Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Spicy Mayo

My Grandson’s Favorite Quick Salmon Dinner

Let me tell you about these easy salmon bites. My grandson Leo asked for a “quick salmon dinner” one busy Tuesday. I had just one pound of fish and 15 minutes. So, we got creative.

We chopped the salmon into little chunks. We tossed them with a few simple things. Then we let the air fryer do its magic. In less time than his cartoon, we had a full meal. He said it was better than any restaurant. I still smile thinking about that.

The Secret to Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites

The trick is in the coating. You mix a tiny bit of mayo and cornstarch with the salmon. This might sound odd. But trust your kitchen grandma. It makes the outside perfectly crispy.

The air fryer gets so hot and fast. It seals in all the juicy flavor. *Fun fact: The cornstarch creates a light, crispy shell without deep frying.* You get that wonderful crunch. But you keep the meal light and healthy. That’s why this matters to me. Good food can be both tasty and good for you.

Whipping Up That Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce

Now, the spicy mayo dipping sauce is a game-changer. It’s just four things stirred in a bowl. I use Kewpie mayo for its rich taste. Doesn’t that smell amazing when you add the sesame oil?

You can make it as mild or as wild as you like. Start with one spoon of chili paste. You can always add more. This sauce is why the recipe feels special. It turns simple salmon into a party. What’s your favorite thing to dip in a spicy sauce? I’d love to know.

Building Your Perfect Salmon Rice Bowl

Here is the fun part. Take a bowl of warm rice. Pile your hot, crispy air fryer salmon bites on top. This makes a wonderful salmon rice bowl. Then, you get to decorate!

Add some crunchy cucumber. Throw on a spoon of kimchi for a kick. Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds. Drizzle that glorious spicy mayo over everything. Squeeze a lime wedge. Suddenly, a weeknight salmon dinner feels like a celebration. Do you like pickled red onions or fresh radishes on your bowl?

A Little Kick with Korean Gochugaru Salmon

We use a spice called gochugaru. It is a Korean chili powder. It gives a warm, sunny heat. It doesn’t just burn your tongue. It adds a deep, smoky flavor.

If you can’t find it, use any chili powder you have. The recipe is very forgiving. This is another “why this matters” moment. Cooking should not be stressful. Use what you have. Make it work for your family. That’s real home cooking. Have you ever cooked with gochugaru before?

Ingredients:

Instructions

Step 1: First, make your spicy mayo dipping sauce. Just stir everything in a small bowl. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Set it aside for later. This quick salmon dinner starts with a good sauce. (Kewpie mayo makes it extra creamy!)

Step 2: Now, preheat your air fryer to 375ºF. Dry your salmon chunks well with a paper towel. This is the secret for getting crispy air fryer salmon bites. I still laugh at how simple it is.

Step 3: Toss the salmon in a bowl with the mayo, cornstarch, and seasonings. The Korean gochugaru salmon flavor comes from here. Coat every piece nicely. What’s your favorite spice? Share below! (Cornstarch is the magic for a crispy coat.)

Step 4: Lay the salmon in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4-6 minutes. No flipping needed! This healthy air fryer recipe is so fast. Your easy salmon bites will be perfectly cooked. What a perfect weeknight salmon dinner.

Step 5: Time to build your air fryer salmon bowl! Put rice in a bowl, top with salmon bites. Add your favorite crunchy veggies. Drizzle that spicy mayo all over. This salmon rice bowl is a complete, happy meal.

Creative Twists

Serving & Pairing Ideas

For your air fryer salmon bowl, start with steamed rice. I love adding quick-pickled onions for a bright crunch. Cool cucumber slices are wonderful too. A sprinkle of sesame seeds makes it look special. You could also serve these easy salmon bites on a green salad. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Salmon Bites Fresh and Tasty

Let’s talk about storing these tasty salmon bites. First, let them cool completely. Then, pop them in a sealed container in the fridge. They will be good for up to two days. You can freeze them for a month, too. Just lay them flat on a tray first. This stops them from sticking together in a big block.

I remember my first batch. I put them away while warm. The next day, they were a bit soggy. Now I always wait. To reheat, use your air fryer or oven. A few minutes at 375 degrees brings back the crisp. The microwave will make them soft, so I avoid it.

Batch cooking this quick salmon dinner is a lifesaver. It means a healthy air fryer recipe is ready on busy nights. This little habit saves time and reduces stress. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups

We all face little problems when cooking. Here are three easy fixes. First, if your food sticks, your pan might not be hot enough. I once added salmon to a cold skillet. It stuck terribly! Pat your salmon very dry before cooking. This helps it get crispy, not steamy.

Second, if your sauce is too spicy, add a little honey or sugar. It balances the heat perfectly. Third, if your bites are cooking unevenly, do not crowd the pan. They need space for hot air to circulate. This matters for flavor and texture. Crowded food steams instead of browns.

Fixing these small issues builds your confidence. You learn why things work. Soon, you can adjust any recipe to your taste. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

How to keep salmon skin crispy after cooking?

Start with a very dry skin. Salt it and let it sit for 10 minutes. Cook it skin-side down in a hot, oiled pan. Press it gently with a spatula. Do not move it until it releases easily. After cooking, place it skin-side up on your plate. This stops steam from making it soft.

How to make crispy salmon pieces?

The key is to remove moisture. Pat your air fryer salmon bites completely dry. Then, coat them with a little cornstarch or mayonnaise. This creates a wonderful crust. Cook them in a single layer with space between. High, direct heat from an air fryer or skillet works best for these easy salmon bites.

What is the biggest mistake when cooking salmon?

Overcooking is the most common error. Salmon cooks quickly and continues to cook off the heat. It is done when it flakes easily but is still moist inside. Use a thermometer for the best result. Aim for 125-130°F at the thickest part. This keeps your weeknight salmon dinner tender and perfect every time.

How do restaurants make salmon crispy?

Restaurants use very high heat you cannot get at home. They also dry the fish thoroughly. They often use a technique called “starting in a cold pan.” They place the salmon skin-side down in a cool pan. Then they turn the heat to medium-high. This slowly renders the fat for super crispy skin.

How to crisp up salmon skin after cooking?

If the skin gets soft, you can re-crisp it. Place the piece skin-side down in a hot, dry skillet. Cook for just one to two minutes. Watch it closely. The direct heat will crisp the skin right back up. This is a great trick for leftover salmon.

How to keep fish skin crispy after cooking?

The rule is “dry, hot, and up.” Dry the skin well before cooking. Use hot oil in the pan. After cooking, let the fish rest skin-side up on a rack. Do not cover it or put sauce on the skin. This way, the crispy skin stays crunchy until you take a bite.

*Fun fact: Gochugaru, used in this recipe, is a Korean chili powder. It adds heat and a sweet, smoky flavor!* Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love these Korean gochugaru salmon bites as much as I do. They are my favorite 15 minute salmon recipe. Piled on rice with veggies, they make a beautiful air fryer salmon bowl. It is a complete salmon rice bowl in no time.

Cooking should be fun, not fussy. My door is always open for more questions. I would love to hear about your kitchen adventures. Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below.

Happy cooking!
—Marina Caldwell

Crispy Salmon Bites with Spicy Mayo Dip

Author: Marina Caldwell Cooking Method:Air Fryer Oven Skillet Cuisine:Asian Korean-Inspired Courses:Lunch Main Appetizer

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 6 minutesRest time: Total time: 16 minutesServings:4 servingsCalories:320 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Spicy Mayo. Crispy, flavorful salmon chunks served with a creamy, spicy dipping sauce, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

Ingredients

For the Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (Kewpie recommended)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons Chili Garlic Paste (or Sambal Oelek)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

For the Salmon Bites:

• 1 pound salmon, skinless, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
• 2 teaspoons mayonnaise (or substitute vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 – 2 teaspoons gochugaru, Aleppo pepper (or any spicy chili powder)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Optional garnishes:

• Steamed rice or other grain
• Pickled red onions
• Scallions
• Persian cucumbers
• Radishes
• Kimchi
• Toasted nori sheets
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Gochugaru, or other chili flakes
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Make the Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, stir together the mayo, vinegar, chili paste, sugar and sesame oil. Set aside.
2. For the Salmon: Preheat the air fryer to 375ºF.
3. Dry the salmon well. Add to a medium bowl and toss with (2 teaspoons) mayonnaise, cornstarch, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder and gochugaru. Make sure each piece is coated in the seasonings.
4. Add the salmon in a single layer and air fry until just cooked through (about 130ºF on an instant read thermometer), about 4 to 6 minutes. No need to flip.
5. To serve: Divide the rice into 4 bowls, top with salmon and add your desired vegetables and garnishes. Drizzle over some of the spicy mayo and serve with lime wedges.
6. Oven directions: Preheat to 425ºF. Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet, with a little space in between each piece. Bake for about 7 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. Skillet directions: Heat a little vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. When hot, add salmon and cook until golden brown and medium-rare, turning once, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Notes

Nutrition estimate is for salmon bites and spicy mayo only, without optional garnishes or rice. Adjust chili paste and gochugaru to your preferred spice level.

Keywords:Salmon, Air Fryer, Spicy Mayo, Quick, Healthy