I love making these Crispy Salmon Bites with Sauce because they’re perfectly golden on the outside and tender on the inside. The homemade tangy sauce adds a delicious contrast, making this dish a great appetizer or a light meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
1 lb (450g) salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
Salt & pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
2 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil) for frying
For the Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the coating by mixing flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in one bowl. Beat the egg in a second bowl. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Coat the salmon cubes by dipping them first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. I press gently to make sure the crumbs stick well.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the salmon bites for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Then, I remove them and drain on paper towels.
For the sauce, I whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Serve the crispy salmon bites warm, paired with the dipping sauce on the side.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10–12 minutes to cook, making it a total of roughly 25–27 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
For an extra crunch, I sometimes add grated Parmesan to the panko breadcrumbs. If I want a healthier version, I bake the salmon bites at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of frying. I also like to garnish with fresh parsley or chives for an added pop of color and flavor. For a spicy twist, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating or swap the sauce for a creamy dill dressing.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I prefer to warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to keep them crispy. Microwaving tends to make them soggy, so I avoid that.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before coating and cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs will work, but panko gives a lighter, crunchier texture that I prefer for these bites.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s great for kids since the bites are small, easy to eat, and mild in flavor. You can adjust the seasoning if needed.
Can I bake the salmon bites instead of frying?
Definitely! Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes is a healthier alternative and still results in crispy, delicious bites.
Conclusion
I find these crispy salmon bites with sauce to be a perfect balance of crunchy texture and flavorful fish, making them an instant favorite for both snacks and meals. The homemade dipping sauce complements the bites perfectly, and the recipe’s flexibility means I can easily tailor it to my mood or dietary needs. Whether fried or baked, they always turn out delicious and impressive on the table.
Recipe:

Crispy Salmon Bites with Sauce
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crispy salmon bites are golden and tender on the inside, served with a tangy homemade sauce for a perfect appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
Salt & pepper, to taste
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil) for frying
For the Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in one bowl.
- Beat the egg in a second bowl.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dip salmon cubes first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry salmon bites for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl for the sauce.
- Serve salmon bites warm with the dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
You can add grated Parmesan to the panko for extra crunch.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of frying for a healthier option.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for color and flavor.
Add cayenne pepper to the coating for a spicy twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to keep them crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying (optional baking)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 salmon bites with sauce)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg