Get your air fryers ready, because I have a recipe that will quickly become your new favorite: Air Fryer Salmon Bites! This dinner is easy to make, good for the whole family, and takes less time than choosing a movie for tonight. These incredible bites are coated with the most perfect spice rub and air-fried to absolute perfection. Totally versatile so add these to rice bowls, salads, or even tacos!.
Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years for their ability to make foods deliciously crispy without the need for deep frying. One of the best things to make in an air fryer is salmon cubes. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation technology allows the salmon to cook up crispy and golden brown on the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender. But how long should you cook salmon cubes in the air fryer to achieve this perfect balance of textures? In this article we’ll provide a detailed guide on how long and at what temperature to cook salmon cubes in an air fryer.
Why Air Fry Salmon Cubes?
There are several benefits to cooking salmon in cube form in the air fryer rather than baking a whole fillet
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More surface area for crisping: When you cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes, the hot air in the air fryer can reach more of the salmon. This allows more of the salmon to get crispy and golden brown.
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Cooks faster: Individual cubes of salmon cook much more quickly than a whole fillet. Salmon cubes will be done in just 5-8 minutes in the air fryer while a fillet can take 15-20 minutes in the oven.
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Customizable serving sizes: Salmon cubes are already perfectly portioned out for serving. Since there are a lot of people, you can make as many cubes as you need.
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There are many ways to use the cubes. They can be eaten on their own as a main dish, or they can be added to salads, grain bowls, wraps, tacos, and more. Their small size makes them easy to add to a lot of different dishes.
How Long to Cook Salmon Cubes
Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the size of your cubes and the wattage of your particular air fryer model. But in general, you can expect 1-inch salmon cubes to take 5-8 minutes at 400°F in the air fryer.
To ensure even cooking, be sure the cubes are spread out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and gently shake or toss the cubes to promote browning on all sides.
Here are some more specific air fryer salmon cube cooking times based on the doneness you prefer:
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For medium doneness with a hint of pink in the center, cook for 5 minutes, shaking halfway.
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For well done salmon cubes, cook for 6-7 minutes, shaking halfway.
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For extra crispy exterior, cook for the full 8 minutes, shaking at 4 minutes.
These times are for fresh salmon. If using previously frozen salmon, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
One tip when air frying salmon is to slightly undercook the cubes by a minute or two. The cubes will continue to cook from residual heat as they rest off the heat for a few minutes. This prevents overdrying.
How to Know When Salmon Cubes Are Done
Checking for visual cues is the best way to monitor doneness when air frying salmon cubes:
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The cubes should take on a golden, crispy exterior with some charred edges.
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If going for well done, the salmon should be mostly opaque throughout when cut into or flaked with a fork.
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For medium doneness, the interior will still have a translucent pink color in the center when checked.
An instant read thermometer can also be used to check for doneness, especially if making larger cubes. Insert the probe into the thickest portion of a cube:
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For medium-rare: 115°F
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For medium: 125°F
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For well done: 145°F
Tips for the Best Air Fried Salmon Cubes
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked air fryer salmon cubes with a crispy exterior and moist interior every time:
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Pat the cubes dry before cooking. Excess moisture on the surface can prevent browning.
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Brush lightly with oil. A thin coating of oil helps promote browning and makes the seasoning stick better.
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Season generously. A simple mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper adds lots of flavor.
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Don’t overcrowd. Salmon cubes need space to brown. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
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Use a light hand when tossing. Toss cubes gently when shaking the basket to avoid breaking up the cubes.
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Let rest before serving. As mentioned, residual heat will continue cooking the cubes as they rest for 2-5 minutes after cooking.
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Store properly. Use leftovers within 2 days and reheat gently in the air fryer or stove to avoid drying out.
Salmon Cube Recipe for the Air Fryer
This basic recipe for air fryer salmon cubes takes just 10 minutes of active time to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 1⁄2 tsp smoked paprika
- 3⁄4 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Pat salmon cubes dry with paper towels. Transfer to a bowl.
- Drizzle oil over cubes and toss to coat. Add spices and toss again until evenly seasoned.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange salmon cubes in a single layer in air fryer basket.
- Cook 5-8 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
- Remove cubes and let rest 3 minutes before serving.
Enjoy these wonderfully crispy and flavorful air fryer salmon cubes in tacos, salads, rice bowls, and more! Just 5-8 minutes is all it takes to enjoy mouthwatering air fried salmon at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you flip salmon cubes when air frying?
Flipping is not necessary when air frying. The hot air circulates around the cubes, cooking all sides evenly. Simply shake the basket halfway through to rotate the cubes.
How long does cooked salmon last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, cooked air fried salmon will keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
Can you use frozen salmon for air frying?
Yes, you can air fry frozen salmon cubes! Just be sure to thaw them first. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the cook time if starting with frozen.
What oil is best for air frying salmon?
Lighter oils like avocado, grapeseed, and olive oil work well for air frying. They have high smoke points so won’t burn at air frying temperatures.
What are some good sauce pairs for air fried salmon cubes?
Some delicious sauce options are lemon aioli, chimichurri, pesto, creamy dill, sweet chili, teriyaki, and soy ginger sauce.
The Takeaway
Air fried salmon cubes make for a quick and easy dinner or appetizer that is healthy, crispy, and full of flavor. Cut salmon fillets into 1-inch cubes, season the cubes, and then cook at 400°F in your air fryer for just 5-8 minutes. Shake halfway through for even crisping. Salmon cubes are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed in everything from tacos to rice bowls. Follow proper storage and these air fryer cooking tips for tender, flaky salmon with the perfect crispy exterior every time.
Ingredients you need for Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Fish filets—You can use any kind of salmon you like, like Atlantic, Coho, King, or Sockeye. I prefer Atlantic salmon. I’ve also been told that Atlantic salmon doesn’t taste as much like the sea as other types, so if you’re not sure about the taste, stick with Atlantic salmon. If you like another type, go for it!
- Oil- Avocado oil or Olive oil works best.
- Kids No Salt Lemon Pepper Seasoning is what I use. You can easily find it at Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco, or Amazon. It’s easier to control the salt if you use a different brand of lemon pepper seasoning that doesn’t have salt added. If you can only find lemon pepper seasoning that does have salt, just leave out the kosher salt in the recipe. What if you don’t have lemon pepper? You can still make this recipe by adding about 1/2 tsp of freshly cracked black pepper and lemon juice when it’s done.
- Spices- garlic powder, paprika, oregano, kosher salt
- Fresh lemon- for serving
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Something so appealing about bite-sized food. For example, I love how the extra edges on my Air Fryer Steak Bites make a magical crust on each piece, making it taste even better. More edges = more caramelization = more flavor.
Confession: I used to be super scared to make fish at home. Before I got brave and bought a big piece of fresh salmon from Costco, I used to make these salmon bites. Now I never go back! These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are so easy and always turn out great. My family and I fight over the leftovers!.
This salmon recipe is simple to make, easy to clean up, and can be used in a lot of different ways. It’s also easy to store and reheat with an air fryer. These and all of my other air fryer recipes are now regular parts of my meal plans. I’ll never be afraid to cook fish again!
Salmon is full of nutrients that are good for you in a lot of ways. Here are a few of them: thebig ones). It’s packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. I’ve learned more about nutrition and now I know that I will eat salmon every week. These perfectly seasoned Salmon Bites will be a regular part of my diet. Kids love them too! Which makes me feel good when I feed this to my family.
- EPA and DHA: Salmon is one of the best foods to eat for EPA and DHA, which are important for brain and heart health. Omega-3 fats are different from most other fats because they are “essential,” which means your body can’t make them itself.
- Protein-Packed: About 20 grams of high-quality protein can be found in a 3-ounce serving of salmon. Protein helps your muscles grow and heal, and it also gives your cells energy.
- B Vitamins: Salmon is also a great way to get folic acid, B12, and B6, among other B vitamins.
- Salmon is low in calories and high in protein, so it can also help you lose weight. It’s a great choice for people who want to lose weight without giving up flavor or nutrition.
