Name: Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound skinless salmon filet, cut into 1-inch cubes; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons melted butter; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves, minced

There’s something incredibly satisfying about bite-sized salmon cooked to tender perfection with a bright zing of lemon and a rich garlicky butter finish. The Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe delivers quick, flavorful seafood that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

This image shows a white plate filled with about twenty small pieces of cooked salmon. The salmon pieces are orange with light seared marks and a slightly shiny, moist texture. Small green herb bits are sprinkled over the salmon. A silver fork rests on the plate touching some salmon at the top left. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially visible at the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe more times than I can count because it’s just so effortless and perfectly packed with flavor every single time. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but takes minimal prep and clean-up.

Speedy and simple: Cooks quickly in the air fryer, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Deliciously versatile: These bites are fantastic on their own, tossed over greens, or even paired with grains.
Fresh and flavorful: The lemon garlic butter elevates the natural richness of salmon without overpowering it.
Easy cleanup: Using a liner in the air fryer basket prevents sticky mess and keeps things hassle-free.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity — fresh salmon cubes get a straightforward seasoning, then bathed in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce. Each ingredient plays an essential role to make the salmon bites sing.

Flat lay of fresh pink salmon filet cut into 1-inch cubes, a small mound of coarse kosher salt crystals, a few twists of freshly ground black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl with melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl with bright yellow lemon juice, three peeled whole garlic cloves, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon filet: I always choose skinless and fresh for tender bites that cook evenly in the air fryer.
Kosher salt: Enhances the salmon’s natural flavor without overwhelming it.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
Melted butter: This creates that rich, silky base for the lemon garlic sauce.
Lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish with zesty freshness.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses the butter with aromatic warmth for that crave-worthy punch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love that the Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe is easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or your mood. Feel free to make it your own by playing around with herbs, spice levels, or even swapping the butter for olive oil for a lighter twist.

Herb boost: Adding fresh parsley or dill right after cooking amps up freshness — trust me, it’s a game changer.
Spicy twist: I sometimes toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild heat that pairs beautifully with the lemon garlic flavors.
Dairy-free option: Swap melted butter for avocado oil or coconut oil if you want to skip dairy without losing richness.
Make it a meal: Toss salmon bites into grain bowls with quinoa or farro and roasted veggies for a budget-friendly balanced meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe

The dish shows a white plate with two main layers: a base layer of finely chopped broccoli rice mixed with small bits of white onion and green sprouts, giving a mix of light green, white, and dark green colors and a rough texture. On top of this base are golden-brown pieces of cooked salmon arranged in the middle, their surface slightly crispy and flaky. On the left side of the plate, there are three lemon slices with a shiny yellow color. A silver fork rests on the right edge of the plate, partially on the broccoli rice. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season the Salmon Cubes

Start by cutting your salmon filet into evenly sized 1-inch cubes. I find this size works best for quick, uniform cooking. Pop them into a mixing bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently—don’t mash the pieces—to coat every bite with seasoning evenly.

Step 2: Add the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

To the same bowl, pour in melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and minced garlic cloves. Mix everything carefully so the salmon bites get thoroughly coated with this fragrant, silky sauce. The garlic and lemon make it bright, while the butter adds richness—a perfect combo!

Step 3: Air Fry for Perfection

Line your air fryer basket with a liner—this little trick prevents the lemon garlic butter from dripping through and making a mess. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer without overcrowding; trust me, this ensures they cook evenly and crisp up lightly on the edges. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Unlike some recipes, you don’t need to shake the basket halfway—just let them cook uninterrupted. Pro tip: If your basket is small, cook in two batches to avoid steaming instead of crisping.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the salmon bites are cooked through and golden, plate them up immediately! Drizzle any leftover lemon garlic butter from the bowl on top for an extra burst of flavor. These bites are fabulous on their own, thrown on a crisp salad, or nestled alongside your favorite veggies or grains.

Top Tip

From my many tries, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really make this Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe shine and save you time and fuss.

Use a basket liner: A silicone or parchment liner prevents the buttery sauce from dripping through and makes cleanup a breeze.
Don’t overcrowd: Leaving space between bites helps them crisp instead of steam, giving you a better texture.
Fresh garlic matters: Mince your own garlic rather than using pre-minced for the best aroma and flavor punch.
Serve immediately: These bites are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer while they’re juicy and warm.

How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a little dill on top—herbs really brighten up the dish visually and flavor-wise. A light dusting of lemon zest adds an extra punch of citrus without any bitterness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include garlic roasted asparagus, a simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette, or even buttery mashed potatoes for a more comforting meal. It also goes great over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve even used these salmon bites as a protein topper for colorful grain bowls with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy radishes. For a party, skewering them alongside lemon wedges and fresh herbs makes for a delightful appetizer platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavor holds up well, though the texture is best the day you make them.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen these salmon bites myself, I’ve heard freezing is possible but may slightly affect texture. If you try it, freeze in a single layer before packing up to minimize clumping.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend a quick toss back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes — this keeps the bites juicy without drying out or making them rubbery like the microwave sometimes does.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use salmon with skin on for this recipe?

You can, but I recommend removing the skin before cutting into bite-sized pieces because the skin doesn’t crisp well in the air fryer at this size, and the sauce might not coat evenly. If you prefer skin-on, cook for a few extra minutes to ensure the skin crisps up nicely.

Is it okay to use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely before cutting and seasoning. Cooking from frozen will lead to uneven cooking and won’t get those beautiful golden edges. I like to thaw overnight in the fridge or use cold water to speed up the process if I’m short on time.

Can I prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before tossing with the salmon for even coating. This little prep saves you time when you’re ready to cook.

What temperature and time should I use if my air fryer varies?

If your air fryer tends to run hot or is smaller, lower the temperature slightly to 375°F and check for doneness at around 5 minutes. The salmon bites cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. They should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely adore this Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe because it turns salmon—a fish I sometimes find intimidating—into something approachable and fun to cook. The combination of buttery garlic and fresh lemon hits all the right notes, and the air fryer makes it effortless. Give it a try, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become a staple you go back to whenever you want a quick, delicious seafood fix.