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Easy and Healthy Salmon Bites

Salmon Bites

Salmon bites are flavorful, bite-sized pieces of fresh salmon marinated with a blend of spices and herbs, then cooked to perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re ideal as an appetizer, main dish, or healthy snack. These bites pair beautifully with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or honey mustard.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 as an appetizer, 2-3 as a main dish

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Baking tray or air fryer (alternative: frying pan)
  • Parchment paper (if baking)
  • Tongs or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh salmon fillet skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tbsp honey optional for sweetness
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for spice level
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill chopped, for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Salmon:
  • Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  • Marinate:
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and lemon zest.
  • Add the salmon cubes to the bowl and toss gently to coat. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  • Cook the Salmon Bites:
  • Option 1 - Oven Baked:
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  • Arrange salmon bites on the tray in a single layer.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.
  • Option 2 - Air Fryer:
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place salmon bites in the basket in a single layer.
  • Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  • Option 3 - Pan Fry:
  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
  • Fry the salmon bites for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  • Serve:
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve with lemon wedges.
  • Optional: Serve with garlic aioli, honey mustard, or yogurt dipping sauce.
  • Details:
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on the method)
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 as an appetizer, 2-3 as a main dish
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Air Frying, Pan Frying
  • Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
  • Diet: Pescatarian, Low Carb, Gluten-Free (with tamari)
  • Keywords:
  • Salmon bites, crispy salmon, baked salmon cubes, healthy appetizer, low-carb salmon, seafood snack
  • Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
  • (Note: Nutrition values can vary based on portion sizes and ingredients.)

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can coat the salmon bites in a light layer of panko breadcrumbs before baking or frying.
Adjust seasoning and spice to taste.
Salmon bites taste best when served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for crisp results.
For a healthier option, use olive oil spray when baking or air-frying.
Pair with quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad to turn this into a complete meal.
Keyword Salmon bites, crispy salmon, baked salmon cubes, healthy appetizer, low-carb salmon, seafood snack