Air Fryer Lemon Dill Salmon Bites

Prep: 10 minutes   Cook: 8 minutes   Total: 18 minutes   Serves: 4 servings

Why you’ll love this recipe

Cutting the fish into even cubes creates more seasoned surface area and helps it cook in minutes. Lemon zest adds citrus flavor without adding too much liquid, and dill keeps the coating fresh and aromatic.

Ingredients

• 1¼ pounds skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional sauce: ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped dill, and a pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, gently toss the salmon with the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange the salmon in the basket in one layer with a little space between pieces. Cook in batches if needed.
4. Air-fry for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through, until the edges are browned and the centers reach 145°F.
5. If making the sauce, stir its ingredients together. Serve the salmon immediately with the sauce and lemon wedges.

Success tips and variations

• Uniform 1-inch pieces cook at the same rate; cut thick portions slightly smaller.
• Do not line the entire basket with foil because open airflow helps the salmon brown.
• For a dairy-free sauce, use an unsweetened plant-based yogurt or serve with extra lemon.
• Serve over rice, greens, or tucked into warm tortillas.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate cooked salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours and use within 3 days. Reheat briefly at 325°F in the air fryer, just until hot, to reduce overcooking.

Food-safety note: Fish is safely cooked when the center reaches 145°F; measure the thickest piece with an instant-read thermometer.

Estimated nutrition

Per serving, without sauce: 270 calories, 31 g protein, 2 g carbohydrate, 15 g fat, 0 g fiber, and 390 mg sodium. Nutrition is an estimate and will vary by brands, substitutions, and serving size.