Go Back
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest (grated from the lemon peel) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste For this recipe, I use fresh salmon fillet. It gives the best taste and texture. First, cut it into bite-sized cubes. This size helps it cook fast and evenly. The marinade is a mix of olive oil and lemon juice. This combination adds moisture and tang. I also add lemon zest for a bright flavor. The garlic gives a nice depth. Dried oregano and thyme bring in earthy notes. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. This mix works wonders on salmon. - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish - Additional lemon wedges Garnishing makes a dish pop! I sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. It also adds a fresh taste. Lemon wedges serve as a great side. They let you add more zing to each bite. Together, these garnishes make the dish look and taste great! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by mixing the wet ingredients. In a medium bowl, add: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 cloves garlic, minced Whisk these together until smooth. This mix will bring out great flavors. Next, it’s time to add the seasonings. Include: - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Mix again. This marinade will give the salmon a tasty kick. Now, let’s prepare the salmon. Gently toss the cubed salmon pieces into the marinade. Make sure each cube is well-coated. This step is key for a burst of flavor. Let the salmon marinate for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This time helps the fish soak up those amazing flavors. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures even cooking. Once the salmon is ready, place the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; this helps them stay crispy. Air fry the salmon bites for about 8-10 minutes. Check for a lovely golden-brown color. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness. When done, remove the bites carefully. Enjoy them with fresh parsley on top for extra flair! To get the best salmon bites, avoid overcrowding the air fryer. When you place too many pieces in, they may not cook evenly. This can lead to some bites being undercooked while others are overdone. Instead, cook in batches if needed. Shaking the basket is key for even cooking. Halfway through the cooking time, give the basket a good shake. This allows the hot air to circulate and helps all sides of the salmon get that lovely golden color. To boost flavor, consider adding other herbs. Fresh dill or basil can pair well with lemon and salmon. You can also try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness. Balancing flavors is crucial. If your dish seems too tart, add a pinch of sugar or more olive oil. This can help round out the taste. Keep tasting your marinade and adjust to find that perfect blend you enjoy. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 20 minutes to fully absorb the flavors of the garlic and herbs. Check for Doneness: Salmon is best when cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect results. Air Fryer Variability: Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on the salmon to prevent overcooking. Fresh Herbs Enhance Flavor: Substitute dried herbs with fresh ones if available for an even more vibrant taste and aroma. {{image_4}} You can change the flavors of your lemon herb air fryer salmon bites. If you love heat, add some spices. A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Mix it in with the marinade. For herbs, feel free to switch things up. You can try dill or basil instead of oregano and thyme. Each herb brings a new taste. This way, you can create your own unique salmon bites every time. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon bites in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 12-15 minutes. Check for that nice golden-brown color. Grilling is another great option. Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the salmon bites on skewers. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This adds a lovely smoky flavor to your bites. No matter how you cook them, they will be delicious! After enjoying your salmon bites, let them cool first. Cooling helps keep them fresh. Use an airtight container for storage. This keeps moisture out and flavor in. Place a paper towel inside to absorb extra moisture. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. If you don’t eat them within that time, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. To reheat your salmon bites, use the air fryer again. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover salmon bites in a single layer. Heat them for about 4-5 minutes. This helps them stay crispy and tasty. You can also use the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes. Always check to make sure they are warm throughout. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time! Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just remember to thaw it first. The best way to thaw salmon is in the fridge overnight. If you need it fast, you can place the sealed salmon under cold running water for about 30 minutes. Make sure to dry it well before marinating. This helps the flavors stick better. Salmon bites go well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Steamed asparagus or green beans - A light quinoa salad with veggies - Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes Each side adds a nice touch to your meal. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo. To check if the salmon is done, look for these signs: - The color changes from dark pink to a lighter shade. - The salmon flakes easily with a fork. - An instant-read thermometer shows 145°F (63°C). Using these tips will help you serve perfectly cooked salmon bites every time. In this article, I shared how to make tasty salmon bites. We covered key ingredients, marinade prep, and air fryer cooking steps. I also shared tips for flavor and cooking methods. Remember, avoid crowding the air fryer for even cooking. For leftovers, store them properly to keep them fresh. Exploring variations can also add fun to your meals. Enjoy your cooking and make delicious salmon bites that everyone will love!

Zesty Lemon Herb Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Delicious salmon bites marinated in a zesty lemon herb mixture and cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (grated from the lemon peel)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a whisk to mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  • Gently add the cubed salmon pieces into the marinade, tossing them carefully to ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. Allow the salmon to marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to enhance the flavors.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking temperatures.
  • Once marinated, place the salmon bites in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to allow for even cooking and crispiness.
  • Air fry the seasoned salmon bites for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden-brown color and are fully cooked through. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even crispness and browning.
  • Carefully remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor before serving.

Notes

For a vibrant presentation, arrange the salmon bites on a decorative platter alongside lemon wedges. Garnish with additional fresh herbs to enhance visual appeal.
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, healthy, salmon