Blackened Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe
These Blackened Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick and flavorful seafood snack or meal, featuring bite-sized chunks of salmon coated in a smoky, spicy rub and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Ready in just 10 minutes, they are ideal for a healthy, protein-packed option served with optional brown rice and fresh lemon wedges for added zest.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 7 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasonings
- 4 (6 ounce) skinless salmon filets, diced into 1 inch chunks
- Olive oil spray
- 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
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped parsley
- Brown rice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Place the diced salmon chunks in a large bowl and spritz them with olive oil spray to lightly coat each piece, which helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
- Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the sweet paprika, dried cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well until evenly mixed.
- Season the salmon: Rub the prepared spice mixture all over the salmon chunks, ensuring each piece is well coated with the blackening spices for full flavor.
- Prepare the air fryer basket: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and help create a crispy exterior on the salmon bites.
- Cook the salmon bites: Arrange the seasoned salmon chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to brown all sides evenly. Cook until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. Optionally, serve alongside brown rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure salmon pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on preferred spice level.
- Use fresh lemon wedges to brighten the rich flavors of the blackened salmon.
- If air fryer size is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Brown rice is optional but adds a healthy, filling side.