Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Because Salmon is super expensive where I live, I usually am very careful when I’m cooking it and I try to make sure that the end-result is going to be super tasty!

These air fryer salmon bites are everything: crispy edges, flaky centers, and coated in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce that I generally use when I want something simple.

They’re fast, loaded with protein, and honestly taste like something you’d get from a bistro—even though they come out of your air fryer in under 10 minutes.

You can serve them with rice like I do, throw them over salads, or eat them straight with a fork (my partner and I definitely did that).

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Tips for Extra Flavor

• Use fresh Atlantic salmon fillets for ease and best texture.
• Make sure to use real butter like Kerrygold for richer flavor in the sauce.
• Add zest from your lemon using a microplane grater before juicing and I really love this one.
• Toss in a pinch of red chili flakes to add heat to the sauce.
• A squeeze of honey into the butter sauce balances the acidity and adds a light glaze.

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Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Recipe by Chloe M.Course: Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2-3

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (skinless, about 6 oz each), cut into bite-sized chunks

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)

• Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

• In a bowl, toss the salmon chunks with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
• Let them sit while you preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes. Place the salmon in a single layer in the basket (you may need to work in two batches depending on size).
• Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is crispy on the outside and flakes easily with a fork.
• While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a small pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley if using, then remove from heat.
• Once the salmon is done, immediately toss the hot bites in the lemon garlic butter sauce until well coated. Serve warm with rice, roasted veggies, or as a protein-packed snack.

• You can pair this with rice, it goes beautifully!

Variations & Substitutions

Swap butter for ghee or dairy-free butter for a lactose-free option.

Try the same method with cod, tilapia, or shrimp for a different protein vibe.

Add soy sauce and ginger to the butter for an Asian-inspired twist.

Want a low-fat version? Skip the butter and drizzle with lemon juice and a little olive oil before serving.

This is one of those recipes you can make when you’re too tired to cook but want something a little gourmet.

Keep it on rotation—it never disappoints.