Get ready to meet your new favorite salmon recipe, salmon bites! Perfectly-sized chunks of flaky salmon coated in savory spices and just-enough heat are addictively delicious and undeniably healthy. Unbelievably versatile, you can serve them as a quick snack, an easy appetizer, or a satisfying main dish.
Growing up in Cameroon, I developed a love affair with seafood at an early age. Even today, I crave fish regularly. And this recipe ticks all the boxes on my list of what makes fish great. It’s incredibly easy, uses a few pantry-staple ingredients, and comes together in a flash.
It’s also insanely versatile! You can serve it as a snack, an appetizer, or a main dish over a bed of rice or quinoa. And each salmon bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious with bold flavors!
Why Make Salmon Bites?
Cutting salmon filets into bite-sized pieces and dredging them in seasonings is ideal for appetizers. Baking them to crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside perfection is deliciously addictive. You can drizzle them with sauce, serve them with a creamy dip, or pile them on your favorite carbs for a healthy, comforting, delicious salmon dish.
How to Make Salmon Bites
Broiled Salmon Bites
- Preheat oven to broil, place rack about 6” from the heat source, line your baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.
- Microwave the butter, paprika, onion and garlic powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper in a bowl for 30-60 seconds. Stir and repeat until the butter melts (or you can use oil instead). (Photos 1-2)
- Season the salmon chunks with salt and pepper, then pour the combined seasoning and butter mixture over them and stir gently. Let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes if time permits. (Photos 3-4)
- Broil the salmon on the prepared baking tray for 3-4 minutes. Then flip and continue broiling for another 3 minutes until fork-tender, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63℃). (Photos 5-6)
Air-Fryer Salmon Bites
- Lightly spray the basket with oil. Working in batches, place seasoned salmon in an even layer in the basket. Air fry for 7-8 minutes, flipping once until the salmon is cooked through or reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63℃).
- Remove and serve with peri-peri sauce as an appetizer or seasoned rice as a main course.
Recipe Variations
- Be saucy! Once cooked, drizzle garlic butter over the salmon bites or serve them with teriyaki or soy sauce on the side for an Asian flair.
- Citrus is a fantastic complement to salmon! Squeeze lemon or lime juice over it for a burst of freshness.
- No salmon on hand? No worries! You can make these mouthwatering bites with halibut, cod, tuna, or trout.
Tips and Tricks
- My number one tip is to remember that salmon cooks quickly. Please don’t leave it unattended while cooking, or it may dry out.
- Cut the salmon as uniformly as possible because the uniform size ensures the fish cooks evenly.
- You can test when the salmon is done without a meat thermometer. Press it gently with a fork (or your finger, being careful not to burn yourself!). When the salmon is done, it will gently flake.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
If you want to jump on things, you can cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces, toss them in the seasoning earlier in the day, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Cooked salmon bites can also be frozen for up to two months.
This five-star meal has top-notch leftovers! Salmon bites store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Then reheat in the oven at 275℉ (135℃) for 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Or serve them cold on a salad or in tacos!
What to Serve With Salmon Bites
Serve as an appetizer or a snack with some exotic dipping sauces like remoulade, homemade dill, or homemade tartar sauce.
Or serve as a main dish over a bed of quinoa or rice pilaf with a side of parmesan-crusted baked asparagus. Then sit back and enjoy the compliments!
More Delectable Salmon Recipes to Try
Tender, flaky, and wrapped in layers of flavors, salmon bites are set to become your new family favorite! Hungry for more healthy, tasty weeknight meal options? Follow me on Instagram for weekly recipe ideas!
This blog post was originally published in March 2023 and has been updated with additional tips and gorgeous photos.
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