This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
My Air Fryer Salmon Bites are so easy to make, coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, and air-fried to perfection! They’re crispy on the outside tender in the center, and cooked in less than 10 minutes.
You may also like my air fryer chicken bites.
My kids love salmon and no matter how I make it they will eat it. I kept seeing other foodies on social make salmon bites and I was inspired to make these for my family using the air fryer. The salmon filet is cut into 1-inch cubes, tossed with salt, pepper, and oil, then dipped in seasoned breadcrumbs. I then air fry them for about 8 minutes.
Serve in a rice bowl, in a salad, or with a few sides like spicy honey-baked cauliflower or crispy sweet potato fries.
Recipe Summary
- Quick and easy: Simple and straightforward with no marinating time needed, and they’re cooked in just about 8 minutes!
- Incredibly flavorful: The salmon is breaded with a seasoned panko bread crumb mixture, which ensures these bites cook up crispy with a tender, juicy center.
- So many ways to serve them: They are great as an appetizer with sweet and spicy sauce or served as a main course paired with a variety of sides.
Ingredients Needed
Made with simple ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. It comes together for a delicious, high-protein snack, lunch or dinner! Here’s everything you’ll need below. The full measurements are listed further down in the recipe card.
- Salmon: Use Atlantic, king or sockeye salmon that is cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil: You may also use avocado oil.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Any breadcrumbs will work but panko breadcrumbs are recommended for extra crispiness.
- Seasonings: A simple mix of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder will add wonderful savory flavor.
- For the sauce: Stir together honey, hot sauce, and low-sodium soy sauce for a sweet, slightly spicy dipping sauce.
How to make Air fryer Salmon Bites
This air fryer salmon recipe is so easy and turns out so delicious that they will become your new favorite weeknight meal. Here’s how to make them:
Season the salmon: In a large bowl, sprinkle the salmon cubes with salt, pepper, and oil, stir well to combine, and coat each piece.
Make breading: On a shallow plate combine the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Bread the salmon bites: Dip the salmon in the panko mixture then place on a sheet pan.
Cook the salmon: Preheat the air fryer to 375ºF. Place the breaded salmon into the air fryer, arranging the pieces in a single layer without overlapping. Air fry for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Make the sauce: Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine the honey, hot sauce, and soy sauce. Drizzle cooked salmon with the sauce and shake.
How to bake them instead
If you don’t have an airfryer, you can bake these salmon bites instead. Here are the steps to follow.
- Preheat the oven to 400F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Make the breading by mixing the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Dip the seasoned salmon bites (with the salt, pepper, and oil) in the breadcrumbs to coat.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Drizzle the prepared sauce (honey, hot sauce, and soy sauce) over the cooked salmon. Enjoy.
Note: If you want to cook them using a pan on your stovetop, add a bit of oil like avocado oil, and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.
Tips from my kitchen
Recipe Tips
- Skinless salmon: Purchase skinless salmon from the seafood counter, or trim the skin off before cutting it into cubes.
- Same size cubes: The salmon pieces will cook more evenly and at the same rate if they’re all about the same size, 1-inch cubes work great.
- Thaw frozen salmon: You can use fresh or frozen salmon for these bites. If frozen, you’ll need to thaw before seasoning.
- Shake the basket: After the salmon has cooked for about 4 minutes, give the basket a good shake. This will ensures it gets browned on all sides and cooks evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Salmon bites are small, so they cook in a flash. At 375ºF, they will need to cook for approximately 8 minutes.
If you have a food thermometer, you can use that to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the salmon should read 145°F (63°C). You can also use a fork to press down on the salmon. If it flakes, it is done.
For the most even cooking, it is best to shake the basket after the bites have cooked for about 4 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Salmon bites are super versatile and great served in a variety of ways from grain bowls to salads. Here are some delicious sides we love to pair them with:
- Honey Balsamic Grilled Zucchini
- Creamy Mushroom and Zucchini Skillet
- Eggplant and Zucchini Gratin
- Baked Smashed Sweet Potatoes
- Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
- Grilled Lemon Garlic Asparagus
- Creamy Garlic Mushrooms
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container for up to about 3 days. Reheat the leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes, shaking halfway.
If you try a recipe and you like it, leave me some feedback in the comment section below, and don’t forget to rate it! I would love it if you shared it with friends and family.
FOLLOW me on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | for all of my latest blog posts and recipes.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Sharp Chef's knife
- cutting board
- Large bowl
- Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound salmon filet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fine ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl sprinkle the 1 1/2 pound salmon filet cubes with 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon fine ground pepper, and 2 tablespoons olive oil, stir well to combine and coat each piece.
- On a shallow plate, combine the 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a dash or salt and pepper.
- Dip the salmon in the panko mixture then place it on a sheet pan.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375ºF.
- Place the breaded salmon into the air fryer, arranging the pieces in a single layer without overlapping. Air fry for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine the 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce.
- Once the salmon is done cooking, drizzle with the sauce and shake.
Video
Notes
- Refrigerate any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container for up to about 3 days. Reheat the leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Use avocado oil in place of olive oil if you like
- They can be baked instead at 400F for 18-20 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
An easy and very delicious recipe. My mom and I loved it!
Thanks Dana. We love this one too
Wow! These exceeded my expectations.
Thanks. They are so good