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fried salmon bites with lemon-oil sauce on white plate
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Deep Fried Salmon Bites

These deep fried salmon bites are exactly what's needed to serve as an appetizer at your next gathering.
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 97kcal
Author Mirlene

Equipment

Ingredients

To season the salmon

  • 7 oz Salmon; skin-on or skinless cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • 2 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 2 tsp. Onion Powder
  • 2 tsp. Salt or to tase; we uses kosher salt
  • ½ cup Cornmeal
  • 1 Tbsp. Paprika
  • 1 Tbsp. Oregano Flakes

For the sauce

  • ¼ cup Olive Oil
  • Juice from 1 lemon
  • 1 Tbsp. Parsley Flakes
  • 1 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
  • ½ tsp. Kosher Salt

To Fry

  • 4 Cups Vegetable Oil

Instructions

  • Prep the Salmon:
    Rinse and pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on or removing it based on your preference.
    Season the Fish:
    In a mixing bowl, add all of the ingredients. 
    seasoning for fried salmon bites
  • Coat the Salmon:
    Add the salmon, then dredge each salmon piece in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well. Set the coated pieces aside on a plate.
    Heat the Oil:
    In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 4 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350–375°F.
    Fry the Salmon Bites:
    Carefully add a few pieces of salmon at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
    Make the Sauce:
    In a small skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, lemon juice, parsley flakes, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Bring to a quick boil then remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
    Serve:
    Drizzle the salmon with the lemon olive oil sauce, or serve the sauce on the side as a dip.
    coated salmon pieces

Notes

Pro tip: Dry your salmon pieces well with paper towels before seasoning to help the coating stick and ensure a crispy finish.

Pro Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

For the crispiest salmon bites, make sure your oil is hot enough—about 350–375°F.
Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop, and the bites can become soggy.
Avoid using overly thick breading, which can overpower the fish and stay gummy inside.
To keep the salmon moist, don’t overcook—just 2–3 minutes per side is enough.

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
 
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Calories are estimated per serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 4Servings | Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 3g | Sodium: 632mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 4mg