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Salmon Bites

Salmon Bites

Try these Crispy Spicy Salmon Bites! Whip them up in 30 minutes and impress your friends at your next BBQ!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh salmon fillet skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or almond flour for a gluten-free option
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs I recommend Japanese-style for extra crunch
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your heat preference
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil for drizzling
  • Cooking spray optional, for air fryer method

Optional for serving:

  • Lemon wedges
  • Spicy mayo or your favorite dipping sauce

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the salmon

  • Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel. This step ensures the coating sticks well. Set the salmon pieces aside while you prepare your breading station.

Step 2: Set up the breading station

  • In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second dish, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Coat the salmon

  • Dip each salmon cube into the flour, making sure it’s lightly coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Place the coated salmon pieces on a plate or tray as you work.

Step 4: Cook the salmon bites

  • For the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the salmon bites in a single layer. Drizzle them with olive oil. Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  • For the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches). Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy!

  • Once your salmon bites are beautifully golden and crispy, serve them immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce. I love pairing mine with a spicy mayo—it complements the heat perfectly!