Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets with Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets are a crispy, flavorful twist on traditional salmon. Perfect as a snack or a main dish, they’re easy to make and paired with a spicy sriracha mayo for an irresistible dipping sauce.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the salmon into 1-inch chunks and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix the flour and Old Bay seasoning together.
3. Step 3: In a second dish, whisk the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water until combined.
4. Step 4: In a third dish, combine panko, regular bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
5. Step 5: Coat each salmon piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press into the bread crumb mixture, ensuring the crumbs stick well.
6. Step 6: Lightly oil your air fryer basket by spritzing or brushing it with oil. Arrange salmon nuggets in a single layer without crowding. Spritz the nuggets liberally with oil.
7. Step 7: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-9 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through cooking and spritz with oil again to enhance crispiness.
8. Step 8: While the nuggets cook, whisk together the mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl to create the dipping sauce.
9. Step 9: Once cooked, sprinkle the salmon nuggets with fresh dill and serve immediately with the spicy mayo dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh dill or substitute with parsley or chives for a different herbaceous note.
• For extra crunch, mix equal parts panko and crushed cornflakes in the breading.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the nuggets on a greased baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the dipping sauce for a bright, tangy flavor.

Storage

Store leftover salmon nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to retain crispiness. The sauce can be kept separately in the fridge 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 chopping and breading to ensure the coating sticks properly and cooks evenly.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

You can use a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne to mimic Old Bay’s flavor.