Soy Salmon Nuggets (Air Fryer Recipe)
These crispy air fryer salmon nuggets comes together in a flash and are the perfect addition to salads, bowls, or snack plates!
I recently acquired a Ninja Air Fryer for Christmas and have been air frying just about every food that I can. With short cooking times, easy clean up, and consistently crispy results, my air fryer has worked its way into my list of favorite kitchen gadgets!
While I have tons of air fryer recipes for you to try (like this one), these crispy soy salmon nuggets are on rotation every week because they are full of flavor and an easy addition to so many different meal options.
What to eat with salmon nuggets:
These easy salmon bites can be used in a variety of ways including:
In a bowl: I like to add whole wheat noodles, sliced cucumber, and sliced avocado then top the bowl with a dash of low sodium soy sauce (or spicy mayo) and fresh green onions.
Pro tip- pair with my spicy cucumber snack recipe for a low carb dinner recipe!
On a snack plate: salmon nuggets are an easy protein to add to a snack plate alongside fresh sliced vegetables, fruit, and some whole wheat crackers.
On a salad: add these salmon bites to a salad with chopped greens, green onion, thinly sliced cucumber and carrots, edamame, and crushed ramen noodles for a crunchy lunch or dinner option!
And so much more!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Easy clean up: all you will need for these salmon nuggets is a small bowl for marinating and your air fryer bin! To make clean up even easier, add air fryer bin liners to your basket.
Nutritious: salmon is high in protein, heart healthy fats, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Because of its nutrient density, it is recommended that adults consume fatty fish, like salmon, at least twice a week.
Can be used in a variety of recipes: toss this salmon in a bowl, salad, wrap, or taco!
Ingredients:
·Salmon: whatever salmon is your favorite, but we will be removing the skin. Note that the fat content and thickness of salmon makes a big difference in cooking times and typically thinner salmon filets and wild caught salmon cook a bit faster!
Garlic: I used the minced garlic from the store.
Brown sugar: to add a bit of sweetness to our marinade.
Low sodium soy sauce: we want enough to fully submerge the salmon in the marinade.
Rice vinegar: I love the flavor of rice vinegar on salads and think its the perfect addition to this recipe!
Recipe FAQ:
Can I use wild caught salmon?
Yes! Because of differences in the fatty acid profile, I do find that wild caught salmon cooks a bit faster than farm raised salmon so shorten the cooking time if necessary.
How do I remove the skin from my salmon filet?
You can use a knife to slice between the meat and the skin of the salmon filet or gently cut separate them at one corner, hold the filet down and gently peel back the skin with your hands.
How do I know when my salmon bites are fully cooked?
Everyone likes their salmon done to different degrees but the FDA states that a safe internal temperature for salmon is 145 degrees Fahrenheit which you can check with a food thermometer.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
This recipe works best in an air fryer but these salmon nuggets can also be prepared in a heated cast iron or baked in the oven, just check the internal temperature to ensure you have reached 145 degrees.
Soy Salmon Nuggets
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove the skin from your salmon and then cut your salmon into 2 inch squares.
- Place your salmon in a bowl and add your soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic. Stir and evenly distribute your salmon so that all are in the marinade. Cover and let marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 for 2 minutes. Evenly layer your salmon bites into your air fryer basket, be careful to not overcrowd.
- Spray with olive oil spray and air fry at 375 for 4 minutes.
- After 4 minutes, gently flip your salmon pieces over, spray with olive oil spray again, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy! *cooking times will vary with the type of salmon you purchased and the size that you cut your squares so keep an eye on your squares!
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Hey! I’m Lauren
I’m a Registered Dietitian and busy toddler mom committed to bringing you delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make recipes!