If you’re on the hunt for a quick dinner that’s full of flavor, texture, and just the right touch of heat, these Crispy Spicy Salmon Bites are about to become your new go-to! They’re bite-sized, bold, and perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside.
The zesty sauce brings everything together with creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy notes that’ll make your taste buds dance. Great for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or meal prep lunches, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.
The best part? You don’t need a fancy setup—just your favorite skillet or air fryer and a few pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving a crowd, these salmon bites will never let you down. Let’s make dinner feel like a treat tonight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy with minimal cleanup
- Packed with bold, well-balanced flavors
- Air fryer, oven, or stovetop-friendly
- Family-approved and great for sharing
- Ideal for meal prepping or party snacking
Crispy Spicy Salmon Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 20–22 minutes
- Servings: 2–3
- Equipment Needed: Air fryer or skillet, mixing bowls, knife, tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillets, skin removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
1. Prep the Salmon:
- Use paper towels to pat the salmon fillets dry—this step is key for crispiness. Slice the salmon into bite-sized cubes and place them in a bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the salmon, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and tweak the spice or sweetness to your liking.
3. Cook the Salmon:
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Arrange salmon bites in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sear salmon bites for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Place salmon on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Sauce & Serve:
You can drizzle the sauce over the salmon or toss the bites in it for a full coat. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds if you’d like.
Pro Tips
- For extra crispiness, dust the salmon lightly with cornstarch before cooking.
- If using the air fryer, don’t overcrowd the basket—it helps the salmon crisp up nicely.
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftover sauce? Use it as a dip for veggies or drizzle over rice bowls.
Enjoy these crispy salmon bites hot and fresh—they won’t last long!
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Crispy Spicy Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillets, skin removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
1. Prep the Salmon:
- Use paper towels to pat the salmon fillets dry—this step is key for crispiness. Slice the salmon into bite-sized cubes and place them in a bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the salmon, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and tweak the spice or sweetness to your liking.
3. Cook the Salmon:
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Arrange salmon bites in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sear salmon bites for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Place salmon on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Sauce & Serve:
You can drizzle the sauce over the salmon or toss the bites in it for a full coat. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds if you’d like.
