How to Make Perfectly Golden and Crispy Fried Salmon Bites

Fried salmon bites are a fantastic appetizer that is sure to be a crowd pleaser These crunchy, flavorful morsels of fish are easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to make tender, juicy salmon on the inside enveloped by a deliciously crispy golden exterior.

Overview of Fried Salmon Bites

Fried salmon bites are small pieces of salmon that are breaded and then fried until golden brown and crispy. They are also known as salmon nuggets or popcorn salmon. The breading helps keep the salmon’s moisture inside, so after frying, the inside stays soft and flaky. The salmon itself provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. When served hot from the oil, these salmon bites are a great starter or snack. You can dip them in a lot of different sauces, like buffalo sauce, tartar sauce, aioli, or honey mustard.

Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is one of the most nutritious fish you can eat Here are some of its top health benefits

• High in protein – A 3 ounce serving contains about 17 grams of protein. Protein helps build muscle, bones, and skin.

• Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids – Salmon is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s which are good for your heart brain, and eyes

• Good source of potassium – Potassium supports nerve signaling, muscle contraction, and heart health.

• Salmon is a good source of niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. These support energy production and metabolism.

• Loaded with selenium – Selenium boosts immune function and has antioxidant properties.

Shopping for Salmon

When buying salmon to make into crispy bites, here are some tips:

• Choose wild salmon – It contains more omega-3s than farmed salmon. Look for Alaskan salmon varieties like sockeye, coho, and king.

• Pick thicker fillets – Fillets that are at least 1 inch thick will be easier to cut into nice cubes for frying. Thinner salmon may overcook.

• Inspect color – The flesh should look vibrant orange-red with no brown or gray spots.

• Check for firmness – The salmon should feel firm to the touch, not mushy. Press it gently with your finger.

• Buy skinless – Skinless fillets will be easier for breading the cubes. You can ask the fish counter to remove it.

• Know your cuts – Center cut fillets are often the thickest and most uniform in shape.

Prepping the Salmon

Once you have your high-quality salmon fillets, you will need to prep them into bite-sized pieces:

• Rinse thoroughly – Give the fillets a good rinse under cold water and pat very dry with paper towels. Moisture will make the breading slide off.

• Trim off any thin parts – For even cooking, trim down any thin ends or tails of the fillet.

• Cut into 3/4 to 1 inch cubes – Carefully slice the fillet crosswise into strips, then dice the strips into cubes. This size will cook up with a nice crust without overcooking.

• Check for bones – Run your fingers over the cubes to feel for any small pinbones and remove them with tweezers or needle nose pliers.

Breadings for Fried Salmon

The breading is key to achieving super crispy fried salmon bites. Here are some breading options:

• Panko bread crumbs – Japanese panko crumbs create a light, crunchy crust. Look for them near the regular breadcrumbs.

• Cornflake cereal – Crushed cornflakes add great texture and corn flavor to the coating.

• Potato or corn starch – These starches help seal moisture and promote browning.

• All-purpose flour – Flour aids browning and gives the breading something to stick to.

• Spices and herbs – Add a dash of garlic powder, paprika, dried dill, or Old Bay seasoning to the breading.

Breading Method

For optimal crunch factor, here is the ideal breading procedure:

• Flour – Dredge cubes in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Tap off excess.

• Egg wash – Dip cubes in beaten egg. This helps the next layer adhere.

• Breading – Finally press cubes into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides.

• Let sit 5 minutes – Allowing the breaded cubes to sit firms up the coating so it stays on nicely.

• Double bread – For extreme crunch, repeat the egg wash and breading steps. Just watch the thickness.

• Chill – For even more insurance, you can refrigerate the breaded bites for 30 minutes before frying.

Frying the Salmon Bites

When it comes to frying, there are a few key pointers for success:

• Use a thermometer – An oil thermometer takes the guesswork out. Heat oil to 350-375°F.

• Choose a neutral oil – Canola, vegetable, peanut or corn oil work well for frying.

• Use enough oil – Fill the pan with 1-2 inches of oil to allow bites to fry evenly. Use more oil for larger batches.

• Fry in batches – Don’t crowd the pan. Fry 4-6 pieces at a time so oil temperature doesn’t drop.

• Flip once – Let bites fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Flip only once for best crust.

• Drain on paper towels – Draining on towels wicks away excess grease for a crisper exterior.

• Don’t press! – Resist the urge to press on the bites while they fry. This leads to a greasier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Your freshly fried salmon bites need to be enjoyed immediately once they come out of the oil! Here are some tasty ways to serve them up:

• Lemon or lime wedges for squeezing
• Tartar sauce or spicy mayo for dipping
• Cocktail sauce with lots of horseradish
• Tangy vinaigrettes with fresh herbs
• Honey mustard or barbecue sauce
• Ranch, blue cheese, or buffalo sauce
• Salsa, guacamole, or chimichurri sauce
• Stir together yogurt, lemon, and dill for a quick tzatziki sauce
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds

Crispy fried salmon bites pair well with French fries, tater tots, homemade potato chips, or onion rings. For crunch factor, add some coleslaw, a fresh green salad, or roasted veggie sticks on the side.

Storage

To keep leftover salmon bites crisp for future snacking, follow these storage tips:

• Let cool completely before storing.
• Place in a single layer on a parchment lined plate or pan. Avoid stacking.
• Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Re-crisp leftover bites in a 425°F oven for 6-8 minutes, flipping once.
• Reheat fried bites in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes, shaking basket occasionally.

Recipe for Easy Pan Fried Salmon Bites

Now that you know all the tips and tricks for achieving the perfect crispy coating, try out this simple recipe for easy pan fried salmon bites:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound wild salmon fillet, skin removed
• 1⁄2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄2 cup canola oil

Instructions:

1. Rinse salmon fillet and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Trim any thin edges. Cut salmon into 3⁄4-1 inch cubes.

2. In a bowl, mix together cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.

3. Dredge salmon cubes in cornstarch mixture until evenly coated on all sides.

4. In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat to 350°F.

5. Fry salmon in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

6. Drain fried salmon cubes on a paper towel lined plate. Season with extra salt if desired.

7. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

So there you have it – everything you need to know to make the perfect plate of fried salmon bites! When prepped, breaded, and fried properly, these crispy salmon nuggets are sure to vanish quickly. Adjust the flavorings and spice levels to suit your taste. Impress your family or guests at your next gathering with these easy yet impressive crispy salmon bites.