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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Dill Sauce

crispy air fryer salmon bites - featured image

These crispy air fryer salmon bites are ready in under 15 minutes, featuring a golden crust and tender, flaky interior. Served with a creamy lemon dill sauce, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • pounds skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Make the lemon dill sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the salmon.
  2. Prep the salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch cubes, as uniform as possible. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes if cold.
  3. Season the salmon: In a medium mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Whisk into a loose paste. Add salmon cubes and toss gently until evenly coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray. Arrange salmon cubes in a single layer, not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through (at the 4-minute mark). Salmon is done when golden brown on the outside and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature 145°F).
  7. Transfer salmon bites to a serving platter. Let rest 1-2 minutes. Serve warm with lemon dill sauce on the side or drizzled over the top. Garnish with extra fresh dill and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat salmon dry thoroughly for best crispiness. Cut cubes uniformly. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Flip halfway through cooking. Let sauce sit for flavors to meld. For oven alternative: bake at 425°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

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