Crispy Salmon Bites with Lemondill Aioli

Crispy Salmon Bites My GoTo Appetizer Recipe

By Kendra ThompsonSeptember 25, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that craving for something fancy, but you're really after comfort food? I totally get it! These Crispy Salmon Bites are the perfect solution.

They're bougie fish fingers but bite sized and dipped in a lemon dill aioli .

Bite Sized Bliss: Meet Our Salmon Bites

Salmon appetizer recipes like this one are surprisingly simple to whip up! Think posh pub grub. It gives off effortless vibe, you know? Imagine impressing your mates with these!

These little beauties give a nod to classic British fish and chips. We're talking flaky salmon, crunchy batter, and creamy dipping sauce. It's a proper taste sensation.

Quick, Easy, and Oh-So-Good

This easy salmon recipe is beginner friendly. It takes about 30 minutes tops. You will get a delicious batch of salmon finger food for about 4-6 people to share.

Perfect for a starter or snack.

Why You'll Love These Fried Salmon Bites

Salmon is packed with healthy Omega-3s. So, you can feel good while indulging. These party salmon bites are a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

They're perfect for any occasion. honestly, once you try this salmon bites recipe easy , you'll keep coming back for more!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make these crispy salmon bites . It's simpler than you think, honestly. I remember the first time I tried these.

Oh my gosh! They disappeared in minutes.

Ingredients & Equipment: Nail Those Salmon Bites !

We're keeping things simple. No fancy chef gear needed. You'll be making restaurant quality salmon bites with dipping sauce right at home.

Main Ingredients

Here's your shopping list for about 4-6 servings:

Salmon: 450g (1 lb) skinless fillet. Fresh is best. Look for firm, vibrant salmon. The better the quality, the better your salmon appetizer recipe will be.
Flour: 60g (1/2 cup) all-purpose.
Sparkling Water: 120ml (1/2 cup), ice-cold. This is key to that light batter.
Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon.
Salt & Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon and 1/4 teaspoon respectively.
Vegetable Oil: About 4 cups for frying.
Mayonnaise: 120ml (1/2 cup) for the aioli. Use your favourite brand.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, fresh.
Fresh Dill: 1 tablespoon, chopped.
Garlic: 1 clove, minced.

Seasoning Notes

The magic is in the simple combo. Salt, pepper, and lemon juice. The dill really makes the aioli pop. For a quick salmon appetizer , this combo is hard to beat.

Want to spice it up? Add a pinch of cayenne to the batter.

You know, sometimes I'll add a tiny dash of Old Bay seasoning too. Totally changes the game!

Equipment Needed

Don't stress about fancy tools.

Bowls: A large and medium one.
Whisk: For the batter and aioli.
Slotted Spoon: For fishing out those golden fried salmon bites .
Paper Towels: For draining.
Deep Pot/Dutch Oven: For frying.
Thermometer (optional): Helps maintain 350° F ( 175° C) .

No deep fry thermometer? No worries! Just keep a close eye. If the oil starts smoking, it's too hot. We want crispy salmon bites , not burnt ones!

Cooking Method: Crispy Salmon Bites!

Oh my gosh, you have to try this salmon bites recipe! Honestly, it’s ridiculously easy, and everyone always raves about them.

I'm sharing this easy salmon recipe with you today. It is perfect for a salmon appetizer recipe , or even just a quick dinner.

Picture this: Crispy salmon bites , golden brown, with a tangy lemon dill aioli . Trust me, it’s a winner.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Right, first things first, let's get prepped. We call this "mise en place". It's fancy chef talk for having everything ready! Cut your salmon into 1 inch cubes.

Get your flour, sparkling water, and spices measured out. For the aioli, mince that garlic and chop the dill. This saves you so much time later.

Safety first, always! Remember to pat the salmon dry before coating it. Wet salmon + hot oil = splatters. And nobody wants that.

step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking

Pat salmon dry and lightly dust with flour.
Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Gradually whisk in ice-cold sparkling water. Don't overmix!
Heat vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) in a deep pot.
Dip salmon into batter and carefully drop into hot oil.
Fry for 2- 3 minutes per side. Look for that golden brown colour! Aim for an internal temperature of 145° F ( 63° C) .
Drain on paper towels.
Whisk all aioli ingredients in a small bowl. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Salmon Bites Awesomeness

Want to take your salmon finger food game to the next level? Keep that sparkling water ice-cold! It makes the batter so much crispier.

A good tip is to avoid overcrowding the pot when frying. Too much salmon drops the oil temperature and results in soggy, not crispy, fried salmon bites .

Another thing: make the lemon dill aioli ahead of time. Honestly, the flavors meld together even better if it sits in the fridge for a bit.

This is a great way to make some party salmon bites , or a quick salmon appetizer . I know that you'll be making these salmon bites recipe easy over and over again.

Plus, you'll have your very own salmon bites with dipping sauce !

Alright, let's chat about the extra bits that make this salmon appetizer recipe pop! These are my little nuggets of wisdom to make sure your Crispy salmon bites are absolutely banging.

Ready to take these salmon bites to the next level?

Recipe Notes for Awesome Salmon Bites

Serving 'Em Up Right

Okay, so you've got these golden, crispy fried salmon bites . First impressions count, right? A simple but stylish touch is to arrange them artfully on a platter.

You know, make it look like you've actually put some effort in. Then, drizzle that lemon dill aioli all over the platter.

It's all about that visual appeal!

These salmon bites with dipping sauce are crying out for some buddies. I'm thinking sweet potato fries or a simple green salad.

A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc? Honestly, chef's kiss! It is an easy salmon recipe , you should have fun when serving these salmon finger food .

Storing Like a Pro

Right, let's talk about leftovers. If you can resist eating them all, that is! Pop any extra Crispy salmon bites in the fridge within 2 hours.

Keep them in an airtight container. They'll be good for up to 3 days .

Freezing isn't ideal, because the batter can get a bit soggy. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispiness .

Reheat at 350° F ( 175° C) until they are piping hot.

Remixing the Recipe

Fancy a bit of a twist?

Going gluten-free? No sweat! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Nobody will even notice the difference! Plus, you can easily tweak the flavor.

Maybe some chili flakes in the batter for a kick!

Nutrition Lowdown

These party salmon bites aren't just tasty. They're pretty good for you too! Salmon is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids. These are great for your heart and brain.

Each serving clocks in around 350-400 calories , with a good hit of protein. Who said quick salmon appetizer couldn't be healthy?

So there you have it! All the tips and tricks to make these salmon bites recipe easy and utterly delicious.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Most importantly, have fun! You are just one step away to make these great salmon bites recipe easy .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these salmon bites ahead of time? I'm planning a right royal knees-up!

While these salmon bites are best served fresh and crispy, you can prep some components in advance. You can prepare the lemon dill aioli a day ahead and store it in the fridge. However, the salmon bites themselves are best fried just before serving to maintain their crispiness.

Frying them in advance and reheating often leads to a soggy batter - a fate worse than a soggy bottom!

What's the best way to store leftover salmon bites, and how do I reheat them?

If you have any leftover salmon bites, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To reheat, the best method is to use an air fryer if you have one, as this will help restore some of the crispiness.

Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended, as it will make them soggy.

I'm coeliac; can I make gluten-free salmon bites?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the batter with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free to be on the safe side, some brands contain wheat starch. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy these tasty salmon bites without any worries.

My oil keeps cooling down when I add the salmon. How can I keep my salmon bites crispy?

Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy salmon bites. Fry in smaller batches to prevent overcrowding the pot, which lowers the oil temperature too quickly. Ensure your oil is at 350°F (175°C) before adding the salmon, and use a deep fry thermometer to monitor it.

Also, make sure the salmon pieces are as dry as possible before battering.

Could I bake these salmon bites instead of frying them to make them a bit healthier?

You sure can! While baking won't give you quite the same level of crispiness as deep frying, it's a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the battered salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

You can also lightly spray the salmon bites with cooking oil before baking to help them brown. These baked salmon bites would be still delicious while cutting down on the fat content.

I don't have sparkling water; what else can I use for the batter in these salmon bites?

While sparkling water creates a lighter batter, you can use other options. Ice-cold beer (lager or pale ale) works well, adding a bit of flavor. Regular ice water is also an option, though the batter might not be quite as light and airy.

Just ensure whatever liquid you use is as cold as possible for the best results, keeping it Brit tastic!