Bacon-Wrapped Keto Salmon Bites

The perfect high-protein, low-carb appetizer that’s ready in under 20 minutes

KEY INFO

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-12 minutes
Total Time: 16-22 minutes
Servings: 8-10 pieces
Difficulty: Easy
Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Air fryer or grill (oven works too!)
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Meat thermometer
Toothpicks
Bowl for marinating

INGREDIENTS

8 oz fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
8 oz thick-cut bacon, halved (regular bacon works but thick-cut holds better)
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
¼ tsp paprika (optional)
Lemon wedges for serving
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Raw salmon fillet and thick-cut bacon on a wooden cutting board in a modern kitchen with green subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances, under natural daylight.

METHOD

1. Prep the ingredients

Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes
Slice bacon strips in half

2. Season and wrap

Season salmon cubes with black pepper and optional spices
Wrap each cube with half a bacon strip
Secure with a toothpick if needed

Salmon pieces and bacon strips on a cutting board in a modern kitchen with green subway tiles and wooden utensils under natural daylight.

3. Cook (Air Fryer Method)

Preheat air fryer to 400°F
Place bites in basket, not touching
Cook for 6-8 minutes until bacon is crispy

4. Cook (Grill Method)

Preheat grill to medium-high
Place bites over indirect heat
Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning once

Bacon-wrapped salmon bites on air fryer basket in a modern kitchen with white marble countertops, green subway tiles backsplash, and copper pots on a hanging rack, shot in natural daylight

5. Check doneness

Internal temperature should reach 125°F (medium-rare) to 145°F (well-done)
Salmon should be opaque and flake easily
Bacon should be crispy

Perfectly cooked salmon with meat thermometer and crispy bacon on a modern kitchen countertop with warm, earthy color grading

CRUCIAL TIPS

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
Use center-cut salmon for most uniform pieces
Pat salmon dry before wrapping
Let salmon come to room temperature before cooking
Don’t skip the toothpicks – they’re essential for keeping everything together

STORAGE & VARIATIONS

Storage:

Refrigerate up to 2 days
Reheat in air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes

Common Mistakes:

Overcooking the salmon (leads to dryness)
Using thin bacon (doesn’t wrap as well)
Skipping the room temperature step

Variations:

Spicy: Add cayenne pepper to seasoning
Asian-inspired: Brush with teriyaki sauce before serving
Mediterranean: Add dried oregano and lemon zest to seasoning

Golden-brown bacon-wrapped salmon bites on a white ceramic platter, garnished with herbs and lemon in a modern kitchen with green subway tile backsplash, wooden utensils, and cream-colored bowls.

Remember: The key to perfect bacon-wrapped salmon bites is getting that sweet spot where the bacon is crispy but the salmon stays juicy. Keep an eye on them during cooking and you’ll nail it every time!

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