Crispy Salmon Bites Cooked in an Air Fryer

These crispy salmon bites are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried seafood. The air fryer gives the salmon a golden, crispy coating while keeping it moist on the inside. With a simple mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a few spices, these bites make for a tasty snack, appetizer, or light dinner. Plus, they’re quick to make, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients

• 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

Directions

1. Cut the salmon fillet into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each salmon piece into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is well coated.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
5. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
6. Place the salmon pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
7. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the coating is crispy.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 20-22 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Add Spices: You can add other spices like cayenne pepper for some heat or lemon zest for a citrusy flavor.
• Use Almond Flour: For a gluten-free version, replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve these crispy salmon bites with a creamy dipping sauce like garlic aioli, tartar sauce, or a simple lemon wedge.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, frozen salmon can be used, but it should be thawed completely before cutting into pieces.
2. Can I use a different type of fish? Yes, you can substitute salmon with other fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock, though cooking times may vary slightly.
3. How do I make the coating extra crispy? Ensure that the breadcrumbs are pressed firmly onto the salmon pieces, and lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to help the coating crisp up.
4. Can I bake these in the oven instead? Yes, preheat the oven to 400°F and bake on a lined baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Is this recipe low-carb? This recipe is not strictly low-carb due to the breadcrumbs, but you can make it low-carb by using almond flour or a low-carb breadcrumb alternative.
6. Can I make this ahead of time? The salmon can be breaded and stored in the fridge for up to a day before cooking, though they are best when freshly cooked.
7. Can I use Panko breadcrumbs? Yes, Panko breadcrumbs work great and will give the salmon bites an extra crispy texture.
8. What dipping sauces go well with these salmon bites? Garlic aioli, honey mustard, tartar sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon work perfectly as dipping sauces.
9. How do I know when the salmon is cooked through? The salmon should be opaque and easily flake with a fork when cooked through. A thermometer should read 145°F internally.
10. Can I use fresh salmon instead of frozen? Fresh salmon works just as well, and it’s usually easier to work with since it’s already thawed.

Conclusion

Crispy Salmon Bites cooked in the air fryer are a simple, fast, and delicious way to enjoy salmon. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight meal or serving them as an appetizer, these bites are sure to impress. With a perfectly crispy coating and tender, flaky salmon on the inside, this recipe is a great addition to your cooking repertoire!

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