These Salmon Bites are lightly seasoned salmon cubes that are seared to crispy perfection. Takes less than 20 minutes make for the perfect easy weeknight dinner! Serve over a mixed green salad or your favorite rice and sides.
Updated June 2023
Crispy Salmon Bites
Get ready to indulge in a flavor-packed experience with these irresistible Salmon Bites. Not only are these delightful morsels bursting with flavor but they are also incredibly healthy and easy to make either on your stove-top, air fryer or oven.
With their perfect crunch, tender salmon, and customizable seasoning, this salmon recipe is a winner for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, it’s also gluten-free, low carb, keto-friendly, paleo, dairy-free and Whole30 compliant.
Ingredients you need
To create these mouthwatering Crispy Salmon Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Fresh Salmon Fillets: Choose high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Salmon is a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Fine sea salt
- Garlic powder: Brings depth and flavors to the salmon bites.
- Coconut aminos: May sub with gluten-free tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
- Avocado oil or olive oil
For the Spicy Mayo:
- Vegan or avocado oil mayonnaise
- Sriracha (or preferred hot sauce)
- Sesame oil
For serving:
- Mixed salad greens of choice
- Ribboned carrots
- Persian cucumber slices
- Sliced avocado
- Green onions, chopped
- Furikake or black sesame seeds, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional to taste
How to make Salmon Bites
- Prepare the Salmon: Carefully cut the salmon into equal-sized cubes (about 1-inch) and add it to a large bowl.
- Marinate: Season the salmon with salt, garlic powder and add the coconut aminos. Toss to coat and allow to marinate for 20-30 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Meanwhile, make the spicy sauce by adding the mayo, hot sauce and sesame oil to a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Cook: In a large saute skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches as needed, use tongs or wooden cooking chopsticks to carefully add the marinated salmon cubes in a single layer (without overlapping) to the hot skillet.
- Sear: Allow to sear about 1 1/2 – 2 minutes on all sides, or until cooked and crispy (with some pieces with a light char). Remove from heat.
- Assemble: Start assembling the bowl(s) by adding mixed greens, then top with a few ribboned carrots, cucumber slices and sliced avocado. Add the salmon bites and sprinkle them with a little bit more chopped scallions, furikake or black sesame seeds and optional red pepper flakes. Drizzle with a little bit of the mayo and serve any remaining sauce on the sides.
Tips for Success
Follow these helpful tips to ensure your Crispy Salmon Bites turn out perfect every time:
- Pat Dry: Pat the salmon fillets dry so the seasoning adheres well.
- Uniform Size: Cut the salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces of uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Preheat: Preheat the air fryer before cooking to ensure optimal temperature and consistent results.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the pan. Arrange the salmon in a single layer, allowing them to sear and crisp up properly.
- Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your salmon bites. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
Air Fryer Instructions
Don’t want to cook your salmon over a hot stove, you can also make air fryer salmon bites:
- Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with oil spray. Place the cubed salmon (working in batches as needed) into the air fryer basket. Spray with oil spray.
- Air fry salmon at 390F for 6-8 mins, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with oil spray.
Oven Instructions
You can also make crispy baked salmon bites in the oven:
- Add salmon to a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Spray the salmon with oil spray.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 415F 10-12 mins (or until crispy + golden) flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with oil spray.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Salmon Bites: Add a refreshing twist by incorporating lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the breadcrumb mixture. The citrusy aroma and herbaceous flavors will elevate the taste of the salmon bites.
- Spicy Cajun Salmon Bites: For those who crave a kick of heat, sprinkle Cajun seasoning or a blend of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika onto the salmon bites before coating them with breadcrumbs. This variation adds a bold and spicy flavor profile.
- Asian-inspired Salmon Bites: Infuse your salmon bites with Asian flavors by mixing soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil into the breadcrumb mixture. Serve them alongside a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delicious fusion twist.
- Chicken: Switch things up by swapping the salmon for chicken like our Chicken Bites recipe.
Serving Suggestions:
- Appetizer Platter: Arrange the Crispy Salmon Bites on a platter alongside a selection of dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, sriracha mayo, or a creamy lemon-dill sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an attractive presentation. This makes for a fantastic appetizer or party snack.
- Salad Topping: Add a protein-packed twist to your favorite salads by incorporating the Crispy Salmon Bites. Simply slice the cooked salmon bites into smaller pieces and toss them on top of a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and avocado. Drizzle with your preferred dressing for a satisfying and nutritious salad.
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Create a delicious and filling meal by using the Crispy Salmon Bites as a flavorful filling for sandwiches or wraps. Layer them with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and a smear of your favorite sauce or spread. Enjoy a portable and scrumptious lunch option.
- Bowl Meal: Build a nourishing bowl by combining the Crispy Salmon Bites with cooked quinoa or brown rice, steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, and a drizzle of soy sauce or teriyaki glaze. Top it off with some sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
- Taco Night: Turn your cubed salmon into a delightful seafood taco experience. Fill warm tortillas with the salmon bites, along with shredded cabbage or lettuce, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Add a dollop of chipotle mayo or a zesty salsa for an extra kick.
Storage and Freezer Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To freeze the salmon bites, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the pan, oven or air fryer until heated through.
Why You Should Try This Recipe:
- Irresistible Crispy Texture: These salmon bites are coated in a perfectly seasoned crust that turns wonderfully crispy when cooked in the air fryer. Each bite offers a delightful combination of tender salmon and a satisfying crunch.
- Health Benefits: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health, reducing inflammation, and promoting heart health. By enjoying these crispy salmon cubes, you’ll be treating yourself to a nutritious meal packed with essential nutrients. Plus, this recipe is gluten-free, paleo-friendly, low carb and easily Whole30 compliant.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: The seasoning blend used in this recipe adds a burst of flavor to the salmon bites. However, you can easily customize the spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences, making this recipe highly versatile.
More delicious salmon recipes you will love:
These Salmon Bites are lightly seasoned salmon cubes that are seared to crispy perfection. Takes less than 20 minutes make for the perfect easy weeknight dinner! Serve over a mixed green salad or your favorite rice and sides.
- 1 lb salmon fillet , thickest cut if possible, skin removed, cut into equal-sized cubes (about 1-inch)
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt , or to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos , you can also sub with gluten-free tamari or low-sodium soy sauce if you're not gluten-free.
- 1-2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil , for searing
- ¼ - 1/3 cup vegan mayo or avocado oil mayonnaise
- ½ - 1 tablespoon Sriracha , you can sub with any other hot sauce of your choice
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Mixed salad greens of choice , can also sub with preferred cooked rice or cooked noodles of choice for a more filling meal
- Ribboned carrots
- Persian cucumber slices
- Sliced avocado
- Green onions chopped
- Furikake or black sesame seeds to taste
- Red pepper flakes optional to taste
- Carefully cut the salmon into equal-sized cubes (about 1-inch) and add it to a large bowl. Season the salmon with salt, garlic powder and add the coconut aminos. Toss to coat and allow to marinate for 20-30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the spicy sauce by adding the mayo, hot sauce and sesame oil to a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
In a large saute skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches as needed, use tongs or wooden cooking chopsticks to carefully add the marinated salmon cubes in a single layer (without overlapping) to the hot skillet.
Allow to sear about 1 1/2 - 2 minutes on all sides, or until cooked and crispy (with some pieces with a light char). Remove from heat. (See below for air fryer or oven instructions).
Assemble the bowl(s) by adding mixed greens, then top with a few ribboned carrots, cucumber slices and sliced avocado.
Add the salmon bites and sprinkle them with a little bit more chopped scallions, furikake or black sesame seeds and optional red pepper flakes.
Drizzle with a little bit of the mayo in a zig-zag pattern and serve any remaining sauce on the side.
Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with oil spray (we like to use avocado oil spray). Place the cubed salmon (working in batches as needed) into the air fryer basket.
Spray the top of the salmon with a little bit of oil spray. Air fry salmon at 390F for 6-8 mins, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with oil spray.
Add salmon to a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Spray the salmon with a little bit of oil spray.
Bake in a preheated oven at 415F 10-12 mins (or more as needed until crispy + golden) flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with oil spray. Turn the oven setting to broil at the end, and broil for 2-3 minutes to give the salmon a light char, if desired.
Recipe Video
How to store
Leftover salmon should be refrigerated in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat your salmon fillets, place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and warm them up in a preheated, 275°F oven. Heat the fillets for about 15 minutes, then serve.
How to freeze
Store salmon in a freezer-safe container. Thaw out frozen salmon in the fridge before reheating.
Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 weeks.
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