BBQ Air Fryer Salmon Bites
These air fryer salmon bites are coated in a sweet-smoky BBQ spice rub, crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and ready in 15 minutes. 31 grams of protein per serving, naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and endlessly versatile.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil avocado oil, or grapeseed oil (for the basket)
- 1 ½ lbs skinless salmon fillets cut into 1x2-inch pieces
- lemon slices to serve
Instructions
- With the basket installed, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2–3 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne until combined.
- Add the salmon cubes and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Brush the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil. Add half the salmon in a single layer — do not overcrowd.
- Continue air frying for 2–3 more minutes, until the salmon is golden, the rub is caramelized, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Set aside while you cook the second batch.*
- Repeat with the remaining salmon.
- Serve hot with lemon slices.
Notes
- *Keeping the first batch warm: Preheat the oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the first batch there while the second batch cooks.
- Don't overcrowd the basket — cook in two batches for crispy results. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents browning.
- Never use non-stick spray — it damages air fryer baskets. Brush oil directly onto the basket instead.
- Frozen salmon: thaw completely, pat very dry, and add 1–2 minutes to the cook time.
- Spice swap: substitute 5½ tablespoons of your favorite pre-made BBQ rub for the individual spices.
- Protein substitute: Steelhead trout works perfectly in place of salmon.
- Storage: refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 1–2 days. Does not freeze well. Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 2–3 minutes — don't overheat.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 31gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 404mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6g
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