Description
These Crispy Spicy Salmon Bites are perfectly seasoned and air-fried to golden perfection, delivering a deliciously crunchy exterior with tender, flavorful salmon inside. Marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sriracha, and honey, and coated with panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch, these bites make a fantastic appetizer, main course, or party snack with an Asian-American flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Marinade
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Coating
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Finishing and Garnish
- Olive oil spray
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels to ensure the marinade adheres well and prevents sogginess.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sriracha, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until fully combined.
- Marinate the Salmon: Add the salmon cubes to the marinade and toss to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch, mixing thoroughly for an even coating.
- Coat the Salmon Bites: Remove the salmon from the marinade. Dredge each cube in the breadcrumb and cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are fully coated for extra crispiness.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 5 minutes to prepare for cooking.
- Arrange and Spray: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the coated salmon bites in a single layer without overcrowding, then spray the tops lightly with olive oil.
- Cook the Salmon Bites: Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the air fryer and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with extra sriracha or a spicy mayo dip for dipping.
Notes
- For an oven alternative, bake the coated salmon bites at 425°F (220°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 12 to 15 minutes.
- You can adjust the spice level by decreasing or increasing the amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha according to your heat preference.
- These crispy salmon bites pair wonderfully with rice bowls, fresh salads, or make a delicious party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes plus 20 minutes marinating
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer, Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6 to 8 bites
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg