Air Fryer Blackened Salmon Bites

This quick and easy recipe for Air Fryer Blackened Salmon Bites features tender, bite-sized pieces of salmon cooked to perfection with blackened seasoning in your air fryer or Ninja Foodi. If you’re looking for a healthy salmon recipe that’s easy to make, this one is packed with bold flavors and ready in minutes!

Salmon bites are hands-down one of my favorite ways to get more salmon into my weekly meals. They’re bite-sized, packed with flavor, and cook up in minutes. Plus, salmon is one of those powerhouse foods we should all be eating more of that is loaded with heart-healthy omega-3s, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins. It’s great for brain health, supports the immune system, and honestly, just makes me feel good when I eat it.

And when it comes to cooking salmon bites, the air fryer is the way to go. It gives you that crispy, golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly tender. No flipping, no fuss, and ready in under 10 minutes. I make them all the time, but blackened salmon bites? They’re easily one of my top flavors, right up there with honey garlic salmon bites.

Blackened seasoning is a bold, smoky, slightly spicy blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. It gives salmon this deep, savory flavor that’s just so good. Pair it with a simple dipping sauce or toss it on top of a salad, and you’ve got an easy, delicious meal.

🧂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

1️⃣ Prep the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer requires preheating, let it run for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2️⃣ Cut the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispy crust. Use a sharp knife to cut the salmon into 1-inch bite-sized pieces, removing any pin bones if needed.

3️⃣ Season the Salmon: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blackened seasoning blend: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Drizzle the salmon bites with a small amount of oil and toss them in the seasoning mix until evenly coated. Let them sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.

4️⃣ Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. If necessary, cook in batches.

5️⃣ Cook the Salmon: Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to cook evenly. The salmon should have a crispy blackened crust on the outside while remaining tender and flaky on the inside. Use a fork to gently flake a piece of salmon. If it easily separates and is opaque throughout, it’s ready.

6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salmon bites to a plate and let them rest for a minute. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, over a salad, or in a grain bowl for a quick meal.

👩‍🍳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. This is an easy way to turn air fryer salmon recipes into a full meal.
• 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.

👩🏻‍🍳Expert Tips

• Use fresh, high-quality salmon: The best texture comes from fresh salmon fillets rather than previously frozen ones. If using frozen salmon, fully thaw and pat it dry before seasoning to prevent excess moisture.
• Pat the salmon really dry: Even a little excess moisture can prevent that crispy blackened crust from forming. A few extra seconds with a paper towel makes all the difference.
• Cut salmon into even-sized pieces: Keeping all the bites around the same size helps them cook at the same rate, so there are no overcooked or undercooked pieces.
• Give the salmon space: Overcrowding the air fryer basket leads to steaming instead of crisping. Leaving a little space between each piece allows hot air to circulate properly.
• Shake the basket halfway through: A quick shake during cooking helps cook all sides evenly and prevents any pieces from sticking.

🧊Storage Instructions

Storing: Leftover blackened salmon bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making them soggy. These make a great option for quick and healthy salmon meal prep throughout the week.

Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To keep the salmon crispy, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon rubbery and lose its crisp texture.

❓FAQ