Dinner

Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets with Sriracha Mayo Dipping Sauce Recipe

ByMaya bella February 1, 2026February 1, 2026

Introduction

These Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets are a delicious, crispy treat that’s quick to make and perfect for a healthy snack or meal. With a flavorful coating and a spicy mayo dip, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

A white plate holds a pile of golden brown crispy tofu cubes, each topped with small green dill leaves, showing a rough, crunchy texture. On the right side of the plate, a small white bowl contains smooth, light orange dipping sauce also garnished with dill. Next to the bowl, three bright yellow lemon wedges are placed. The plate sits on a wooden tray over a white marbled surface, with a blue and white striped cloth napkin to the left where two silver forks rest near the plate. The top edge of a black air fryer basket can be seen in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound salmon filet (skin removed)
½ cup flour
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
½ cup panko bread crumbs
½ cup regular bread crumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sriracha (more to taste)
Fresh dill (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Chop the salmon into 1-inch chunks and pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine the flour and Old Bay seasoning.
Step 3: In a second dish, whisk together the eggs and 2 tablespoons of water.
Step 4: In a third dish, stir together the panko, regular bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
Step 5: Coat each piece of salmon first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 6: Lightly oil the air fryer basket or spritz with cooking spray. Arrange the salmon nuggets in a single layer, then spritz them liberally with oil.
Step 7: Air fry at 400°F for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through and spritzing with oil again.
Step 8: While the nuggets cook, whisk together the mayonnaise and sriracha to make the dipping sauce.
Step 9: Sprinkle the cooked salmon nuggets with fresh dill and serve immediately with the spicy mayo dip.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, use panko bread crumbs only or combine with crushed cornflakes for more crunch.
Adjust the sriracha in the dipping sauce to match your desired heat level.
Try using lemon zest in the breading mix for a bright, fresh flavor.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the nuggets on a lined baking sheet at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Storage

Store leftover salmon nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. The dipping sauce is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for 1-2 days.