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Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Bites Recipe

Tender salmon bites seared to perfection, tossed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, and garnished with fresh herbs for a quick, flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• 2 6 oz salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Create the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
   Begin by placing a saucepan on medium heat and let the butter melt gently. As the butter starts to liquefy, sprinkle in the kosher salt, oregano, parsley, basil, and a dash of black pepper. Once everything blends smoothly, introduce the minced garlic, a splash of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Give it a good stir until the aroma of garlic fills the kitchen, which should take about a minute. After removing the pan from heat, stir in the parmesan cheese to meld all those flavors together. Set this delightful mixture aside for later.

2. Step 2: Season the Salmon Bites
   Grab a medium-sized bowl and toss in your salmon cubes. Sprinkle them evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika—this trio will lay the flavor groundwork for your salmon bites. Make sure each piece is well-coated, giving them a gentle mix with your hands or a spoon. This ensures that every bite is packed with taste and ready for the next step.

3. Step 3: Cook the Salmon in the Air Fryer
   Arrange the seasoned salmon pieces evenly in your air fryer basket, ensuring they each have a little breathing room to cook evenly. Set your air fryer to 400°F and let those salmon bites sizzle away for about 2 minutes. Once time’s up, carefully flip each piece to ensure both sides get that lovely golden finish. After another 2 minutes, pause to brush them generously with the lemon garlic butter you prepared earlier. Give them a final 2-minute whirl in the fryer until they achieve a perfectly crispy texture.

4. Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
   With the salmon bites all crispy and coated, it’s time to plate them up. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon over the top to enhance the zesty notes, and perhaps pair it with a side like creamy lemon pasta for a delightful meal combo. Savor each bite and enjoy the burst of flavors that each morsel brings.

Notes

Salmon bites are a delight, but a couple of pitfalls could trip you up.

Firstly, some folks can be a bit too zealous with their seasoning. A sprinkle of salt and paprika is all you need to let the salmon's natural flavors shine.

Avoid overcooking. The secret to tender salmon is keeping a close eye on those air fryer minutes: no more than 6 minutes total, or you'll end up with fishy jerky.

Lastly, don't skip the garlic butter. It’s the magic sauce that ties everything together, so be generous!