—a fun way to make them finger-friendly and colorful. They also shine on a brunch spread next to deviled eggs and fresh fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 2 days. Make sure to save any leftover sauce separately if you can—it keeps the bites from getting soggy.

Freezing

Freezing this recipe isn’t my favorite because salmon texture can change after thawing, but if you want to, flash-freeze the bites on a tray before storing in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is popping the salmon bites back in the air fryer for just 2-3 minutes at 350°F to warm through and restore a bit of crispness—much better than the microwave which tends to make them mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

You can use frozen salmon, but I recommend thawing it completely and patting it dry before cutting into bites. This prevents excess moisture which can prevent crisping in the air fryer.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon bites in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes on a lined baking sheet, flipping halfway for even cooking.

Can I add other seasonings to the salmon bites?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like dill, paprika, or even some cayenne pepper if you want a spicier kick. Just toss them in with the seasoning step and adjust to your taste.

How do I prevent salmon bites from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Using a silicone liner or an air fryer parchment liner is a game changer to prevent sticking. You can also lightly oil the basket or the liner before adding the salmon. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.

Final Thoughts

I really can't recommend this Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dish that feels like a treat but is refreshingly simple. Every time I make these, I’m reminded how a few quality ingredients and a smart method can make dinner deliciously effortless. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite to turn to whenever you need a quick, tasty meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.