Make delicious blackened air fryer salmon bites with crispy edges and bold flavors in just minutes. A quick and healthy seafood recipe you’ll love!
Why You’ll Love Salmon Bites
There’s no denying it—I love a good, healthy seafood dish, and salmon is my go-to! These Blackened Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick favorite in my kitchen. They’re packed with bold, smoky flavors and come out perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. And what’s more? The air fryer does all of the work and doesn’t mess up things, so cleanup is a breeze. Within 12 minutes, you will have a yummy, low-stress dinner for those days when time is running out, or even a small, light meal!
Air Fryer Salmon Bites Ingredients
How To Cook Salmon
Toss those diced salmon chunks into a big bowl and give them a light spritz with olive oil spray.
In a small bowl, mix together the sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until combined.
Rub the spice blend all over the salmon chunks so every piece is coated with flavor.
Give the air fryer basket a quick spray with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Lay the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Serve the salmon bites immediately with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For a complete meal, serve it over brown rice.
Calories per Serving
Approx. 250 calories per serving (without brown rice)
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Tips and Tricks
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Ensures even cooking and a crispy finish.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Leave space between pieces for even cooking.
- Shake It Halfway Through: This helps cook the salmon evenly on all sides.
- Make a Crispy Finish: Give another light spray of oil during cooking for extra crispiness.
- Lemon is Key: The acidity of lemon juice enhances the blackened seasoning flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Benefits of this Recipe
- Good for the Heart: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health.
- Fast and Simple: Ready in about 20 minutes, ideal for busy days.
- Full of Flavor: Blackened seasoning provides a smoky, spicy kick.
- Easy Clean-up: Less oil means fewer dishes to wash.
- Appealing to Kids: Bite-sized and perfect for introducing kids to seafood.
Important Things About This Recipe
- Crispy & Healthy: Air frying gives you crispy salmon with minimal oil compared to traditional frying.
- Bold Flavors: The smoky, spicy blackened seasoning is enhanced by fresh lemon juice.
- Customizable: Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference.
- Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy these salmon bites as a main dish, in salads, or even in tacos.
- Fast and Efficient: Ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd quickly.
Conclusion
Brown Coconut Rice with Cilantro – a flexible, flavorful side dish that adds just the right exotic flavor note to your menu. This easy, tasty dish will be a family favorite. This rice recipe perfectly complement any spicy curry, grilled item and take your meal to a next level when you serve it on the side.
Blackened Air Fryer Salmon Bites Crispy and Flavorful
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 6-ounce skinless salmon filets, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Brown rice optional for serving
Instructions
- Toss those diced salmon chunks into a big bowl and give them a light spritz with olive oil spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until combined.
- Rub the spice blend all over the salmon chunks so every piece is coated with flavor.
- Give the air fryer basket a quick spray with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Lay the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Serve the salmon bites immediately with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For a complete meal, serve it over brown rice.
Notes
- Spice Balance That’s Perfect: This spice blend adds a nice heat without being overwhelming. Adjust cayenne pepper to suit your taste!
- Different Air Fryer Sizes: You might need to cook the salmon in batches if it doesn’t all fit at once. This avoids overcrowding and ensures crispy results.
- Spritzing with Oil: A light spray of oil on both the salmon and the basket helps achieve a perfect crunch with minimal grease.
- Cooking Time May Vary: Keep an eye on your salmon since air fryers vary. If the salmon starts drying out, take it out a bit earlier.
- Serving Suggestions: Delicious on its own or served over brown rice, quinoa, or in a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
