Name: Air Fryer Crispy Salmon Bites with Lemon Dill Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ Pounds Salmon (cubed); 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder; 1 Teaspoon Paprika; 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt; ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 Tablespoon Avocado Oil; ¾ Cup Panko Breadcrumbs; ¼ Cup Olive Oil; 1 Lemon (juiced); 2 Tablespoons Honey; 3 Cloves Garlic; 2 Tablespoons Fresh Dill (chopped); ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1 Pound Green Beans (trimmed); 2 Cloves Garlic (mashed); 2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil; Salt and Pepper; 1 Cup Uncooked Brown Rice

Meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: Air Fryer Crispy Salmon Bites with Lemon Dill Sauce. This easy, high-protein meal comes together in under 30 minutes and feels just as satisfying as your favorite takeout, but way more nutritious. It starts with a base of warm brown rice, topped with garlicky green beans, golden-crisp salmon bites, and a zesty lemon-dill drizzle that brings it all together. It’s bright, flavorful, and a total-crowd pleaser — even my boys love it!

A bowl of brown rice topped with crispy breaded chicken pieces, fresh green beans, and sprinkled herbs. A fork and knife are beside the bowl, with a small jar of olive oil and a dish of herbs in the background.

Friends, if there’s one fish I always come back to, it’s salmon. It’s my go-to for an easy, healthy protein that doesn’t require a million steps. In face, we eat salmon so often in my house that my kids will actually request it. Yes, you heard that right! That’s how I know a recipe is a keeper. And these Crispy Salmon Bites with Lemon Dill Sauce? Definitely entered the regular rotation.

This recipe hits all the marks: it’s quick, it’s high in protein, it’s flavorful, and it’s versatile enough to work for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep situation. I love that everything cooks in under 30 minutes and that it doesn’t require fancy ingredients. Just a few pantry staples, some fresh salmon, and boom — you’re eating something delicious. And while I used the air fryer for that perfectly golden crunch, I’ve also tested this in the oven and it works as well.

The whole mean comes together in a simple but satisfying bowl: fluffy brown rice, crisp-tender green beans, juicy little salmon nuggets, and a punchy lemon-dill sauce that you’ll want to pour over everything. I’ve always loved a good “everything bowl.” They’re the kind of meals that feel complete without being overcomplicated. This one is so good, just like my Honey Glazed Salmon Bowls or my Miso Glazed Salmon Bowls. If you’re someone who craves texture in your meals (hi, it’s me!), then you’re going to love this one.

A top-down view of bowls containing cubed salmon, green beans, brown rice, grated Parmesan, olive oil, sliced lemons, minced garlic, fresh dill, and assorted spices on a green marbled surface. — *To make these salmon bites, you’ll need salmon, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, avocado oil, Panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, fresh dill, green beans, and brown rice.*

A hand sprinkles breadcrumbs over seasoned salmon chunks in a glass bowl, with green beans, olive oil, and a bowl of breadcrumbs nearby on a marble countertop. — *To make these salmon bites, you’ll need salmon, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, avocado oil, Panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, fresh dill, green beans, and brown rice.*

What You Need to Make These Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Lemon Dill Sauce

Salmon: Salmon is one of my favorite proteins. Rich, flaky, and full of flavor.
Onion Powder: Onion powder gives a savory depth of flavor that blends perfectly with the spices and panko. It’s subtle but makes a difference!
Paprika: Paprika adds a touch of warmth and color to the salmon. It’s not spicy, just flavorful.
Kosher Salt: A must-have for seasoning every component of this recipe. Kosher salt sticks to the salmon better and helps draw out its natural flavor.
Black Pepper: A little bit of black pepper balances the salt and adds a light kick to each bite.
Avocado Oil: I like using avocado oil because it handles high heat well and gives the salmon that crisp, golden exterior. Olive oil or any neutral oil would also work!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives these salmon bites their irresistible crunch. It’s light, airy, and perfect for getting that crispy texture without frying.

For the Lemon Dill Sauce:

Olive Oil: Olive oil forms the base of this fresh, herby sauce. I recommend using extra virgin for the best flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brings brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the salmon. It really pulls everything together!
Honey: Honey adds a little sweetness that balances the tang of the lemon and the bite of the garlic. Just a touch goes a long way.
Garlic: Raw garlic gives this sauce a bold, punchy flavor. It’s simple, but elevates everything.
Fresh Dill: Dill is a classic pairing with salmon. It’s fresh, bright, and aromatic.
Kosher Salt: Just a bit helps ties the flavors of the sauce together without overpowering the fresh herbs and citrus.

For the Green Beans & Brown Rice:

Green Beans: Green beans are the perfect veggie here: light, fresh, and quick to cook. I like them crisp-tender for that perfect bite.
Garlic: Mashed garlic infuses the green beans with flavor as they cook.
Avocado Oil: Helps the green beans blister in the pan without becoming greasy. Plus, it adds a nice sheen and flavor.
Salt & Pepper: A simple combo that enhances everything else.
Brown Rice: Brown rice is hearty and filling with a slightly nutty flavor that holds up well under the sauce. You can absolutely swap for any other rice you have on hand though!

How to Make These Perfectly Crispy Salmon Bites

To make these crispy salmon bites, start by cooking the brown rice according to the package directions and set aside. While the rice cooks, trim the green beans. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the avocado oil, then the green beans and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and sauté for 7-8 minutes, just until they begin to soften just a bit (no soggy beans!). Pull off the heat and set aside.

Next, prepare the salmon. Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes. Pat the cubes dry with a paper towel. Add them to a bowl with the avocado oil, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat then sprinkle in the panko breadcrumbs,

A white pot filled with fresh green beans sprinkled with salt, surrounded by bowls of ingredients, a lemon half, and a striped towel on a green marble surface. — *Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the avocado oil, then the green beans and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and sauté for 7-8 minutes, just until they begin to soften.*

A hand whisks olive oil, chopped herbs, and lemon juice in a white bowl on a green countertop, surrounded by fresh dill, lemons, salt, a towel, and bottles of olive oil. — *Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the avocado oil, then the green beans and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and sauté for 7-8 minutes, just until they begin to soften.*

For the air fryer, arrange the salmon in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for about 9 minutes at 375F, until browned and crunchy. If using the oven, preheat oven to 375F and cook for 13-14 minutes. While the salmon cooks, whisk together the lemon-dill sauce: olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, dill, and kosher salt.

To build the bowls, add a scoop of brown rice, top with the garlicky green beans, then pile on the crispy salmon bites. Spoon the lemon-dill sauce generously over the top and enjoy!

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.