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Air Fryer Salmon Bites (The Crispy Cornstarch Trick)

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Crispy-edge air fryer salmon bites with a cornstarch-and-mayo crust, tossed in spicy sriracha sauce after cooking so the shell stays crunchy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise (full-fat, not low-fat)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Pinch cayenne (optional)
  • Avocado oil spray
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise (for sauce)
  • 1 tbsp sriracha
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • Sliced scallions, for serving
  • Sesame seeds, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon cubes very dry with paper towels. For cleaner cuts, freeze whole fillet 10 minutes before cubing.
  2. In a bowl, toss salmon cubes with 1 tbsp mayonnaise until lightly and evenly coated — a thin film, not slicked.
  3. Sprinkle cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne over the cubes. Toss until every piece looks matte and dusted, not wet.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange salmon cubes in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between pieces so air can circulate. Spray lightly with oil. Work in batches if needed.
  6. Air fry 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the exterior is golden and crackled and internal temperature reads 125-130°F.
  7. Let rest 2 minutes off heat — carryover cooking finishes the job without drying out the center.
  8. Whisk sauce ingredients together in a bowl. Toss bites gently in the sauce right before serving so the crust stays crisp.
  9. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

Never marinate the raw salmon in the sauce before cooking — the sugar and liquid steam the fish instead of letting it crisp. Don"t overcrowd the basket; cook in two batches if pieces are touching. Pull the salmon at 125-130°F internal, since it keeps cooking as it rests. If using frozen salmon, thaw completely and pat bone-dry before coating.

Find it online: https://www.rapidrecipes.blog/air-fryer-salmon-bites-the-crispy-cornstarch-trick/