These crispy salmon bites are the perfect balance of tender, flaky fish and a crunchy outer coating, finished with a drizzle of creamy herb sauce that takes them over the top. Ideal as a quick appetizer or a fun main dish, they’re as delicious as they are easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how fast these salmon bites come together with just a few simple ingredients. They have a satisfying crunch on the outside and stay juicy on the inside. The herbed dipping sauce adds a fresh and tangy element that balances the richness of the salmon. Whether I’m hosting friends or making a quick weeknight meal, this recipe never fails to impress.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- Flour
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Oil for frying
For the Creamy Herb Sauce:
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- I start by seasoning the salmon cubes with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- I prepare a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- I coat each piece of salmon in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well.
- I heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the salmon bites in batches until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- For the sauce, I mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, dill, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Once the salmon bites are done, I place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- I drizzle the herb sauce over the top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it a great 25-minute dish from start to finish.
Variations
I sometimes swap the salmon for cod or halibut for a milder flavor. For extra heat, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. If I want to bake instead of fry, I brush the coated salmon pieces with oil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes until crisp and cooked through. The herb sauce can also be made with mayonnaise for a richer flavor.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. I avoid microwaving them, as it makes the coating soggy.
FAQs
How do I know when the salmon bites are cooked through?
I check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), and the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The coating should be golden brown.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but I make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before using to ensure the coating sticks well and the salmon cooks evenly.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Absolutely. I use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a fully gluten-free version without sacrificing crunch.
Can I air-fry these instead of deep-frying?
Yes, I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C), spray the coated salmon bites with oil, and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What else can I serve with these bites?
I like to serve them with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or even inside tacos with slaw and extra herb sauce for a fun twist.
Conclusion
These crispy salmon bites with creamy herb sauce are a fantastic way to enjoy salmon in a new and exciting form. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing. Whether I’m cooking for family or guests, they always disappear fast!
Crispy Salmon Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy salmon bites with a crunchy coating, served with a fresh and tangy creamy herb sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Oil for frying
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)
Instructions
- Season salmon cubes with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Set up breading station with three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each salmon cube in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry salmon bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the sauce.
- Drain salmon bites on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Drizzle herb sauce over salmon bites and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Swap salmon for cod or halibut for a different flavor.
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper to seasoning.
- Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes for a healthier version.
- Use mayonnaise instead of yogurt for a richer sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Air fryer method: cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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