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For this recipe, you need 1 pound of fresh salmon fillet. Remove the skin and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Fresh salmon gives your nuggets the best taste and texture. You will mix several key items for the marinade: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt to taste These ingredients create a bright, zesty flavor. The lemon juice and zest make the salmon fresh and vibrant. Garlic and onion powder add a nice depth, while smoked paprika gives a subtle warmth. To finish your dish, consider fresh parsley. Chop it finely and sprinkle it on top of the salmon nuggets. This adds color and a fresh taste. You can also serve these nuggets with lemon wedges for extra zing. Enjoy your meal! Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt to taste Whisk these together until smooth. This mix is your tasty marinade. Take your salmon fillet, which is cut into bite-sized cubes. Gently add the salmon to the marinade. Toss each cube carefully. You want every piece coated well. Let the salmon soak in the marinade for 15-20 minutes. This time helps the flavors blend and soak in. While the salmon marinates, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it heat for 3-5 minutes. Once ready, lay the salmon nuggets in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd them; this helps them get crispy. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket gently. The nuggets should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. When done, move them to a plate and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your meal! To get that perfect crispiness, you need to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This step helps the nuggets cook evenly. When you cook them, place the salmon in a single layer. If you stack the pieces, they won’t crisp up. Turning or shaking the basket halfway through also helps. Marinating your salmon is key for deep flavor. I recommend at least 15-20 minutes. This time allows the marinade to soak into the fish. If you have more time, you can marinate it longer, up to one hour. Just keep it in the fridge. The longer it sits, the better the taste will be! Overcrowding the air fryer basket is a common mistake. When you cram too many pieces in, they steam instead of crisp. For the best results, cook in batches if needed. Each nugget should have some space around it. This way, hot air can circulate freely and cook each piece evenly. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your lemon pepper salmon nuggets easily. Try adding herbs like dill or thyme for a fresh taste. If you like heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a sweeter note, mix in a bit of honey with the marinade. This adds a nice balance to the savory flavors. You can also use different spices, like cumin or coriander, for a unique twist. If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake or pan-sear the nuggets. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the nuggets on a baking sheet and cook for about 12-15 minutes. For pan-searing, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the nuggets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Both methods keep the salmon juicy and flavorful. These salmon nuggets are great on their own. You can serve them with a side of steamed veggies or a light salad. Try adding a dip, like tzatziki or a spicy mayo, for extra flavor. You can also place the nuggets on a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Enjoy this tasty dish in many fun ways! After you enjoy your Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon Nuggets, store any leftovers. Place the nuggets in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container. This keeps them from getting soggy. To reheat your salmon nuggets, use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This method helps them regain their crispiness. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them soft. If using the microwave, heat them for 30 seconds at a time until warm. You can freeze the salmon nuggets if you want to save some for later. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat them in the air fryer for the best texture. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. Place the salmon in the fridge overnight or use cold water for a quick thaw. Once thawed, remove the skin and cut it into bite-sized cubes. This allows the marinade to soak in well. I love these nuggets with several tasty sauces. Here are my favorites: - Lemon aioli - Tartar sauce - Honey mustard - Spicy mayo - Soy sauce with ginger Each sauce adds a unique flavor that complements the salmon. Feel free to try different ones to find your favorite! To check if the salmon is done, look for a few signs: - The color should change from translucent to opaque. - It should flake easily with a fork. - An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) indicates it’s cooked. If you notice these signs, your salmon nuggets are ready to enjoy! This blog post covered how to make delicious salmon nuggets using fresh ingredients. You learned about key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips for the best results. We explored variations to suit your taste and shared smart ways to store leftovers. You can try frozen salmon and find tasty dips too. Cooking can be fun and simple. Enjoy making these salmon nuggets and share them with family and friends!

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon Nuggets

Enjoy the delicious taste of Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon Nuggets! This easy recipe combines fresh salmon with zesty lemon and fragrant spices, creating a mouthwatering dish in just 30 minutes. Perfect as a light meal or appetizer, these golden nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your weeknight dinners with this healthy and flavorful option!
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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 fresh 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 mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a small pinch of salt. This will be your flavorful marinade.

    Carefully add the cubed salmon to the bowl, ensuring you don’t break the pieces. Gently toss the salmon until each cube is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Let the salmon marinate for a minimum of 15-20 minutes to allow all those vibrant flavors to meld.

      While the salmon marinates, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3-5 minutes until it's hot and ready for cooking.

        Once preheated, arrange the marinated salmon nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to achieve optimal crispness.

          Cook the salmon nuggets in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, gently shake the basket to ensure even cooking. The nuggets should be golden brown and fully cooked when ready.

            Carefully transfer the cooked salmon nuggets from the air fryer to a serving platter. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color before serving.

              - Serviervorschläge: These nuggets pair beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a refreshing meal. Enjoy your delightful dish!

                Vorbereitungszeit: 20 Minuten | Gesamtzeit: 30 Minuten | Portionen: 4