Air Fryer Blackened Salmon Bites

This quick and easy recipe for healthy Air Fryer Blackened Salmon Bites features tender, bite-sized pieces of salmon flavored with a bold and zesty blackened seasoning cooked up in your air fryer or Ninja Foodi in just 10 minutes or less!

Salmon bites are bite-sized pieces of salmon that are seasoned and cooked until perfectly tender on the inside with a perfect crisp on the outside. The air fryer is the BEST way to make salmon bites because it uses dry circulating heat to cook the salmon, forming a crust on the outside and keeping the inside tender, all in just 10 minutes or less! I’m obsessed with making salmon bites in the air fryer and these along with honey garlic flavor are my favorite!

Blackened seasoning is a bold blend of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt, creating a rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor profile that is the perfect pairing for salmon.

🧂Ingredients You’ll Need

• Salmon (no skin, cut into 1-inch pieces) – Serves as the star of the dish, providing a rich, tender base that’s high in omega-3’s, delivering both a hearty texture and a deep, natural flavor that pairs beautifully with the bold spices.
• Olive Oil – Acts as a binding agent for the blackened seasoning, ensuring it sticks to the salmon pieces while also aiding in creating a crispy exterior when air-fried. You can also use other neutral-flavored oils like avocado oil.
• Blackened Seasoning – This potent mix of spices forms the backbone of the dish’s flavor profile, offering a layer of warmth, smokiness, and a touch of heat.

📖How To Make Blackened Salmon Bites In The Air Fryer

1️⃣Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer or Ninja Foodi to 400°F (200°C). for 3-5 minutes.

2️⃣Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create your blackening seasoning. Add the salmon cubes to the bowl with the seasoning. Toss gently until each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture.

3️⃣Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket or Ninja Foodi. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

4️⃣Air Fry Salmon Bites: Cook the salmon bites for about 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until the outside is slightly crispy and the salmon is cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your salmon pieces and the type of air fryer you have, so keep an eye on them.

5️⃣Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon bites from the air fryer with tongs. They can be served immediately as a delicious appetizer or as part of a meal.

6️⃣Serve with a side of Blackened Ranch Dressing for dipping to enhance the flavor!

👩‍🍳Use Them For Meal Prep!

• Rice Bowls: Over a bed of fluffy quinoa or rice, drizzle the blackened salmon bites with a light creamy sauce.
• Salmon Tacos: Fill salmon bites into warm tortillas along with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream for a seafood-inspired twist on traditional fish tacos.
• Salmon Kabobs: Skewer the salmon bites with chunks of pineapple and bell pepper, then grill or air fry them briefly for a sweet and spicy kabob.
• Caesar Salad: Serve on top of crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad, using the salmon bites as a protein-packed topping that adds a smoky, spicy contrast to the fresh, crunchy vegetables.
• Salmon Sliders: Slide the salmon bites into mini slider buns with slaw and pickles for a fun and easy-to-eat mini sandwich.
• Blackened Salmon Pasta: Mix the salmon bites into a pasta dish with a light garlic and olive oil sauce, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil.