With a flavorful, yet easy-to-make spice mix, these Salmon Bites are ready in about 10 minutes. And you can make them in the air fryer, oven, or in a pan on the stovetop according to your preference!
One of my kids is obsessed with salmon, but I haven’t been making it all that often because in my head, it has always seemed too hard. Enter: Salmon Bites! This is truly the fastest and yummiest way to make salmon. And it works so well with the frozen, more affordable salmon options I can get at my local store.
The cooking time varies depending on whether you do it in the air fryer, oven, or in a pan on the stove, but in as few as 5 minutes, you can be eating these. They are perfect on their own or topped with fresh lemon or dipped into a flavorful sauce. These Salmon Bites are a seriously yummy way to get a dose of protein for kids and beneficial fats.
(You may also like Salmon Nuggets, Fish Sticks, Salmon Patties, and Chicken Bites.)
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make these easy Salmon Bites.
- Salmon: I typically use thawed frozen salmon as that’s what I can find in the best quality at the lowest price, but really any type works. If you have the option and it fits your budget, wild salmon is typically higher in beneficial fats for kids.
- Olive oil: I like to brush or spray the salmon with olive oil to ensure the spice mixture adheres. It also helps ensure that the salmon stays nice and moist.
- Garlic powder, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt: This combination of spices adds delicious flavor that is both mild yet flavorful enough for adults. You can omit the salt for babies and toddlers, then simply salt your own portion.
- Fresh lemon, parsley, sour cream, yogurt, Cucumber Sauce: These are all optional to add flavor when serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make these Salmon Bites so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Dice salmon into 1-inch pieces; thaw first if frozen.
Step 2. Place the salmon into a large bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Toss well to coat evenly.
Step 3. Preheat Air Fryer. When warm, add the salmon and cook, shaking the basket halfway through.
Step 4. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can dip them into sour cream, yogurt sauce of any kind, ketchup, ranch, or any dip that sounds good. And they are a great side for roasted or mashed potatoes, pasta, or even just crackers and berries. You can also put leftover cold salmon bites over a salad for extra protein.
Salmon bites are simply diced fillets of salmon tossed in a spice mixture and olive oil.
Depending on the thickness of a salmon fillet or cube, it typically takes 4-6 minutes to pan fry.
How to Store
Store leftover Salmon Bites, once cooled, in the fridge in an airtight container. Serve cold or warmed according to your preference. (They are delicious cold.)
Best Tips for Success
- Use a serrated knife to cube the salmon and remove the skin.
- If using frozen salmon, thaw according to package directions—which is usually either overnight in the refrigerator or submerged in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. (The latter option works really well.)
- Omit the salt if desired.
- Serve with fresh lemon juice, minced parsley, sour cream, ketchup, or other dip.
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Place the salmon pieces into a large bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Toss well to coat evenly.
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Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the rack with olive oil spray.
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When warm, add the salmon and cook for about 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
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(To bake, place salmon onto a parchment-lined baking sheet pan and cook at 400 degrees F for about 10-12 minutes. Or pan-fry salmon in a little olive oil in a pan set over medium-low heat for about 6-8 minutes, turning at least once during cooking.)
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Serve Salmon Bites warm with a little fresh lemon juice or your choice of dip, if desired.
- Store leftover Salmon Bites, once cooled, in the fridge in an airtight container. Serve cold or warmed according to your preference. (They are delicious cold.)
- Use a serrated knife to cube the salmon and remove the skin.
- If using frozen salmon, thaw according to package directions—which is usually either to thaw overnight in the refrigerator or submerge in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. (The latter option works really well.)
- Omit the salt if desired.
- Serve with fresh lemon juice, minced parsley, sour cream, ketchup, or other desired dip.
Calories: 196kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 62mg, Sodium: 196mg, Potassium: 575mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin A: 277IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 19mg, Iron: 1mg