Looking for a quick and delicious meal that will impress your taste buds without taking hours in the kitchen? Dive into the delightful world of Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Smashed Cucumbers! This vibrant dish combines the rich, buttery flavor of perfectly cooked salmon with a refreshing cucumber salad, all ready in just 18 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional or a culinary novice, this recipe is your ticket to a gourmet experience at home. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these irresistible bites that are not only healthy but also bursting with flavor!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 18 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cucumber, smashed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. Place the salmon pieces in a mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon pieces and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Allow the salmon to marinate for about 5 minutes while you prepare the cucumbers.
- Take the cucumber and place it on a cutting board. Using the flat side of a knife or a meat mallet, gently smash the cucumber until it splits open but remains in larger chunks. Chop the smashed cucumber into bite-sized pieces and place them in a separate bowl.
- Add the rice vinegar and sesame oil to the chopped cucumbers. Toss to combine, ensuring the cucumbers are well-coated in the dressing. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the salmon bites cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- Once preheated, arrange the marinated salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cook the salmon bites in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a golden-brown exterior. Check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- While the salmon is cooking, give the cucumber salad a final toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Once the salmon bites are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute. Serve the salmon bites hot alongside the smashed cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Salmon: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh salmon fillets. Look for bright, firm pieces with no strong fishy odor.
- Uniform Size: Cut the salmon into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This will help you achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 5 minutes. This short resting time helps the flavors penetrate the fish, making every bite more delicious.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Don’t skip preheating your air fryer! This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior on your salmon bites.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so cook in batches if necessary.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients to your cucumber salad, such as cherry tomatoes or red onion, for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salmon bites hot out of the air fryer for the best texture. The contrast of warm salmon and cool cucumber salad is simply irresistible!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
