Description
Sumptuous Pesto Salmon Bites deliver Mediterranean elegance with quick, zesty flavors that dance across palates. Crisp herb-infused salmon morsels promise a delightful escape you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized cubes
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Sauce and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon by cutting into uniform cubes, ensuring even cooking and consistent flavor absorption.
- Combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing container, creating a robust marinade for the salmon pieces.
- Gently coat salmon cubes with the seasoning mixture, allowing the flavors to penetrate for approximately 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Activate the air fryer and set the temperature precisely to 375°F (190°C), allowing it to fully preheat for optimal cooking performance.
- Arrange marinated salmon cubes in a single, non-overlapping layer within the air fryer basket, promoting even heat circulation and crisp exterior.
- Cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes, rotating the pieces midway through the cooking process to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and thorough internal cooking.
- While salmon cooks, whisk pesto and fresh lemon juice in a separate mixing bowl, creating a vibrant, tangy coating.
- Once salmon is cooked through and golden, transfer immediately to the pesto mixture, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped herbs over the glazed salmon bites for enhanced texture and visual appeal.
- Serve the pesto salmon bites warm, presenting them as an elegant appetizer or protein-rich small plate.
Notes
- Ensure salmon cubes are evenly sized for consistent cooking and optimal texture.
- Pat salmon dry before marinating to help seasonings adhere better and achieve a crispy exterior.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt-based pesto or reduce the amount of oil in traditional pesto.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like basil, parsley, or dill to customize the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg