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Crispy Salmon Bites

Featured in Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers and Snacks for Any Occasion.

Add honey and spice mix to salmon chunks, air fry till golden and crispy, then garnish with sesame seeds, scallions, and serve with sauce.

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Updated on Sat, 10 May 2025 01:11:00 GMT
Crispy salmon cubes drizzled with creamy sauce and sprinkled with green onions. Pin it
Crispy salmon cubes drizzled with creamy sauce and sprinkled with green onions. | chefmelt.com

These salmon chunks were born one evening when takeout was calling my name but I spotted a fresh salmon fillet in my refrigerator. I started mixing different sauce components and bam - my whole family couldn't get enough! Now my children actually get excited when they spot salmon on the kitchen counter. My high schooler who used to just nibble at his food now devours these. My fussy mother-in-law even wanted me to share how I make them!

Why They're Totally Irresistible

What's awesome about this dish? You can whip it up super fast when you're swamped. The edges get wonderfully crunchy and brown while staying moist inside. But that sauce is really the star that makes everyone pile more on their plates. My next-door neighbor constantly asks when they'll appear again and tells me she can't stop thinking about that sauce!

Shopping List Essentials

  • Salmon: Grab fresh cuts from the seafood section instead of the frozen stuff when possible
  • Spices: Regular salt some garlic powder smoky paprika and ground pepper
  • Honey: A tiny bit helps everything cling together nicely
  • Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise some rice vinegar spicy sauce (Sriracha works great) minced garlic soy sauce and a splash of ketchup
  • Garnishes: Chopped scallions and tiny sesame seeds to scatter on the finished dish
A glass bowl filled with marinated salmon cubes is surrounded by lime wedges, a small bowl of mayonnaise, and a dish of dipping sauce. Pin it
A glass bowl filled with marinated salmon cubes is surrounded by lime wedges, a small bowl of mayonnaise, and a dish of dipping sauce. | chefmelt.com

Cooking Instructions

Getting Started
Slice your salmon into small chunks. Blot them with paper towels so they'll crisp up better. Then combine your seasonings with a bit of honey and some olive oil.
Cooking Method
You've got options - toss them in your air fryer or bake them. I typically go for the air fryer since it's quicker and gives you those amazing crispy bits.
Whipping Up The Sauce
As your salmon cooks, mix all sauce items together. Give it a try - you might want to add more heat!
Final Assembly
When salmon is done, pour sauce over everything and top with sliced green onions and a handful of sesame seeds. They'll vanish in minutes!
A bowl of diced, cooked salmon pieces garnished with herbs and a sprinkle of cheese, served in a light sauce, with a lemon half nearby. Pin it
A bowl of diced, cooked salmon pieces garnished with herbs and a sprinkle of cheese, served in a light sauce, with a lemon half nearby. | chefmelt.com

Helpful Pointers

Give your salmon pieces breathing room or they won't crisp up right. When using your oven, put the tray near the top for better browning. And my best tip - always make more sauce than you think you need because everyone wants extra for dipping!

Tasty Variations

I sometimes dump in extra hot sauce when I'm craving more kick. My buddy swaps Cajun spices for paprika and swears it's fantastic. This works great with shrimp too if salmon isn't your thing. The sauce is so tasty I've begun slathering it on practically everything!

Serving Suggestions

We usually eat these over a bed of rice with some bright green broccoli alongside. My children enjoy stuffing them in soft tacos which sounds odd but tastes amazing! They're also great party food with toothpicks stuck in each piece. At my last book group gathering people hovered around the plate just like hungry birds!

A plate of grilled salmon cubes garnished with parsley and served with a small bowl of sauce and a lime wedge. Pin it
A plate of grilled salmon cubes garnished with parsley and served with a small bowl of sauce and a lime wedge. | chefmelt.com

Storing Leftovers

They taste best right after cooking but for any extras you might have left, keep sauce in a separate container in your fridge. To warm them up, throw them back in the air fryer for a minute or two to restore that crispness. Just don't use the microwave unless you want tough, rubbery fish!

Suitable For Every Occasion

These tasty morsels have come to my rescue countless times for dinner! They're speedy enough for hectic weeknights yet impressive enough when friends come over. My little girl even wanted them instead of pizza for her birthday celebration which told me we'd found a true family favorite!

A close-up of grilled salmon bites drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with chopped green onions and lime wedges. Pin it
A close-up of grilled salmon bites drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with chopped green onions and lime wedges. | chefmelt.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I stop salmon from sticking?

Salmon's natural oils cause sticking. Spray oil on both the salmon and basket. Let it cool first since cold air helps it loosen. Try parchment liners too.

→ Which type of salmon works best?

Center cuts like Atlantic or king salmon are ideal for even cooking. Steelhead trout is another great choice.

→ Can I bake instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake it at 400°F for 10-12 minutes using the top rack. Use parchment paper on the pan to avoid sticking.

→ Why rest the salmon before taking it out?

Letting it cool slightly shrinks the fish a bit, making it easier to get out without it falling apart or sticking.

→ Can I prep the sauce early?

Yep, bang bang sauce can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors get better as they sit longer.

Crispy Salmon Bites

Pieces of salmon cooked till crunchy, spiced up and dunked in a tangy, spicy cream sauce. A fast, light snack packed with flavor.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
18 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon olive oil.
02 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
03 1-2 teaspoons honey (optional).
04 1 lb salmon fillet (center-cut), chopped into 1-inch pieces.
05 1/4 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika.
06 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt.
07 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
08 1.5 tablespoons ketchup.
09 1/2 cup mayo.
10 1 tablespoon coconut aminos.
11 3 tablespoons rice vinegar.
12 Scallions and sesame seeds to top off.
13 1/2-1 teaspoon your favorite hot sauce.
14 1 large garlic clove, finely grated.

Instructions

Step 01

Peel off the skin and dice salmon into small cubes. Toss with pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, honey, salt, and paprika.

Step 02

Lightly coat air fryer basket with oil, put in some salmon pieces, and fry at 350°F for 8 minutes.

Step 03

Combine ketchup, mayo, grated garlic, rice vinegar, hot sauce, coconut aminos, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

Step 04

Let the salmon cool off for about 10 seconds before removing from the fryer.

Step 05

Place salmon on a dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, and pair with the sauce for dipping.

Notes

  1. You can also bake the salmon at 400°F for around 10-12 minutes.
  2. A center-cut piece of salmon works super well.
  3. Let the salmon rest for a moment to avoid it sticking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer.
  • Big mixing bowl.
  • Optional: parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish.
  • Eggs (because of mayo).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 292
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 23 g