Description
Ingredients
1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
1. Season the salmon cubes with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl.
2. Add the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic.
3. Toss the salmon gently until the lemon-garlic butter evenly coats each piece.
4. Line the air fryer basket so the butter sauce does not drain away.
5. Arrange the salmon cubes with the sauce in a single, uncrowded layer. Cook in batches if needed for good airflow.
6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. You do not need to shake or turn the salmon halfway through cooking.
7. Check the salmon around the 5-minute mark. For moist salmon, aim for an internal temperature of about 125 to 130°F and add more cooking time only as needed.
8. Serve the salmon bites with the remaining lemon-garlic butter drizzled over the top.
Notes
Use fully thawed salmon. If using frozen salmon, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Sockeye, Coho, or King salmon all work well, and you do not need an expensive cut.
Fresh garlic and fresh lemon juice give the best flavor.
An air fryer liner helps keep the lemon-garlic butter sauce around the salmon instead of letting it drain away.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the salmon in batches when needed for good airflow.
For moist salmon, aim for an internal temperature of about 125 to 130°F. Check around the 5-minute mark and add cooking time only as necessary.
For a Whole30-compatible variation, replace the butter with ghee or olive oil.
Refrigerate cooked leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
You can freeze the salmon bites after they cool completely.
To reheat in the air fryer, heat at 400°F (200°C) for 2 to 3 minutes. Add another 1 to 2 minutes if needed.
Serve with salads, rice, grain bowls, vegetables, cauliflower rice, broccoli rice, or similar meals.
Additional nutrition per serving: 3 g polyunsaturated fat, 5 g monounsaturated fat, 573 mg potassium, 309 IU vitamin A, 2 mg vitamin C, 21 mg calcium, and 1 mg iron.
