Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets with Spicy Sriracha Mayo Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets are a delicious and crispy way to enjoy salmon without deep frying. Perfect as a snack or main dish, they come with a spicy sriracha mayo that adds a flavorful kick.

Ingredients

• 1 pound salmon filet (skin removed)
• ½ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup regular bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (more to taste)
• Fresh dill (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the salmon into 1 inch chunks and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine the flour and Old Bay seasoning.
3. Step 3: In a second dish, whisk together the eggs and 2 tablespoons of water.
4. Step 4: In a third dish, mix the panko and regular bread crumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
5. Step 5: Coat each salmon chunk first in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick.
6. Step 6: Lightly oil the air fryer basket and arrange the salmon nuggets in a single layer. Spritz the nuggets generously with oil.
7. Step 7: Air fry at 400°F for 8-9 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through and spritzing again with oil for even crispiness.
8. Step 8: While the salmon is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise and sriracha to prepare the dipping sauce.
9. Step 9: Once cooked, sprinkle the nuggets with fresh dill and serve warm with the sriracha mayo dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, use only panko bread crumbs instead of mixing with regular bread crumbs.
• Adjust the sriracha amount in the dipping sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
• Try adding lemon zest to the bread crumb mixture for a bright citrus flavor.
• If you prefer, bake the nuggets in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes instead of air frying.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness or warm gently in an oven. The dipping sauce is best served fresh and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before coating to ensure the breading sticks well and the nuggets cook evenly.

Can I make these nuggets without an air fryer?

Absolutely. You can bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness, or lightly pan-fry in oil on medium heat until golden and cooked through.

Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets with Spicy Sriracha Mayo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 74 reviews

Delicious and crispy Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets made with tender salmon chunks coated in a flavorful blend of seasonings and breadcrumbs, perfectly air fried to golden perfection. Served with a spicy sriracha mayo dipping sauce, these nuggets are a quick and healthy snack or meal option.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer/Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Dipping Sauce

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (more to taste)
• Fresh dill (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Chop the salmon into 1 inch chunks and pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel to ensure the coating adheres well.
2. Make Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the flour and Old Bay seasoning evenly.
3. Prepare Egg Wash: In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and 2 tablespoons of water until well combined.
4. Make Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third shallow dish, mix panko bread crumbs, regular bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until fully combined.
5. Coat the Salmon: Dip each salmon chunk first into the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to ensure an even coating sticks.
6. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spritz or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange coated salmon nuggets in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for even cooking. Spritz the tops liberally with oil.
7. Air Fry the Nuggets: Cook the salmon nuggets in the air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through and spritzing again with oil to achieve a crispy golden exterior.
8. Make Dipping Sauce: While the nuggets cook, whisk together mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl. Adjust sriracha quantity to taste for desired spiciness.
9. Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle fresh dill over the salmon nuggets and serve immediately with the spicy mayo dipping sauce.

Notes

• Patting the salmon dry before coating helps the breading adhere better and become crispier.
• You can adjust the spiciness of the dipping sauce by adding more or less sriracha.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
• Ensure the nuggets are spaced out in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer for best results.

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