Crispy Salmon Bites are the perfect way to enjoy salmon in a fun, bite-sized form. With tender chunks of salmon coated in a seasoned panko crust, every piece is golden on the outside and juicy inside. Made in the air fryer for convenience, these salmon bites come together in minutes, and are just as good for an easy weeknight dinner, as they are for party appetizers.
To take them to the next level, they’re finished with a silky, honey lemon cream sauce that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and brightness to the crispy salmon.
Why You Will Love These Crispy Salmon Bites
- Easy air fryer salmon recipe – Using the air fryer makes this salmon dish quick, easy, and cleanup-friendly.
- Perfect for meal prep – These salmon bites are bite-sized and store well, making them ideal for lunch bowls, salmon meal prep, or weeknight dinners.
- Crispy, crunchy texture – Panko breadcrumbs give the salmon a crunch that rivals fried salmon, but without all the oil.
- Gourmet recipe at home – The honey lemon cream sauce adds a gourmet touch.
- Versatile serving options – Serve over rice bowls, grain bowls, pasta, or with roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner.
- Family-friendly salmon recipe – These crispy salmon nuggets are a kid-friendly way to enjoy fish, without fuss.
- Healthy protein option – Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, this salmon recipe is a great alternative to chicken or beef.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Salmon → Swap with any firm white fish, or even chicken breast cubes.
- Panko breadcrumbs → Use crushed cornflakes, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or almond flour for a low-carb option.
- Olive oil → Avocado oil or melted butter works well.
- Paprika → Smoked paprika, chili powder, or cayenne (for heat) are great substitutes.
- Seasoning blend → Replace with your favorite store-bought salmon seasoning, Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, or lemon pepper blend.
- Honey → Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave.
- Heavy cream → Use half and half (sauce will be lighter), or coconut cream for dairy-free.
How to Prepare Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the seasoning blend.
- In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the extra tablespoon of paprika.
- Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes. Place into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss with the seasoning blend.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place salmon cubes in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Lightly spray the tops of the salmon with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 7 minutes, until golden and crispy (work in batches, if needed).
- Prepare the honey lemon cream sauce while the salmon is cooking.
- Serve the crispy salmon bites over steamed rice. Drizzle with the sauce.
How to Serve and Store
- Serve these crispy salmon bites over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice, drizzled with the honey lemon cream sauce.
- Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3–4 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
- Freeze uncooked salmon cubes (seasoned, but not breaded) for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake these instead of air frying? Yes! Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
- Do I need to remove the salmon skin? Yes, for this recipe skinless salmon works best to get evenly coated crispy bites.
- Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, just thaw it completely, pat dry, and then cube before seasoning.
- Can I make these low-carb or keto? Swap the panko for crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly option.
- Do I pour the sauce over all of the salmon or serve it on the side? You can do either. Simply, toss the salmon bites in the sauce for a full coating, or serve as a drizzle/dipping sauce.
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently before serving.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes — substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream.
- What other sauces can I serve with salmon bites? These salmon bites pair beautifully with yum yum sauce, spicy mayo, sweet chili sauce, garlic aioli, or even a light drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice for a fresh, simple option.
More Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipes to Love
- Air Fryer Salmon with Tomato Cream Sauce
- Easy Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Maple Glazed Salmon Bites
- Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Crispy Salmon Bites
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Salmon Bites are the perfect way to enjoy salmon in a fun, bite-sized form. With tender chunks of salmon coated in a seasoned panko crust, every piece is golden on the outside, and juicy inside. Made in the air fryer for convenience, they’re coated in a flavorful panko crust and finished with a luscious honey lemon cream sauce. This pairing balances the rich, buttery salmon with a bright, slightly sweet sauce that elevates the entire dish.
Ingredients
- 1 – 1 1/2 pounds salmon, skin-off
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Olive oil spray
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- steamed rice, for serving (optional)
Seasoning Blend:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Honey Lemon Cream Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the seasoning blend.
- In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the extra tablespoon of paprika.
- Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes. Place into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss with the seasoning blend.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place salmon cubes in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Lightly spray the tops of the salmon with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 7 minutes, until golden and crispy (work in batches, if needed).
- While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the heavy cream and honey. Whisk and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the lemon juice and zest. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve the salmon bites over steamed rice. Drizzle with the honey lemon cream sauce.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Cut salmon pieces evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket or the salmon won’t crisp properly.
- Spray lightly with oil before and after air frying for extra golden crunch.
- Sauce can be doubled if you like extra to drizzle over rice or vegetables.
- Best served immediately while salmon is crispy and sauce is warm.
- These salmon bites make a fantastic appetizer, lunchbox protein, or main dish.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Fish and Seafood
GET TO KNOW ME!
WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!
In addition, I’m so very excited to announce I have published my first e-book and paperback, “Mastering Thanksgiving – A Guide to Perfecting Your Thanksgiving Dinner.” Your support would mean the world to me.
Let’s Get Social!
Be sure to follow me on social media! I’m always talking food, fashion, and family! I also love sharing some of my favorite Amazon Finds too. Click here to check out my Amazon page! Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Pinterest and YouTube! Check out my LTK to find out what I’m wearing! THANK YOU!
No comment yet, add your voice below!