The Ultimate Crispy Salmon Bites Recipe

When it comes to superfoods, salmon is hard to beat — and our salmon bites recipe is an easy way to cook and enjoy it.

Salmon is packed with nutrients and incredibly versatile — probably why it’s a staple in so many kitchens. But let’s face it, baked salmon can get a little predictable. So, if you’re searching for a new way to prepare it, look no further than our air-fryer salmon bites recipe. As one of the best ways to make salmon, it’s bound to become your new favorite.

Don’t have an air fryer? No worries. You can also make these salmon bites in a regular oven or pan-fry them on high heat. We just prefer air-frying since it crisps things with less oil.

Either way, your salmon bites will be crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. They’re perfect for busy weeks when you want to eat healthy without compromising flavor.

Ready to elevate your dinner game with this fun twist on a classic? Let’s dive in!

What’s so great about this crispy salmon nuggets recipe? It’s healthy, filling, versatile, delicious, and easy to make.

Super Healthy and Filling

With nutrient-rich, whole-food ingredients, this salmon bites recipe is a balanced and flavorful way to fuel your body.

Salmon isn’t just tasty — it’s a nutritional dynamo. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, it supports brain health, boosts cellular function, and helps fight inflammation.

It’s also rich in protein, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12, providing essential nutrients to keep your body running smoothly and help with things like building muscle and preventing muscle loss as you lose weight.

Salmon is also a staple of the Mediterranean diet, which, in addition to fish, focuses on vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats while limiting red meat and processed foods.

Recent research shows that sticking to the Mediterranean diet for up to 25 years — including eating fish regularly — may lower the risk of premature death by 23 percent.

The addition of olive oil can also offer extra heart-healthy fats and immune-boosting properties. Meanwhile, lime juice delivers a small dose of vitamin C to support your immune system.

This recipe is also low in carbs if that’s something you’re trying to balance with eating extra protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Versatile and Delicious

Salmon bites are kind of a blank canvas, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen.

Enjoy salmon nuggets on their own as a satisfying savory snack or appetizer (think of them as a pescatarian alternative to chicken nuggets). You could also pair them with veggies or grains for a balanced meal. Or toss them in a salad for an extra kick of protein.

This recipe is the perfect base for mixing, matching, and making it your own.

Easy to Make

Sometimes, cooking meat can feel intensive or like a chore. But cooking salmon is usually pretty simple, and it doesn’t typically leave that lingering fishy smell in your kitchen in the way some other types of fish do.

These bites are fast and simple to prep, making them ideal for busy weeknights or when you want something impressive without the fuss. Healthy, delicious, and no endless hours stooped over the stove? That’s a win-win-win.

Here’s what goes into this salmon bites recipe and the benefits of each ingredient.

• Salmon filet. As we laid out above, salmon is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. As far as why it stands out flavor- and texture-wise, salmon is super buttery and melts in your mouth. When baked or air-fried, it’s also vaguely sweet and relatively mild, absorbing the flavors of whatever you marinate it in.

• Extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is a stellar heart-healthy alternative to butter that adds richness to recipes. In this dish, it balances out the tanginess of rice vinegar.

• Coconut aminos. This is a slightly sweeter, gluten-free substitute for soy sauce. Made from the sap of coconuts mixed with sea salt, it’s similar in flavor profile and consistency. Tamari or traditional low-sodium soy sauce can work, too. If you’re using soy sauce, you might want to add a dash of brown sugar to cut the salt with a hint of sweetness.

• Rice vinegar. Mild and less acidic than other types of vinegar, rice vinegar perfectly balances the other flavors in this air-fryer recipe.

• Garlic. You can use freshly minced garlic gloves, but substituting them with garlic powder works in a pinch, too. Bonus: Garlic may support cardiovascular health and has anti-inflammatory properties!

• Toasted sesame oil. This nutty, earthy oil adds depth and richness to marinades and dressings.

• Lime juice. Lime juice has a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the salmon. Lemon juice can be used as a substitute and is great for enhancing flavor without extra calories or sodium.

And now for the toppings, where a lot of the magic happens:

• Green onion. Thinly sliced green onion (aka scallion) adds a fresh, crisp bite as a garnish.

• Everything-bagel seasoning. This blend of sesame seeds, garlic, onion, salt, and poppy seeds brings bold, savory depth to your salmon bites. Don’t have it on hand? Swap it for plain sesame seeds for a simpler, nutty crunch. Bonus: Seeds are tiny powerhouses packed with fiber to support heart health and digestion while keeping you feeling full.

• Flakey salt and black pepper. This should go without saying, but salt and pepper offer a simple but effective way to enhance flavors.

• Sriracha. For a touch of heat, drizzle some sriracha over your crispy salmon bites.

1. Gather your supplies. You’ll need a chef’s knife, a large bowl, and, of course, an air fryer. If you don’t have one, though, you can bake the marinated salmon chunks in a conventional oven at 375 °F on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet.

2. Prep your ingredients. Cut your filet into salmon cubes, and work in batches to toss everything together.

3. Cook salmon, then add toppings. Whether you pop it in the oven at a high temp or air-fry the salmon, the process is super hands-off and easy from here.

4. Enjoy! Serve it right away, or save it for later.

This crispy salmon bites recipe is great for meal prep. Salmon will keep in the fridge for up to two days if you store it in an airtight container.

For the best flavor and quality, choose center-cut, wild-caught, skinless salmon fillets. They’re tender, flavorful, and cook evenly, making them perfect for this salmon bites recipe.

Farm-raised salmon will be a little more affordable and can be a good option, too.

Can’t find fresh salmon in your area? Arctic char has a similar texture and flavor and can also be more budget-friendly than salmon.

This air-fried cubed salmon recipe is as versatile as it is delicious — you can enjoy it in a ton of ways. You can eat the cooked pieces of salmon:

• On their own. Serve them up as a quick appetizer when hosting, or enjoy the bites as a protein-packed snack after a workout.

• In tacos or lettuce cups. Add your favorite toppings for a fresh and flavorful meal. For salmon tacos, we love cilantro, lettuce, cabbage, and onions. For lettuce cups, we love adding shaved carrots, cucumber, avocado, and edamame — plus dipping sauce.

• In a rice bowl. Pair it with rice, veggies, and your favorite sauces for a balanced and satisfying dish. Add whatever other toppings you love to balance out the meal.

Servings: 3

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 8 minutes

Total time: 18 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. center-cut, skin-off wild-caught salmon fillet

• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

• 3 Tbsp. coconut aminos, gluten-free tamari, or low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar

• 3 large garlic cloves

• ½ tsp. toasted sesame oil

• 1 Tbsp. lime juice

Toppings:

• 1 green onion, sliced thinly

• Everything-bagel seasoning

Instructions:

1. Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces (approximately 1- 2-inch cubes)

2. Combine the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Add the salmon chunks to the marinade and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge).

3. Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F for 4 minutes.

4. Spray the air fryer basket with extra virgin olive oil cooking spray. Transfer the marinated salmon chunks to the basket in a single layer.

5. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the outside of the salmon pieces is crispy. (If you don’t have an air fryer, set your oven to 375 °F, and bake the bites for 8 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.)

6. Top the salmon bites with green onions and everything-bagel seasoning.

You could also add a sprinkle of paprika, cayenne, or red pepper flakes for extra zest and spiciness.

Nutrition information:

Calories (kcal): 407

Total fat: 22 grams

Saturated fat: 5 grams

Trans fat: 0 grams

Sodium: 252 milligrams

Total carbohydrates: 1 gram

Dietary fiber: 4 grams

Total sugars: 4 grams

Added sugars: 0 grams

Protein: 36 grams

For more healthy meals you can quickly whip up, check out our easy Mediterranean bowl recipe.