Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Paprika
Lightly browned salmon cubes with lemon zest, paprika and garlic, without soy sauce or a sweet glaze.
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer, knife, mixing bowl, fish spatula and thin instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
- 450 g skinless salmon about 1 lb, thawed, pin bones removed, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice added after cooking
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley optional, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C), according to the manufacturer. Pat thawed skinless salmon dry and cut into even 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Gently coat with oil, paprika, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
- Arrange the raw seasoned cubes in one spaced layer in a clean basket. Lightly oil the basket if recommended. Do not pour leftover liquid into the drawer or overlap the pieces; extra batches increase total time.
- Air fry for 5 minutes, gently turn or rearrange, then cook for about 2 to 5 minutes more, checking early. Probe a thick cube from the side with a thin thermometer and cook fish to 145°F (63°C). Time varies by cube size and appliance.
- Lift the cooked cubes gently onto a clean serving plate with a broad spatula. Add fresh lemon juice and optional parsley, then serve. Side dishes are prepared separately and are not included in this card.
Notes
Contains fish. Serves 2 as a main course. Written for thawed skinless cubes; no soy sauce or sweet glaze. Expect lightly browned edges, not a deep-fried shell. Total estimate assumes one batch.
No pork or pork-derived ingredients. Illustrative generated images; no physical kitchen testing claim.