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Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets with Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce Recipe


  • Author: Aiden
  • Total Time: 24 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (approximately 12-16 nuggets) 1x

Description

Delicious and crispy Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets are an easy-to-make, protein-packed snack or meal option. These bite-sized salmon pieces are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, air fried to perfection, and served with a spicy sriracha mayo dipping sauce. Perfectly golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried seafood nuggets.


Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Nuggets

  • 1 pound salmon filet (skin removed)
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ½ cup regular bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Oil spray or brush oil for greasing

Dipping Sauce

  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (more to taste)

Garnish

  • Fresh dill

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salmon: Chop the salmon into 1-inch chunks. Pat each piece dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better coating adherence.
  2. Mix the flour and seasoning: In a shallow dish, combine the flour and Old Bay seasoning evenly.
  3. Prepare the egg wash: In a second shallow dish, whisk the two eggs together with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth and combined.
  4. Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a third shallow dish, mix together the panko bread crumbs, regular bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt ensuring even distribution.
  5. Coat the salmon chunks: Dredge each salmon piece first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs well.
  6. Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spritz or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded salmon nuggets in a single layer without crowding.
  7. Air fry the nuggets: Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and cook the nuggets for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking and spritzing again with oil to enhance crispness and even browning.
  8. Make the dipping sauce: While the nuggets cook, whisk together mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired.
  9. Serve: Once cooked to golden crisp perfection, transfer the salmon nuggets to a serving plate, sprinkle with fresh dill for garnish, and serve alongside the spicy mayo dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Make sure to pat dry the salmon well before breading to ensure the coating sticks properly.
  • You can customize the spice level of the dipping sauce by varying the amount of sriracha used.
  • For extra crispiness, you can double coat the salmon pieces by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
  • Use skinless salmon filet to avoid uneven cooking or unwanted texture from the skin.
  • These nuggets are best enjoyed immediately but can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 9 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: air fryer salmon nuggets, crispy salmon bites, healthy seafood snack, sriracha mayo dipping sauce, easy salmon recipe