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Easiest Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Spicy Mayo

air fryer salmon bites with spicy mayo - featured image

Crispy, tender salmon bites coated in a light cornstarch seasoning and air-fried to perfection, served with a creamy, tangy spicy mayo. A quick and easy weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or other neutral oil with high smoke point)
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise (full-fat, preferably Kewpie)
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice (fresh preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish, optional)
  • 2 green onions (thinly sliced, for garnish, optional)
  • Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch cubes, keeping them uniform for even cooking.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add salmon cubes and toss gently to coat evenly. Drizzle with avocado oil and toss again.
  3. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and honey. Whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside in the fridge.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil. Arrange salmon cubes in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs, until golden brown and flaky.
  6. Transfer salmon bites to a plate. Drizzle or serve with spicy mayo. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat salmon very dry for maximum crispiness. Do not skip cornstarch. Flip halfway through cooking. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. For oven baking, place on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon bites, crispy salmon, spicy mayo, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon, weeknight dinner, gluten-free salmon, low-carb salmon