Perfectly seasoned, golden-crisp salmon bites paired with a zesty dipping sauce — a quick, protein-packed meal or party appetizer that’s as delicious as it is easy.
📝 Description
These Crispy Salmon Bites are the kind of recipe you’ll make once and immediately add to your weekly rotation. They’re juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavor. Whether you serve them as a healthy snack, appetizer, or main course, they’re a hit every time.
Tossed in simple spices and pan-seared or air-fried to perfection, these salmon bites cook in minutes and deliver big flavor without the fuss. Paired with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce (or two), this dish works just as well for meal prep as it does for entertaining guests.
🧂 Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements)
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon (skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, lemon wedges
For the Creamy Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of cayenne or hot sauce (optional)
🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Salmon
Pat salmon cubes dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cornstarch if using. Let it marinate for 10 minutes (optional, but recommended).
2. Cook the Salmon
Pan-Seared Method:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and cook the salmon bites for 2–3 minutes per side, or until crispy and golden on all sides.
Air Fryer Method:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange salmon bites in a single layer and cook for 7–9 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and cayenne. Chill until ready to serve.
4. Serve
Plate the crispy salmon bites with the dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
🔁 Variation (From Me!)
🌶️ Spicy Salmon Bites
Add ½ teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix and serve with sriracha mayo or spicy remoulade for an extra kick!
🧠 Tips & Tricks
- Use skinless salmon to avoid tough bites.
- For even cooking, cut salmon into uniform pieces.
- Add cornstarch for extra crunch, especially if air frying.
- Try tossing the salmon in a little soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian twist.
- Serve over rice bowls, salads, or tacos for a full meal.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Serves 4)
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
Note: Dipping sauce included.
🍽 Perfect For
- Quick dinners
- Protein-packed snacks
- Game day appetizers
- Healthy meal prep
- Salmon lovers!
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