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
Units
Scale
- 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