Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a delicious little twist on a classic favorite. These salmon pieces come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them perfect for a quick snack or a light meal. The air fryer gives them a nice golden crisp without needing a lot of oil, which makes these bites both tasty and a bit healthier.
I love making these salmon bites when I want something simple but satisfying. They cook super fast, so they’re great for busy nights or when unexpected guests pop by. Plus, they’re easy to season however you like — a bit of garlic, some lemon zest, or just salt and pepper all work beautifully. I usually serve them with a little dipping sauce on the side, like a creamy dill or tangy yogurt sauce, to add a fresh kick.
Whenever I make these salmon bites, I can’t help but think about how perfect they are for sharing. They’re a fun finger food for anyone who loves seafood but wants a quick and easy fix. I find myself making a batch just so I can snack straight from the plate while catching up on a show or chatting with friends. They’re little bites of salmon joy that always bring a smile to the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Salmon
- Fresh salmon gives a tender and flavorful bite. If fresh isn’t available, thawed frozen salmon works too. Avoid pre-cooked or smoked salmon—it won’t crisp properly.
- Panko Breadcrumbs
- These provide a light, crispy coating. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can work, but panko is best for crunch.
- Parmesan Cheese
- Adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps with browning. If you want a dairy-free option, omit it or try nutritional yeast for a cheesy touch.
- Spices
- Garlic powder and smoked paprika give great flavor and color. Feel free to add cayenne for heat or dried herbs like thyme or dill for a twist.
- Eggs
- The eggs help the coating stick to the salmon bites. For an egg-free version, use a mixture of mustard and water or aquafaba (chickpea liquid).
How Do You Get the Salmon Bites Crispy but Not Dry in an Air Fryer?
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is quick, but it’s easy to dry it out. Follow these tips for crisp, juicy bites:
- Coat each piece evenly with egg and breadcrumbs for a crispy shell.
- Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking from the start.
- A light spray of cooking oil on the salmon bites helps achieve a golden crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—leave space so air circulates and crisps all sides.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
- Remove once the salmon is just cooked through; it will stay moist and tender.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – it crisps the salmon bites quickly with less oil than frying.
- Two shallow bowls – one for the beaten eggs, one for the breadcrumb mix makes dipping easy.
- Tongs or a fork – helps to dip and transfer salmon without mess.
- Basting spray or oil mister – a light spray helps get a golden, crispy coating.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure spices and coatings accurately.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use Cajun seasoning instead of smoked paprika for a spicy, bold twist.
- Mix in finely chopped fresh dill or chives with the breadcrumb coating for a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to make it dairy-free while keeping a cheesy flavor.
- Add a drizzle of honey mustard or teriyaki sauce after cooking for a sweet and tangy finish.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Sriracha or hot sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Overall, you can have your salmon bites ready in around 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy appetizer or snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
2. Coat the Salmon:
Dip each salmon cube first into the beaten eggs, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Lay the coated bites on a plate ready for cooking.
3. Air Fry the Salmon Bites:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray the tops of the salmon bites to help them crisp. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking, until the bites are golden brown and cooked through.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and garnish with extra chopped parsley and lemon wedges. For an extra kick, serve with a simple dipping sauce made by mixing mayonnaise and Sriracha.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before coating. This helps prevent excess moisture so the bites crisp up nice and crunchy.
How Should I Store Leftover Salmon Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Salmon Bites Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and coat the salmon bites ahead, then refrigerate them for a few hours before air frying. For best results, cook them fresh.
What’s a Good Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work, but panko creates the lightest, crispiest texture.