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These Maple Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Easy 15-Minute Recipe) are an easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in about 15 minutes. Tender salmon cubes are coated with a sweet and savory maple garlic seasoning, then air fried until lightly caramelized and flaky. Serve them over rice, noodles, or salad, or build your favorite salmon bowl with vegetables and avocado for a quick, healthy flavor-packed meal.
This easy salmon recipe is ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. These salmon bites are a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and they’re versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, salads, or roasted vegetables.
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Please let me know if you have any questions about this recipe. I read all the comments myself and I try to help as soon as I can. I have readers from all levels of comfort and experience in the kitchen on my site, and I’ve tried to answer some of your questions already in the post. But if I’ve missed anything, please feel free to leave a comment and ask.
How to make
The full recipe with ingredients and instructions is in the recipe card below, but I have tips and tricks as well as serving suggestions for you in the post.
Pacific [King (Chinook), Sockeye (Red), Coho (Silver) {which is what I used for the pictures here}, Pink (Humpy), Chum (Keta/Dog), or Steelhead)] or Atlantic salmon all work well in this recipe. Try to choose fillets that are similar in thickness so the cubes cook evenly.
Remove the skin and any bones from the salmon then use a clean sharp knife to slice into 1 to 2-inch pieces. Try to cut the salmon pieces roughly the same size so they all cook up at the same pace. Cutting the salmon into cubes also makes it easier to spot any bones.
Patting the salmon dry helps the oil and seasoning stick better and encourages lightly browned edges in the air fryer.
Coat the salmon with oil before adding the spice mix so it adheres evenly. I prefer to use homemade Maple Garlic Spice Mix so that I can control the amount of salt. Of course, you can always use your favorite brand of store-bought mix.
Arrange the salmon in a single layer with space between the pieces, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate around the salmon for the best texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
I like to use a parchment paper liner to keep clean up to a minimum, but it isn’t necessary. And, in fact, I think you get better browning without the liner. So, it’s up to you.
Check the salmon at the 5-minute mark to avoid overcooking. Adjust cooking time depending on how you like your salmon. If you prefer it cooked medium rare, cook for the lower time noted in the recipe.
An instant-read thermometer is the easiest way to avoid overcooking salmon. Remove the salmon around 140° F if you prefer a moist, tender center. The temperature will continue to rise slightly after cooking. According to the USDA, Salmon is fully cooked at 145° F. If you don’t have a thermometer, the salmon should flake easily and look opaque.
Can I use the oven to cook salmon bites?
Yes, these salmon bites can be cooked in the oven. Bake at 400° F (200° C) for about 8-12 minutes. They won’t be as crispy on the outside when baked in the oven.
How to serve
My favorite way to serve these for a quick weeknight dinner is in a rice bowl. Start with brown rice, white rice, coconut rice. Quinoa or noodles are also a fun base. Spring mix salad or cauliflower rice will make a great low carb base.
Then layer on the veggies like edamame, shredded carrots, cucumbers, avocado, roasted vegetables, and miso roasted broccoli. Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is another great addition to your bowl.
Top with fresh herbs like chives or parsley, sesame seeds, lemon wedges, crumbled nori, or pickled vegetables.
Serve the maple garlic salmon with a side of Orzo Risotto, Chow Mein, or Garlic Sesame Noodles.
And feel free to drizzle on some spicy mayo. Simply combine 3 tablespoons mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon sriracha. My Soy Vinaigrette Dressing is also delicious on these.
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Recipe
Maple Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillets
- 2-3 teaspoons neutral oil avocado, grapeseed, or olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Maple Garlic Spice Mix homemade or store-bought
- Sesame seeds or chopped chives optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380° F (193° C).
- Remove the skin from the salmon if needed. Rinse under cool tap water, and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the salmon into 1-to-2-inch cubes.
- Place the salmon in a small bowl and drizzle with oil, gently toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle the Maple Garlic Spice Mix over the salmon and gently toss again until every piece is evenly coated.
- Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Air fry for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of the cubes and your preferred doneness. The salmon should reach 140-145 °F in the thickest piece.
- To check for doneness, press a piece with a fork, it should easily flake apart with a moist texture inside and a golden color outside.
- Remove from the air fryer and garnish with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, salad, or with your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- 4 teaspoons maple sugar
- 1⅓ teaspoons packed light brown sugar
- 1⅓ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried chives or dried green onion
- ⅓ teaspoon black or white pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 scant teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations, and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
Debi
These are super easy to make and so good. The seasoning is just perfect on them, and so fun. It’s a nice quick meal with some rice and edamame. I hope you love them as much as we do! Debi, author, Life Currents