Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe
Introduction
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and come together in just 25 minutes. Paired with a creamy garlic dill sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or snack that’s simple and quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 24 oz salmon filets (about 4 filets), cut into 1-inch pieces
Creamy Garlic Dill Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Coat each piece of salmon in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the fish to help them stick.
- Step 4: Spray the air fryer basket with oil or non-stick cooking spray. Place the salmon bites in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Step 5: For extra crispy results, lightly mist the salmon with oil before cooking. Air fry for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown.
- Step 6: While the salmon bites cook, whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Step 7: Serve the salmon bites with the creamy garlic dill sauce and lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh dill for the sauce whenever possible for a brighter flavor.
- Try swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in the sauce for a lighter option.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these bites can be baked at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs can give a nice spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to retain crispiness. The sauce is best kept separately and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed salmon for even cooking and the best texture. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before preparing.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, the mild flavors and crispy texture make it a great kid-friendly snack or meal. You can reduce or omit spices like paprika if preferred.
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Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and come together quickly in just 25 minutes. Coated in a flavorful seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture and air fried to golden perfection, they’re perfect finger foods served alongside a zesty, creamy garlic dill sauce that adds a fresh punch to every bite.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 24 oz salmon filets, about 4 filets, cut into 1-inch pieces
Creamy Garlic Dill Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the salmon bites evenly.
- Mix Breadcrumb Seasoning: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful coating mixture.
- Coat Salmon Pieces: Press each salmon piece into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coat so the crumbs stick well to the fish.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer without crowding; cook in batches if necessary.
- Apply Oil for Crispiness: Lightly mist the coated salmon bites with oil to help achieve extra crispy texture when air frying.
- Air Fry Salmon Bites: Cook the salmon bites at 400°F for 4 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and continue cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the salmon is cooked through.
- Make the Dill Sauce: While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, milk, fresh dill, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Plate the crispy salmon bites alongside the creamy garlic dill sauce. Optionally, add lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Make sure salmon pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill can be used but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as it prevents proper crisping.
- Use oil spray with a high smoke point like avocado or canola for best results.
- Leftover bites can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Air Fryer Salmon Bites, crispy salmon bites, salmon appetizer, garlic dill sauce, quick seafood snack, air fryer recipe
