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To make these nuggets, start with 1 pound of fresh salmon fillet. Remove the skin and cut the salmon into small cubes. Fresh salmon gives the best flavor and texture. Look for bright orange color and a firm feel. This ensures your nuggets are juicy and tender. You will need a few simple ingredients for the marinade: - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried dill - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work together to create a tasty garlic butter marinade. The garlic adds a nice kick, while the lemon juice gives a fresh zing. Dill and smoked paprika add depth and warmth to the flavor. For the coating, use 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Panko gives your nuggets a crispy texture. It’s lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. When you press the salmon cubes into the panko, it sticks well and creates a perfect crust when cooked. To start, gather your ingredients. You need melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried dill, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a mixing bowl, combine these items. Stir well until they mix into a smooth garlic butter marinade. This mix is what makes your salmon so tasty. Take your fresh salmon fillet and cut it into small cubes. Add the salmon to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the salmon cubes until every piece is coated evenly. This step is key for flavor. Once coated, let the salmon marinate for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. While the salmon marinates, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In another shallow dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs. After the salmon has marinated, take each cube and press it into the breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is coated well on all sides. Now, place the salmon nuggets in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer. Leave some space between each nugget for even cooking. Cook the nuggets for 8 to 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. When they turn golden brown and crispy, they are ready. Finally, remove the nuggets from the air fryer. Garnish them with freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter salmon nuggets! To get the best texture, choose fresh salmon. Make sure to remove the skin first. Cut the salmon into even cubes. This helps them cook at the same rate. When you coat them with panko, press down lightly. This makes a nice, crunchy layer. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Leave space for hot air to move. This keeps the nuggets crispy. For more flavor, use fresh garlic instead of dried. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Sprinkle some lemon zest into the marinade for a bright taste. Consider mixing in fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, for extra flavor. If you like smoky tastes, try adding extra smoked paprika. These small changes make a big difference! The air fryer should always be preheated to 400°F (200°C). This helps the nuggets cook evenly. Cook them for 8-10 minutes. You should shake the basket halfway. This helps them brown nicely. If your nuggets are larger or smaller, adjust the time. Check for a golden color on the outside. That’s when they are done! {{image_2}} To make spicy garlic butter salmon nuggets, add heat to your mix. Use 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. This gives your nuggets a nice kick. The spicy flavor pairs well with the buttery garlic. It adds a new layer to your dish. You can adjust the heat based on your taste. Serve these with a cooling dip, like yogurt or sour cream. For herb-infused salmon nuggets, switch up your herbs. Use fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme. You can chop them finely and add them to the garlic butter mix. This gives a fresh taste to the nuggets. You can also mix in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. It adds depth and makes the flavor bright. Serve these nuggets with a light salad for a refreshing meal. To create sweet and savory salmon nuggets, add sweetness to your mix. Use 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup in the marinade. This gives a nice balance to the salty and buttery flavors. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. This combo makes a unique dish that stands out. Serve these nuggets with a side of sweet potato fries for a colorful plate. You will want to store your salmon nuggets in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge if you have leftovers. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool before sealing the container. This helps to keep them crispy. To reheat your salmon nuggets, use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use an oven if you don't have an air fryer. Just place them on a baking sheet and heat until warm. You can freeze salmon nuggets for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, just reheat them directly from frozen. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this by placing it in the fridge overnight. If you are in a hurry, use cold water to defrost it quickly. After thawing, remove the skin and cut it into cubes. Follow the rest of the recipe as usual. These salmon nuggets pair well with many sides. You can serve them with a fresh salad. A tangy coleslaw adds a nice crunch. Roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries are also great options. For dipping, try a zesty lemon aioli or a creamy tartar sauce. Each side adds a unique twist to your meal. To keep your salmon moist, do not overcook it. Cook the nuggets for 8-10 minutes in the air fryer. Check them halfway through to see if they are done. Also, marinate the salmon for at least 15 minutes. This helps to lock in flavors and moisture. Lastly, using fresh salmon instead of frozen can also help keep them juicy. In this post, we explored making easy air fryer garlic butter salmon nuggets. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about flavor variations and storage options. My final thoughts: this dish is flexible and tasty. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and find your favorite. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon Nuggets

Savor the flavor of Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon Nuggets, a delicious and healthy twist on a favorite dish! With tender salmon coated in a mouthwatering garlic butter marinade and perfectly crisped in the air fryer, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's perfect for a quick meal or a fun appetizer. Click through for the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cubed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried dill

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried dill, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a garlic butter marinade.

    Add the salmon cubes to the bowl with the marinade and gently toss until all pieces are coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.

      After marinating, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

        In a shallow dish, spread the panko breadcrumbs. Take each salmon cube and press it into the breadcrumbs to coat evenly on all sides.

          Place the breadcrumb-coated salmon nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each nugget for even cooking.

            Cook the nuggets in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

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

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4