Toddler-Approved Air Fryer Salmon Bites

These toddler-approved air fryer salmon bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with protein and healthy fats. This easy family-friendly salmon recipe is ready in 15 minutes, and perfect for babies, toddlers, picky eaters, and busy weeknight dinners.

this Post!

As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. You can read more here about our Disclaimer and Privacy Page.

You’re probably aware of the nutritional benefits of salmon. But, getting toddlers to eat salmon isn’t always the easiest task! Knowing doesn’t always equal doing.

As a Registered Dietitian, I’m very pro baby-led weaning, and serving foods to kids from a young age. I wrote all about the benefits of salmon for babies and toddlers and why it’s important to start young!

Other favorite salmon recipes for babies and kids are these salmon zucchini fritters and sweetpotato and salmon cakes.

Air fryer salmon bites are a great recipe for toddlers and up (there is a little added sugar in there, which is not recommended for kids under age two).

I wanted to create these mini salmon bites because they are small and easy to hold (like a meatball) for little hands. And small servings are less intimidating for kids.

Why the Dietitian Mom Loves this Recipe

“I’m persistent about serving fish, especially salmon, to my kids because it has so much nutrition opportunity. These crispy salmon air fryer bites are my tried-and-true method that all three enjoy!”

We use our air fryer often to get the crispy texture we know and love – like these air fryer brussel sprouts, crispy sweetpotato wedges and air fried tofu nuggets.

Plus, let’s be real – it’s unlikely kids will eat large filets of salmon (although some will)! I love to serve these air fryer salmon bites with rice, buttered noodles or even my hidden veggies mac and cheese.

Why We All Love These Air Fryer Salmon Bites

• Ready in 15-20 minutes – That’s so HUGE for a busy family and/or hungry kids.
• Great texture – Salmon bites made in the air fryer are nice and crispy on the outside, but soft and tender on the inside, perfect for toddlers.
• Versatile– Use the air fried salmon bites in salads, rice or grain bowls, atop pasta, in wraps and more.
• Hands off – No need to stand at the stove and watch.
• Great for all ages – Yes, we love offering salmon to babies and toddlers! It helps to start offering at a young age.

Gather Your Ingredients

• salmon filets (about 12-16 oz total) – Frozen works too, just thaw in the fridge or in cold water beforehand.
• avocado oil
• garlic powder
• salt
• honey
• soy sauce – I often substitute coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
• Sesame seeds, for topping, optional

How to Make Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer

Then, mix your ingredients for the marinade (soy sauce or coconut aminos, garlic powder, honey and oil).

While the salmon bites are marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.

I love sprinkling some sesame seeds on top (you could make this fun with toddlers), but it’s not necessary to enjoy these flavorful little bites.

Tips for Crispy Salmon Bites

• You can use fresh or frozen salmon! If using frozen salmon, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight or in a bowl of cold water beforehand for about 20-30 minutes.
• Make sure the salmon bites aren’t too close in the air fryer basket. If they are overlapping, they won’t cook evenly or as fast, or get as crisp. I love my ninja air fryer, but you may need to do a few batches.
• Flippingt hem halfway allows them to cook evenly.

Servings 6

Toddler-Approved Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN

These toddler-approved air fryer salmon bites are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with protein and healthy fats. This easy family-friendly salmon recipe is ready in 15 minutes, and perfect for babies, toddlers, picky eaters, and busy weeknight dinners.

No ratings yet

Print Pin

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Ingredients  

1x2x3x

• 2 thawed salmon filets about 12-16 oz total
• 1 Tbsp avocado oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce/coconut aminos
• Sesame seeds, for topping

Instructions 

1. Remove the bottom skin layer from your salmon. Cut salmon filets into small “bite size” squares (about ½ inch to 1 inch each).
2. Mix the ingredients for the marinade (avocado oil, minced garlic, salt, honey, soy sauce) in a medium bowl or ziplock bag. Add salmon squares, and let salmon bites sit in marinade for up to 30 minutes, depending on how much time you have.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F.
4. Transfer marinated salmon bits to pre-heated air fryer, arranging them in a single layer.*
5. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Top with sesame seeds if desired and serve with your favorite side.

Notes

*When arranging in a single layer, it’s important that they aren’t overlapping or too crowded, so you may have to do a few batches.

Alternate cooking methods:

• To make oven-baked salmon, place the salmon on a greased baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
• No oven or air fryer? You can also pan-fry the salmon! Just take a small amount of cooking oil, and add the salmon to a medium cooking pan over medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 12gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 218mgPotassium: 294mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 23IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?Let us know how it was!