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- 1 pound salmon fillet - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Fresh parsley - Lemon wedges To make the air fryer crispy Cajun salmon bites, start with fresh salmon fillets. You want one pound, skin removed, and cut into bite-sized pieces. The salmon gives a rich flavor that pairs well with the spices. Next, you need olive oil. Two tablespoons will help the spices stick to the salmon and make it crispy. Cajun seasoning is key. One tablespoon adds a spicy kick. For the seasoning mix, get garlic powder and onion powder. Each needs one teaspoon. These add depth to the flavor. Smoked paprika adds a nice touch with half a teaspoon. Don't forget half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper for balance. For a beautiful finish, I suggest fresh parsley for garnish. It adds color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. Squeezing lemon over the salmon elevates the taste. This simple combination of ingredients creates a flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. You can impress your family and friends with these crispy bites! First, take a medium bowl and add the salmon pieces. Next, pour in the olive oil. Then, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until the salmon is coated evenly in the spice mix. This step gives your salmon a bold flavor that will shine through. Now, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the salmon cook evenly and become crispy. Once the air fryer is hot, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Carefully arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; this helps them cook well. Cook the salmon bites for 8-10 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You want them to be golden brown and crispy on the outside, while still flaky inside. To get those perfect crispy salmon bites, use cooking spray. A quick spray in the air fryer basket helps the bites crisp up nicely. You should also avoid overcrowding the basket. If the pieces touch, they won’t cook evenly. Cook in batches if needed for the best results. If you want to mix things up, try different seasonings. You can use lemon pepper or a spicy chili blend instead of Cajun seasoning. Different types of salmon work well too. Fresh salmon is great, but you can also use sockeye or even canned salmon for this recipe. Pair these salmon bites with tasty side dishes. Think about serving them with a crisp salad or some sweet potato fries. Dipping sauces can elevate the flavors too. A zesty tartar sauce or a creamy garlic dip works wonders. Don't forget some lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your salmon bites easily. Try spicy options for a kick. Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat. Blend a little paprika with your Cajun spice for extra depth. You can also explore herb-infused variations. Mix in dried oregano or thyme for a fresh taste. These herbs add a lovely fragrance to the salmon. If you want to try cooking methods beyond the air fryer, oven-baking is an option. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the seasoned salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking. Grilling is another fun method. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the salmon bites on skewers for easy handling. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning them until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. For low-carb modifications, skip the olive oil and use a light spray. This cuts down on calories and still gives a nice crisp. You can also use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for coating. If you need gluten-free options, ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free. Many store-bought blends are safe, but check the labels. Make the dish fit your diet while enjoying the flavors! To keep your salmon bites fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work best. They keep flavors locked in. Store leftovers in the fridge. They will stay good for about 2-3 days. Make sure the bites cool down before sealing them. This helps avoid moisture build-up. The best way to reheat salmon bites is in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but it may make them soft. If using the microwave, cover the plate with a damp paper towel. This helps keep some moisture. To freeze salmon bites, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave’s defrost setting. This keeps them tasting fresh. It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to cook salmon bites in an air fryer. This time can vary based on the thickness of your salmon pieces. I recommend checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark. You want them golden brown and crispy outside. Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. However, it’s best to thaw the salmon first. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or place it in cold water for quicker results. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures even cooking. Crispy Cajun salmon bites pair well with many sides. Some great options include: - Steamed vegetables - Rice or quinoa - A fresh salad - Sweet potato fries These sides balance the flavors and add nutrition to your meal. To know if your salmon is fully cooked, check its color and texture. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe eating. In this post, we explored how to make delicious Cajun salmon bites. We covered the main ingredients, seasonings, and serving ideas. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and storing your salmon. With tips for crispiness and substitutions, you can customize the recipe. Final thoughts: Enjoy experimenting with variations! Cajun salmon bites make a fun and tasty meal. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Crispy Cajun Salmon Bites

Savor the flavor with these Air Fryer Crispy Cajun Salmon Bites! Perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices, these bite-sized delights are quick to prepare and loaded with taste. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a crispy outer layer and flaky interior that will impress your family and friends. Ready to spice up your meals? Click through to explore the full recipe and make these delicious salmon bites today!
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Ingredients
  

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

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Salmon: In a medium bowl, combine the salmon pieces, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the salmon is well-coated in the spice mixture.

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

      Place the Salmon in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

        Cook the Salmon Bites: Cook the salmon bites in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside and flaky inside.

          Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the salmon bites from the air fryer. Transfer them to a serving platter, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 20 min | 4 servings