Description
These Crispy Salmon Bites are golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside, making them the perfect appetizer, snack, or protein-packed meal. Coated in a flavorful crispy crust and served with a zesty dipping sauce, these salmon bites are easy to make and great for air frying, baking, or pan-frying. Serve them with a fresh salad, rice, or roasted veggies for a delicious meal!
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for extra crispiness)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for baking or air frying)
- Oil for frying (if deep frying)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon Bites:
- Season the salmon cubes with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls:
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour (or cornstarch).
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
- Coat each salmon piece by dredging in flour, dipping in egg, and coating in the panko-Parmesan mixture.
Cooking Methods:
Air Fryer:
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the basket with olive oil.
5. Arrange salmon bites in a single layer and spray with a little oil.
6. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Baking:
7. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease.
8. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer and drizzle with olive oil.
9. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
Pan Frying:
10. Heat ½ inch of oil in a pan over medium heat.
11. Fry the salmon bites in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve the crispy salmon bites warm with the dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Spicy Option: Add more cayenne or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 salmon bites
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 28g