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- 1 lb salmon fillet - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and black pepper to taste To make Lemon Herb Air Fryer Salmon Bites, start with fresh salmon. Choose a 1 lb fillet, skin removed and cut into cubes. This size makes it easy to cook and enjoy. The salmon will soak in a tasty mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. These ingredients are key in giving the bites their bright flavor. Next, add minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Each herb adds depth to the dish. Oregano and thyme bring warmth, while lemon adds a fresh touch. Mix all these items in a bowl. This blend is your marinade, and it helps keep the salmon moist and flavorful. - Fresh parsley - Lemon wedges For extra flair, use garnishes. Fresh parsley adds color and a nice taste. Lemon wedges are perfect for squeezing over the salmon before eating. This adds a burst of flavor that enhances each bite. You can serve this dish on a platter to impress your guests or family. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and black pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients until blended well. This marinade is the heart of your dish. The bright flavors of lemon and fresh herbs will make the salmon shine. Next, toss the salmon cubes into the marinade. Ensure each piece is fully coated. This step is key for rich flavor. Let the salmon marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This short time allows the flavors to soak in without overpowering the fish. Now, it's time for the air fryer. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This helps achieve a nice, crispy exterior. Once the salmon has marinated, place the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; this ensures even cooking. Cook the salmon bites for about 8-10 minutes. They should be golden and cooked through. Remember to shake the basket halfway through to get that perfect crispness. Carefully remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and enjoy them warm! To get the best texture, avoid overcrowding the basket. If you pack the salmon too tight, it won't cook evenly. Give each piece room to breathe. A single layer works best for crispy bites. To know when it's done, look for a golden color. The salmon should flake easily with a fork. It should also feel firm but not dry. Keep an eye on it while cooking to avoid overcooking. You can boost the flavor with more herbs. Try adding dill or basil for a fresh twist. These herbs pair well with lemon and salmon. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives your bites a nice kick. You can also mix in some smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. One common mistake is overcooking the salmon. Keep checking it as it cooks. If it feels too firm, it may be overdone. For easier cleanup, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. This step makes cleaning much simpler. After cooking, just toss the paper and wipe the basket clean. Pro Tips Marinating Time: Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to fully absorb the flavors of the herbs and lemon. Air Fryer Preheating: Always preheat your air fryer for better cooking results; it helps achieve that perfect golden crust. Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure to place the salmon bites in a single layer without overcrowding the basket for even cooking. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor when sprinkled just before serving. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your lemon herb air fryer salmon bites. Try an Asian-inspired marinade for a twist. Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. This will give the salmon a sweet and savory kick. Add some green onions for a fresh touch. For a Mediterranean twist, use olive oil, lemon, and fresh dill. This brings a bright, herby flavor that pairs well with the fish. If you want to switch things up, you can use other proteins. Try using fresh tuna or cod instead of salmon. They cook well and soak up flavors nicely. For a vegetarian option, use tofu. Press the tofu to remove water, then cube it. Marinate it just like the salmon. Air fry it until it's golden and crispy. Pair your salmon bites with great sides for a full meal. Fresh greens or a light salad work well. You can also serve them with roasted vegetables for a hearty touch. Want some sauce? Try a yogurt-based dip or a spicy mayo. These add extra flavor and make the meal more fun. To store leftovers, first cool the salmon bites to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents strong odors from other foods. Store the container in the fridge. Enjoy your salmon bites within three days for the best taste. For freezing salmon bites, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. To reheat frozen salmon bites, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, quickly air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. In the fridge, salmon bites last for about 3 days. If you freeze them, they can stay good for up to 3 months. After that, they may lose some quality but are still safe to eat. Always check for any off smells or discoloration before consuming. You should marinate the salmon for about 15-20 minutes. This time helps the fish soak up all those tasty flavors. If you let it sit longer, the fish can become too strong in taste. So, stick to the 15-20 minutes for the best result. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. First, you need to thaw it. The best way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you are short on time, you can also place it in a sealed bag and run cold water over it for about an hour. Just make sure it is fully thawed before marinating. If you do not have olive oil, you can use other oils. Canola oil or avocado oil works well. Butter is another option, but it may change the flavor slightly. Choose the oil you like best to keep the dish delicious. In this post, we explored a simple salmon recipe, from main ingredients to optional garnishes. We discussed how to prepare a flavorful marinade, marinate the salmon, and use an air fryer for perfect bites. You learned helpful tips, variations for different tastes, and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and try new sides! Happy cooking!

Lemon Herb Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Delicious bite-sized salmon pieces marinated in lemon and herbs, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  • Add the cubed salmon pieces to the marinade and gently toss to ensure they are fully coated. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • Once marinated, place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking.
  • Air fry the salmon bites for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crispness.
  • Carefully remove the bites from the air fryer and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve on a platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of additional herbs for color. Enjoy with a side of fresh greens or a light salad.
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, healthy, salmon