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You need 1 pound of fresh salmon fillet. Remove the skin and cut it into bite-sized cubes. This helps the salmon cook evenly and makes it easy to eat. For the marinade, gather these items: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt to taste Mix these ingredients in a bowl. This blend gives the salmon a zesty and rich flavor. The olive oil keeps the fish moist while it cooks. To finish, use fresh parsley. Chop it up and sprinkle it over the cooked salmon nuggets. This adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. You can also try lemon wedges for extra zing. To start, gather a large bowl. In this bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Next, add the cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. This mix creates a zesty marinade for your salmon. The lemon zest adds a bright flavor, while the spices bring warmth. Stir the ingredients well until they blend nicely. Now it's time for the salmon. Use a fresh salmon fillet, skin removed, and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Add these salmon pieces to your marinade. Gently toss them until every piece is coated well. Let the salmon marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This step lets the flavors soak in, making the salmon taste amazing. While the salmon marinates, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes around 3-5 minutes. After preheating, place the marinated salmon cubes in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cook the nuggets for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket for even cooking. The salmon should turn golden and be fully cooked. Once ready, carefully take them out and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your tasty and quick lemon pepper salmon nuggets! To get that perfect crispy texture, use a light hand with the oil. Just two tablespoons of olive oil work wonders. Don't skip preheating the air fryer; it helps create a nice crust. I recommend cooking the nuggets in a single layer. This will give them room to breathe and crisp up evenly. Overcrowding the basket is a common mistake. Salmon nuggets need space to cook. If they are too close together, they will steam instead of fry. Cook them in batches if needed. This ensures each piece gets golden and delicious. A little patience goes a long way here. For the best results, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the nuggets for about 8-10 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly. You want a nice golden color and flaky texture. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. {{image_2}} To make spicy lemon pepper salmon nuggets, add heat to your marinade. Mix in 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. This will give your salmon a nice kick! If you want it even spicier, add more. The zest of lemon balances the heat well. You will enjoy the bold flavor! For a sweeter option, try honey garlic salmon nuggets. Swap the lemon juice for 2 tablespoons of honey. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for depth. Mix these into your marinade with the garlic powder. This will create a sweet and savory taste. You will love how the honey caramelizes in the air fryer! Make your meal more filling by adding vegetables. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in olive oil. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice for flavor. Place them in the air fryer with your salmon nuggets. They will cook together nicely, making a colorful and healthy dish! Store your leftover salmon nuggets in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before you seal them. This helps keep them tasty and safe to eat. To reheat, use your air fryer for the best results. Heat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the nuggets in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some crunch. If you want to save some salmon nuggets for later, freezing is a great option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just thaw it first. Place it in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water. Once thawed, remove the skin and cut it into cubes. The flavor will still shine through with the marinade. These salmon nuggets pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Quinoa or rice - Mixed green salad - Sweet potato fries - Roasted asparagus Each side adds a different flavor and texture. You can mix and match to find your favorite. To check if the salmon is ready, use a fork. Gently flake a piece. It should be opaque and easily break apart. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Cooking time may vary slightly based on the size of your salmon cubes. This post covered how to make tasty air fryer salmon nuggets. We explored key ingredients like fresh salmon, marinade essentials, and garnish choices. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, marinate, and cook salmon. I shared tips for a crispy finish and avoiding overcrowding. You also found variations to spice things up and useful storage advice. In conclusion, these salmon nuggets are simple and fun to make. You can adapt this recipe to suit your taste, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon Nuggets

Savor the deliciousness of Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon Nuggets with this easy recipe! Fresh salmon bites are marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and spices before being perfectly cooked in your air fryer. In just 30 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering dish that's healthy and packed with flavor. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this simple seafood delight to your dinner table!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt to create a marinade.

    Add the cubed salmon to the bowl and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated in the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

      Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

        Place the marinated salmon cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren't overcrowded.

          Cook the salmon nuggets in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking, until they are golden and fully cooked.

            Once done, carefully remove the salmon nuggets from the air fryer and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4