Crispy Salmon Bites (Skillet and Air Fryer)

Crispy salmon bites arranged in a circle in a white bowl on top of lettuce leaves with a bowl of mayonnaise in the middle

Crispy Salmon Bites (Skillet and Air Fryer)

Super versatile, and easy to make, these crispy salmon bites are just as at home being served in a lunchbox with a mayonnaise dipping sauce as they are served as a main meal with a side salad and steamed veggies. Meal prep and freezer-friendly, they are the perfect addition to your recipe collection.

Prep Time10

Active Time25

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer salmon bites, crispy salmon bites, salmon croquettes

Yield: croquettes/bites

Calories: 126kcal

Materials

1.5 lb (600g) salmon fillet
1 red bell pepper finely chopped
1 small red onion finely diced
2 garlic cloves minced
⅓ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1 large egg beaten
1 teaspoon salt divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
½ teaspoon paprika
3 tablespoons olive oil divided + extra for cooking the croquettes
¼ cup mayonnaise to serve

Instructions

Cook salmon in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over low heat for about 10-12 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from the heat and use tongs to remove the skin. Transfer salmon flesh to a bowl, and shred using a fork, removing any remaining bones.
1.5 lb (600g) salmon fillet
Add the other tablespoon of olive oil into a skillet and sauté the finely chopped red bell pepper and diced red onion until softened—season with salt. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant.
1 red bell pepper, 2 garlic cloves, 1 small red onion
Mix the cooked salmon, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and paprika into a large bowl. Mix well until everything is well combined.
⅓ cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, ½ teaspoon paprika
Shape the mixture into 16 croquettes using your hands. You may have to wet your hands here to prevent sticking.
Heat the extra olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the croquettes until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3 tablespoons olive oil
Alternatively, spray the basket of an air fryer with cooking oil of choice, and cook the salmon bites in the air fryer for about 10 minutes at 350F (180C), flipping about half way through.
Serve the warm salmon croquettes with a side of mayonnaise for dipping, or allow to cool and serve in one of the other suggested ways below.
¼ cup mayonnaise

Notes

Cooking The Salmon

Be careful not to overcook the salmon. This ensures a moist and flavorful result. Aim for about 10-12 minutes of cooking over low heat, remembering it will be cooked again once it has been mixed with the other ingredients and shaped.

Use tongs to remove the salmon skin easily after cooking. If cooked correctly it should come off effortlessly. Remove any remaining bones as you go, looking for them as you flake the salmon.

Leftovers

Store any leftover salmon croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
They can also be frozen. Arrange the bites on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to one month. Reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the salmon bites warm with mayonnaise for dipping, or serve in one of the following ways:

in a burger bun with lettuce, mayo and tomato
cold with a mayo dipping sauce
as a main dish with a side salad or some steamed vegetables

Nutrition