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Crispy Salmon Bites

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Coat salmon cubes with honey and spices, crisp them up in the air fryer, then top with a spicy creamy sauce, sesame seeds, and scallions.

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Aisha
Updated on Mon, 24 Mar 2025 02:16:22 GMT
Plate of crispy salmon cubes topped with green onions and creamy spicy sauce. Pin it
Plate of crispy salmon cubes topped with green onions and creamy spicy sauce. | cookingflavor.com

I whipped up these salmon chunks one evening when takeout was tempting me, but I spotted a fresh salmon piece in my fridge. I started playing with different sauce mixtures and bam - my family went absolutely wild for them! Now my kids actually jump for joy when salmon appears on the counter. My teen who used to just nibble at dinner now devours these. Even my fussy mother-in-law wanted to know how I made them!

The Magic Behind These Bites

You'll love how these come together in no time on hectic evenings. They get this amazing crunchy, caramelized exterior while staying perfectly moist inside. But honestly, it's that sauce that makes everyone grab more. My next-door neighbor can't stop asking when they'll appear again and tells me she fantasizes about that sauce!

Shopping List Items

  • Salmon: Grab the fresh stuff at the seafood section instead of frozen when possible
  • Seasonings: Regular salt some garlic powder that rich smoky paprika and freshly ground pepper
  • Honey: Just a drizzle helps everything bind together nicely
  • For The Sauce: Some mayo a splash of rice vinegar your favorite hot sauce fresh minced garlic some soy sauce and a touch of ketchup
  • The Garnishes: Chopped green onions with those tiny sesame seeds to scatter on top
A glass bowl filled with marinated salmon cubes is surrounded by lime wedges, a small bowl of mayonnaise, and a dish of dipping sauce. Pin it
A glass bowl filled with marinated salmon cubes is surrounded by lime wedges, a small bowl of mayonnaise, and a dish of dipping sauce. | cookingflavor.com

Cooking Instructions Time

Getting Started
Dice your salmon into smaller chunks. Dry them thoroughly with paper towels so they'll crisp up nicely. Then combine your seasonings with a bit of honey and some olive oil.
Cooking Method
You've got options either toss them in your air fryer or bake them in the oven. I typically go for the air fryer because it's quicker and gives you those irresistible crispy edges.
Whipping Up That Killer Sauce
As your salmon cooks mix all your sauce components together. Give it a sample you might want to add more heat!
Final Assembly
When your salmon finishes cooking pour that yummy sauce over everything and top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Then watch them vanish!
A bowl of diced, cooked salmon pieces garnished with herbs and a sprinkle of cheese, served in a light sauce, with a lemon half nearby. Pin it
A bowl of diced, cooked salmon pieces garnished with herbs and a sprinkle of cheese, served in a light sauce, with a lemon half nearby. | cookingflavor.com

Helpful Cooking Tips

Give your salmon pieces plenty of space or they won't crisp properly. When using your oven place the tray near the top it gets them beautifully browned. And my insider tip is always make more sauce than you think you'll need everyone wants extra for dipping!

Switch Things Up

I sometimes dump in more hot sauce when I'm craving extra kick. My buddy swaps the paprika for Cajun seasoning and swears it's fantastic. You can totally use this exact method with shrimp if salmon isn't your thing. That sauce is so tasty I've started slathering it on practically everything!

Serving Suggestions

We typically enjoy these on a bed of rice with some steamed broccoli alongside. My kids throw them into tacos strange but incredibly tasty! They work great at gatherings too just add toothpicks. The last time I brought them to my reading group everyone hovered around the plate like they were starving!

A plate of grilled salmon cubes garnished with parsley and served with a small bowl of sauce and a lime wedge. Pin it
A plate of grilled salmon cubes garnished with parsley and served with a small bowl of sauce and a lime wedge. | cookingflavor.com

Storing Leftovers

They taste best when fresh but if you somehow have extras keep the sauce apart and stick everything in the refrigerator. For reheating toss them back in the air fryer briefly to restore that crispiness. Just avoid the microwave unless you enjoy rubbery fish!

Suitable For Any Occasion

These tasty morsels have rescued mealtime at my house countless times! They're speedy enough for regular weeknights yet impressive enough when guests come over. My little girl even wanted them instead of pizza for her birthday celebration that's when I realized we had something special!

A close-up of grilled salmon bites drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with chopped green onions and lime wedges. Pin it
A close-up of grilled salmon bites drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with chopped green onions and lime wedges. | cookingflavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does fish stick in the fryer?

Fish often sticks due to its natural oils. Add a light spray of oil and let it rest a minute after cooking—it’ll release as it cools. Parchment liners help too.

→ Which salmon works best?

Opt for center-cut filets like king or Atlantic salmon for even cooking and great texture. Steelhead trout is a solid swap.

→ Can I bake these instead?

Sure, set your oven to 400°F, use the top rack, and bake on parchment for 10-12 minutes. Easy and mess-free.

→ Why let salmon sit before serving?

Cooling briefly shrinks the salmon slightly, so it’s easier to get it out without breaking apart.

→ Can I prep the sauce early?

Absolutely. Mix the sauce ahead, keep it chilled, and it’ll taste even better after the flavors mingle.

Crispy Salmon Bites

Juicy salmon chunks get crispy in the air fryer and are paired with a spicy tangy sauce. An easy, tasty, and light snack.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
18 Minutes
By: Aicha


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound salmon filet, cut into chunks about an inch wide.
02 1 tablespoon olive oil.
03 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
04 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper.
05 1/4 teaspoon paprika (smoked or mild).
06 1-2 teaspoons honey, optional.
07 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt.
08 1/2 cup mayo.
09 1 tablespoon coconut aminos.
10 3 tablespoons rice vinegar.
11 1.5 tablespoons ketchup.
12 1 garlic clove, finely grated.
13 1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot sauce.
14 Sesame seeds and green onions for topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Take off the skin and slice the salmon into chunks, about 1 inch each. Toss it with oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and honey optional.

Step 02

Lightly grease the air fryer basket and add the salmon pieces in layers. Set to 350°F for 8 minutes; work in batches if needed.

Step 03

Combine mayo, vinegar, garlic, hot sauce, coconut aminos, ketchup, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

Step 04

After cooking, leave the salmon in the basket for 10 seconds before you take it out.

Step 05

Plate the salmon, sprinkle on sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and put the sauce on the side.

Notes

  1. You can also bake it at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
  2. Filets cut from the center section work better.
  3. Letting it sit for a few seconds keeps it from sticking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Optional: parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish.
  • Includes eggs (in mayo).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 292
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 23 g