Salmon is like the tuxedo of the fish world—elegant, versatile, and always a showstopper. If you’re like me and still figuring out your air fryer’s settings (seriously, it’s like trying to crack a safe), then these crispy salmon bites will be a revelation. They’re the perfect mix of fancy and Friday-night casual, with a crunchy exterior that gives way to a tender, flavorful inside—almost too good to share, but, you know, sharing is caring.
Steps
- Begin by placing salmon pieces in a large bowl and lightly spraying them with olive oil.
- In a separate bowl, mix together sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
- Evenly coat the salmon pieces with the spice mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray the basket with olive oil.
- Arrange the salmon pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the salmon for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Once fully cooked, serve the salmon bites with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish.
Ingredients
- Fresh or thawed salmon fillets
- Olive oil spray (for the basket and salmon)
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1004 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Protein: 136 g | Fat: 44 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Cholesterol: 374 mg | Sodium: 1426 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 2 g
FAQ
- How do I ensure my salmon is fully cooked in the air fryer?
- To make sure your salmon is fully cooked, set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the salmon bites for 5 to 7 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon pieces.
- Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but it needs to be thawed first. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or submerge the sealed salmon in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. Refresh the water if necessary to keep it cold.
- What can I serve with blackened salmon bites?
- These salmon bites pair well with lemon wedges and parsley over brown rice. You can also add them to salads, bowls with veggies and sauce, or wrap them in corn tortillas for delicious fish tacos.
- How should I store and reheat leftover salmon bites?
- Store leftover salmon bites in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for about three minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
- What seasonings are used for the blackened salmon?
- The blackened seasoning is a mix of sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. You can also use cajun seasoning for a simpler alternative.
Tips
- Ensure that the salmon is fully thawed before cooking in the air fryer. You can defrost it overnight in the refrigerator or use a cold water bath for a quicker option.
- To achieve even cooking and browning, shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time.
- Store any leftover salmon bites in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for about three minutes, shaking halfway to maintain crispiness.
- For serving ideas, consider pairing the salmon bites with rice, salads, or using them in tacos with cabbage slaw and a creamy sauce.
Equipment
- Minute Blackened Air Fryer Salmon Bites that you might need to purchase:
- Air Fryer
