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- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning - 1 clove garlic, minced - Salt to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The first step is to gather your ingredients. Fresh salmon gives the best taste. Look for salmon that is bright in color and smells fresh. Make sure to remove the skin and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. This makes cooking easy and fun. You'll need olive oil for the marinade. It adds richness and helps the flavors blend well. Lemon zest and lemon juice bring a bright, fresh taste. Lemon pepper seasoning gives it a zesty kick. Garlic adds depth and a nice aroma to the dish. After gathering the main ingredients, remember to have salt on hand. Use it to taste. Fresh parsley is perfect for garnish. It adds color and a fresh touch when serving. With these ingredients ready, you can create tasty Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon Bites. They are easy to make and full of flavor. In a medium bowl, combine these ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning - 1 clove garlic, minced - Salt to taste Mix them well. This will create a bright and zesty marinade. The olive oil helps the salmon stay moist. The lemon zest and juice add a fresh taste. Lemon pepper seasoning gives it a nice kick. Garlic adds depth to the flavor. Cut your salmon fillet into bite-sized pieces. Toss these pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated well. Let the salmon sit for at least 15 minutes. This step is key for flavor. The longer it sits, the better it tastes. You can even marinate it longer if you have time. Now, it’s time for the air fryer! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step helps the salmon cook evenly. Place the marinated salmon bites in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd them; this keeps them crispy. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, flip the salmon bites for even cooking. Check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C). Once done, take them out and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices settle. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your flavorful salmon bites! To get the best texture for your salmon bites, follow these steps: - Use fresh salmon fillets. Fresh fish cooks better. - Cut the salmon into even pieces. Aim for 1-inch cubes. - Marinate the salmon for at least 15 minutes. This adds flavor and moisture. - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. Overcrowding can ruin your salmon bites. Here’s why: - It traps steam and makes the fish soggy. - Space allows hot air to circulate freely. - Cook in batches if needed. This keeps your bites crispy. Pair your lemon pepper salmon bites with these tasty sides: - Steamed asparagus or broccoli adds a fresh crunch. - Serve with a light salad for a refreshing touch. - Add a side of rice or quinoa for a filling meal. - Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor by using different seasoning blends. Try using garlic powder for a richer taste. A dash of paprika adds warmth and color. You can also use Cajun spice for a kick. For a fresh twist, add dill or cilantro. These seasonings can bring new life to your salmon bites. Experimenting is fun and can lead to tasty surprises! If you don't have an air fryer, you can use an oven or skillet. To cook in the oven, preheat it to 400°F. Place the salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they are golden and cooked through. If using a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the salmon bites for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Both methods work well and keep the bites juicy. Don't worry if you’re missing some ingredients. If you lack lemon juice, try lime juice instead. You can also use any cooking oil if you don’t have olive oil. If you’re out of garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch. For the lemon pepper seasoning, mix black pepper and dried lemon zest. These small swaps can still keep your dish flavorful. Cooking should be flexible and fun! To keep your salmon bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. A good container will stop air from getting in. Place them in the fridge if you plan to eat them soon. They are best eaten within two days. For longer storage, freeze them. Use a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. Make sure to press out as much air as you can before sealing. To reheat salmon bites, use the air fryer for best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon bites in the basket for about 5-7 minutes. This helps keep them crispy and warm. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Microwaving can make them soggy. If you use the microwave, heat them in short bursts of 30 seconds. In the fridge, your salmon bites will last up to two days. If you freeze them, they can last for three months. However, for the best taste, eat them sooner. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating leftovers. This ensures you enjoy the freshest flavors. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. First, thaw the salmon completely. You can do this in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, remove the skin and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Follow the same marinade steps as you would with fresh salmon. To check if salmon is cooked, look for a few signs. The salmon should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If you don’t have one, checking for flakiness is a good rule of thumb. These salmon bites go well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - Roasted asparagus - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette Feel free to mix and match according to your taste! This blog post shared an easy recipe for air fryer lemon pepper salmon bites. You learned how to prepare a tasty marinade, marinate your salmon, and air fry it to perfection. I highlighted tips for the best texture and serving ideas, along with storage practices. With these steps, you can enjoy flavorful salmon bites at home. Remember, you can easily vary spices and cooking methods for new flavors. Make this dish your own, and share it with others!

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon Bites

Indulge in the flavor-packed Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon Bites that are ready in just 30 minutes! This simple recipe combines fresh salmon with zesty lemon and garlic, marinated to perfection and cooked to crispy goodness in your air fryer. Perfect for a quick dinner or a delightful appetizer, these bites are sure to impress. Click to discover the full recipe and make your meal unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a marinade.

    Add the salmon bites to the bowl, gently tossing to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.

      Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

        Once preheated, place the marinated salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd them.

          Cook the salmon bites for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

            After cooking, remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes.

              Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4