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If you’ve been trying to get your kids to eat more fish without a side of drama at the dinner table, these Baked Salmon Bites are your new secret weapon. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and have just enough flavor to make them exciting without scaring off picky eaters. Plus, they’re bite-sized and fun to eat — almost like chicken nuggets, but with a more grown-up flavor profile that works for the whole family!
On top of being so delicious, these salmon bites are loaded with nutrition. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health, heart health, and reduce inflammation. Pair that with the extra protein boost from Greek yogurt and the healthy fats from olive oil, and you’ve got a meal that’s just as nourishing as it is tasty. Even better, they’re air-fried or baked instead of deep-fried. They come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights. And don’t forget to make plenty — these disappear so fast!
❤️ Why You’ll Love My Baked Salmon Bites
🍣 Kid-friendly but grown-up approved. A great way to get your kids to eat fish!
🍣 Quick & easy. Just cut, coat, and cook and you’ll have dinner in less than 30 minutes.
🍣 Nutritious without effort. Salmon brings omega-3s and protein.
🍲 Ingredients
🐟 Salmon fillet: Fresh, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces, the salmon is rich in protein and heart-healthy omega-3s.
🍞 Panko breadcrumbs: Light and airy crumbs that bake up into the perfect crunch.
🌿 Dried parsley: Adds a mild herbal note that complements the salmon without overpowering it.
🍯 Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that balances all the savory flavors and helps the coating stick.
🫒 Olive oil: Helps the breadcrumbs crisp up while adding healthy fats.
🥄 Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy kick and depth.
🧂 Salt: Enhances all the other ingredients.
🥛 Greek yogurt (2%): Keeps the salmon tender and adds an extra boost of protein.
🍋 Fresh lemon juice: Lifts the whole dish with bright acidity.
👩🍳 How to Make Baked Salmon Bites
Preheat and prepare the salmon: Set your oven to 400°F convection or your air fryer to 375°F so it’s ready to go. Slice your skinless salmon fillet into small, even 1½-inch cubes.
Make the breadcrumb coating: In a medium bowl, combine panko, dried parsley, 1 tablespoon of honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and ½ teaspoon salt.
Make the yogurt mixture: In another medium bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, remaining 1 tablespoon of honey, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt.
Coat the salmon: Dip each salmon piece into the yogurt mixture, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.
Cook: For the oven, arrange the salmon bites on a baking rack set over a sheet pan. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. For the air fryer, place the salmon bites in a single layer on the air fryer rack. Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes, until crisp on the outside and tender inside.
🪄 Tips and Tricks
- Leftovers (if there are any!) can be reheated in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to bring the crunch back.
- I love to dip mine in a little honey mustard but choose your favorite dipping saucde!
- Cut salmon evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Variations
- Spice things up! Add garlic powder, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Substitutions
- No salmon? Try cod, halibut, or chicken.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Vegan? Use a vegan yogurt and agave instead of honey.
👝 How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover baked salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and keep them crispy, place them in the air fryer at 375°F for 2–3 minutes or in the oven at 400°F for 5–6 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
🤔 Common Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before coating.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
The air fryer is the best option; reheat at 375°F for 2–3 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt or even a thin layer of vegan mayo. You’ll also need to swap the honey for agave.
Baked Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pounds skinless salmon filet
- 1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces 2% Greek yogurt
- ½ juice lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F on the convection setting, or preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Cut the skinless salmon into small 1½-inch pieces.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, 1 tablespoon of honey, olive oil, mustard, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- In another medium-sized bowl, mix the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, the remaining 1 tablespoon of honey, the Greek yogurt, and the lemon juice. Coat each piece of salmon first in the yogurt mixture, then in the breadcrumb mixture.
- For baking, line a large baking sheet with a baking rack, place the salmon bites on the rack, and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- For air frying, place the salmon bites on the air fryer rack and cook at 375°F for 12 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
