Start by preparing the salmon fillets. Remove any skin or bones from the fish if necessary, then cut it into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure they are as dry as possible.
Mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow medium bowl. This mixture will give your salmon bites an incredible flavor and texture.
Spray salmon pieces with olive oil (or, if preferred, use avocado oil or any other cooking spray you choose). Dip each piece of salmon into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated on all sides. Press gently to make sure the crumbs adhere well to each piece.
Preheat your air fryer to around 400 degrees f (200 degrees c) for about five minutes. This step ensures that your salmon bites cook evenly and become crispy on the outside. The temperature depends on the type of air fryer you have. Mine is Cuisinart Compact, which has a manual temperature set, and what worked for me was the temperature of around 375 degrees f.
Place the coated salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or air fryer tray. Make sure not to overcrowd them; this allows hot air circulation for even cooking.
Cook for approximately eight minutes or until golden brown on all sides. You may need to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Once cooked, remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and transfer them onto a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil and keeps them crispy.
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Notes
The nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Serve your ultimate salmon bites immediately while still hot. Squeeze fresh lemon juice or lime juice over them for extra flavor. They are perfect as a great appetizer, snack, or even a complete meal when served over a rice bowl.
Consider serving your air fryer salmon bites with a delicious dipping sauce. Some popular options include tartar sauce, teriyaki sauce, lemon-dill sauce, aioli, dill and sour cream creamy sauce, or a sweet chili sauce. You can also sprinkle spicy mayo or soy sauce over these tasty garlic bite-sized salmon pieces.
Breadcrumbs – preferably Panko for better crunchiness.
Garlic powder – you can use fresh garlic here, but the powder is easier to mix with other seasonings.
Lemon wedges for serving
Optional: You can add Cajun seasoning as well or onion powder.
Add some fresh dill for an extra burst of flavor if desired.