These Salmon Bites are an easy 8-ingredient, 15-minute dinner. Cubed salmon is tossed in a simple brown sugar, chili powder rub and air fried or baked until crispy!
Why you’ll love these
- Kid Approved. I’ve been making these salmon bites once a week for over a year now and I can ALWAYS (knock on wood) count on my kids (3,5, and7) devouring these. Even the kid who is more particular about foods loves this salmon recipe.
- Quick and Easy. Mix together a quick seasoning blend, cube some salmon, toss everything together and air-fry or bake and you’re done.
- Nutritious. I always tell my kids that salmon is good “brain food”. Salmon is really high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
- Delicious. A touch of brown sugar and a few spices like chili powder (not spicy), garlic powder, and onion powder makes for a sweet and savory rub that everyone adores.
This recipe is almost too good to be true. Healthy. Easy. AND Kid Approved.
Ingredient notes
- Salmon – look for wild-caught salmon if you can. I typically buy wild-caught atlantic salmon, because it’s affordable and easily found in grocery stores. Farm caught salmon or whatever you can get your hands on is just fine! Get skinless if you can and be sure to feel through the salmon to remove any bones the butcher may have missed.
- Cornstarch – omit if absolutely necessary, but it helps create a crispy crust on the salmon bites. I don’t recommend any substitutions like flour.
- Brown Sugar – dark or light brown sugar are both great. I prefer dark brown sugar, because it’s more flavorful. You can omit, if necessary, but you’ll lose out on flavor.
- Spices: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, and Salt – I really recommend not changing this seasoning blend. It’s simple, but effective. The smoked paprika flavor is very mild, but if you don’t like a subtle smoky flavor, use “regular” paprika instead.
Visual walk-through
- Mix together spices, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Pat salmon dry.
- Place cubed salmon and spice mixture into a ziplock baggie.
- Seal and shake until the salmon is fully coated.
- Place onto air fryer basket (baked instructions included below) and spray with avocado oil cooking spray.
- Air fry until cooked, then serve and enjoy!
When is salmon done cooking?
The FDA recommends salmon be cooked to 145 degrees F, but I shoot for medium which is 135 degrees (my preferred) – 140 degrees F; it’s cooked, but still very moist.
I highly recommend a meat thermometer like the Thermapen, but if you don’t have one, you’ll know the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork at the thickest part. It should also be a light pink color.
What to serve with salmon bites
- Dipping Sauce: I like these plain, but my kids LOVE them with homemade chick-fil-a sauce or my sriracha mayo from my spicy tuna roll bowls. Homemade honey mustard is also delicious.
- Green Beans (my chilled green bean recipe is coming soon!)
- Roast potatoes (coming soon)
- Cilantro lime rice
- Pickled veggies: cucumber, carrots, and red onions
How to store
Leftover salmon bites will last in a sealed airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To enjoy again, bake or air fryer until warmed through.
– Jennifer
Salmon Bites
These Salmon Bites are an easy 8-ingredient, 15-minute dinner. Cubed salmon is tossed in a simple brown sugar, chili powder rub and air fried or baked until crispy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Yield: 4 people
Equipment for this recipe
(equipment shown are affiliate links)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar dark or light
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound boneless, skinless salmon cubed into 1-2 inch chunks, then patted dry
- See “What to Serve with Salmon Bites” for recommended sauces/sides
Instructions
- Mix together cornstarch, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt in a sealed gallon sized ziplock baggie.
- Place salmon into baggie, seal, then gently shake until all the salmon pieces are evenly coated in the spices.
- To air fry (preferred method): preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F, spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray, place on salmon bites in an even layer (spread them out so there is space between each piece), spray salmon with avocado cooking oil, and air fry for 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 135 (my preferred) - 145 degrees F or when the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- To bake in the oven: preheat oven to 425 degrees F and spray an unlined baking sheet generously with avocado oil cooking spray. Place salmon onto the prepared baking sheet, again, in a single layer without touching, spray with avocado oil cooking spray, and bake in preheated oven for about 8 minutes.
- Serve cooked salmon plain, with dipping sauces, and/or with sides of choice, and enjoy!
- Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!
STORING
Room Temp:N/A
Refrigerator:3-4 Days
Freezer:N/A
Reheat:Bake or air fry until warm
*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Salmon Bites
Amount Per Serving (4 oz (weighed before cooking))
Calories 187 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 62mg21%
Sodium 642mg28%
Potassium 595mg17%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 23g46%
Vitamin A 440IU9%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
Calcium 22mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
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