Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick and tasty way to enjoy salmon with a crispy outside and tender, flaky inside. These little bites are seasoned just right and cooked…
Tip: save now, cook later.Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick and tasty way to enjoy salmon with a crispy outside and tender, flaky inside. These little bites are seasoned just right and cooked in the air fryer, giving them a nice crunch without the extra oil. They’re perfect for a light snack, appetizer, or even a main dish when paired with some veggies or a salad.
I love making these salmon bites when I want something healthy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The air fryer does all the hard work, and the bites come out perfectly cooked every time. Plus, they’re easy to toss with your favorite dipping sauce – I’m a big fan of a simple lemon yogurt dip or some spicy mayo on the side.
One fun thing about these bites is how versatile they are. You can mix up the seasonings to suit your mood—whether you like them a bit spicy or more on the herby side. They’re always a hit with friends, especially when served on a platter with some fresh veggies. Making these always feels like a small little celebration of good food that’s simple and satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is best for tender, flaky bites. If fresh isn’t available, frozen salmon thawed properly also works well. Wild-caught has a richer flavor, but farmed salmon is still tasty and more affordable.
Panko breadcrumbs: These give the bites a crispy outside. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can be a good substitute. For a low-carb option, try crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Everything bagel seasoning: It adds a tasty mix of sesame, garlic, onion, and salt. If you can’t find it, mix your own with sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. It’s very flexible to fit your taste.
Olive oil: Helps the coating stick and adds moisture. You can swap with any mild oil (like avocado or vegetable) if needed. Just a light brush is enough—no need to soak the salmon cubes.
How Do I Get Crispy Coating Without Overcooking the Salmon?
Coating and cooking salmon just right is key to crispy, moist bites. Here’s how I do it:
- Coat the salmon evenly with a light drizzle of oil first. This helps the breadcrumbs stick and crisp up.
- Use a mix of panko and seasonings for extra crunch and flavor.
- Arrange bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Crowding makes them steam instead of crisp.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) and flip halfway to brown all sides evenly.
- Keep an eye on cooking time: 8-10 minutes is usually perfect. Salmon cooks fast, so you want a crispy crust but a tender center.
When you follow these tips, your salmon bites will have that nice crunch on the outside, while staying juicy inside—just like your favorite restaurant snack!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – essential for getting that crispy texture without deep frying.
- Mixing bowls – for seasoning the salmon and mixing the breadcrumb coating easily.
- Kitchen tongs or a fork – helps turn the salmon bites halfway through cooking.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for cutting the salmon into even bite-sized pieces.
- Measuring spoons – to get your seasoning quantities just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for shrimp or firm white fish like cod to change up the protein but keep it light.
- Mix in some grated Parmesan with breadcrumbs for a cheesy crust that adds extra flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicy kick that wakes up the bites.
- Toss the cooked bites with fresh dill or chopped chives for a fresh herb twist just before serving.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning (or a mix of sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, salt, and black pepper)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For The Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley, chopped
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Plus a few minutes to mix the dipping sauce if you’d like. In around 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, crispy salmon snack ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Air Fryer and Seasoning:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the panko breadcrumbs, everything bagel seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This will be your flavorful coating for the salmon.
2. Coat the Salmon Bites:
Brush or lightly drizzle the salmon cubes with olive oil. This helps the breadcrumbs stick and crisp up. Then toss the salmon pieces in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each bite is evenly coated on all sides.
3. Air Fry the Salmon:
Place the coated salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Give them space to cook evenly. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through to get all sides nicely golden and crispy. Check that the salmon is cooked through but still juicy inside.
4. Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
While the salmon cooks, prepare the dipping sauce by mixing Greek yogurt or sour cream with lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs. This adds a cool, creamy touch to your bites.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the salmon bites from the air fryer. Sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley and arrange lemon wedges on the side. Serve immediately with your dipping sauce and enjoy your crispy, flavorful salmon bites!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for These Bites?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge before cutting and coating. Pat it dry well to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent a crispy crust.
How Should I Store Leftover Salmon Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness without drying out.
Can I Make These Salmon Bites Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. They’ll still come out crispy and delicious.
What Can I Serve with Air Fryer Salmon Bites?
These bites are great on their own as a snack or appetizer. For a full meal, serve them with a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or over rice or quinoa to soak up any dipping sauce.
