These baked Cajun salmon bites are a delightful and flavorful appetizer that has become a family favorite. Bite-sized pieces of tender salmon are coated in a homemade Cajun seasoning blend, creating a perfect balance of spice and richness.
Whether you're hosting a party or you want something quick and easy for dinner or as a low carb snack, these crispy baked salmon bites are sure to please.
Love this recipe, you should try our baked salmon in foil next. It’s amazing.
Easy baked Salmon bites recipe
If you're a seafood lover seeking an easy recipe, these Cajun salmon bites are a must try. A delectable and easy-to-prepare dish that’s bursting with flavor.
This recipe combines the rich texture of salmon with the bold and aromatic flavors of Cajun seasoning. I love that it’s meal-prep friendly and believe me, this will soon become a favorite among your family and friends.
Recipe Highlights
Quick and Easy Prep: With minimal hands-on time and simple ingredients, these crispy salmon bites are a breeze to make, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Flavorful: The combination of the Cajun spice blend and the naturally delicious salmon creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have you reaching for more.
Versatile: While this recipe is about my oven-baked salmon bites, I’ll also provides instructions for air frying and pan-frying, allowing you to adapt it to your preferred cooking method.
Family friendly: These blackened salmon bites are perfect for entertaining, whether you're hosting a casual gathering or a fancy dinner party.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon oil
* Need to print out this recipe? You’ll find a printable recipe card at the end of this post. Enjoy!
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- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Chopping board
- Knife or Kitchen shears
How to bake Cajun Salmon bites
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°F)
Lightly grease the baking dish
Mix all the Cajun seasonings ingredients in a bowl
Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Then remove the skin if you want to.
Cut salmon into bite size cubes about 1 inch. Transfer to a bowl, add oil, toss to combine then add the seasoning blend. Mix till all the salmon bites are coated with seasoning.
Transfer seasoned salmon to the baking dish then bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 mins or until internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C). Feel free to add more time as needed.
Air fryer method
Transfer seasoned salmon bites to air fryer basket no need to preheat. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 8 to 10 mins or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)
Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
Pan fried method
Add oil to a pan and heat up over medium heat. Add salmon to the frying pan. Do not overcrowd. Sear the salmon bites for 2 minutes per side.
Check for doneness {Internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C)} Add more time if needed.
What to serve with salmon bites
These Cajun salmon bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.
Pair them with a creamy dill or remoulade or bang bang sauce for dipping, or serve them alongside rice with fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
They also make an excellent topping for salads or can be enjoyed as a protein-packed snack on their own.
How to store
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven or air fryer until heated through. And you’ll have your crispy salmon bites as good as new.
Helpful Tips
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning to ensure even coating and maximum crispiness.
- Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut the salmon into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer basket to allow for proper browning and crisping.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your desired level of spiciness. If you don’t like it spicy start with ¼ teaspoon of cayenne, if you like it hot! You can use up to 1 teaspoon.
FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. However it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before seasoning and cooking.
Especially if you are cooking it in the oven. Moreover it’s easier to cut them into cubes when they are not frozen.
Removing the skin is optional and based on personal preference.
Yes you can. You can cook these up to 3 days ahead. It makes for easy meal prep.
More recipes like this one
- Air fryer salmon bite
- Garlic butter salmon
- Pan fried sea bass
- Check out all our Home Cooked Recipes
Cajun salmon bites are a delightful and flavor-packed app that should be a staple in every seafood lover's repertoire. With their irresistible crispiness, bold Cajun flavors, and versatility in cooking methods, these bite-sized salmon cubes are sure to become a favorite.
So why not surprise your family and friends with this easy and mouthwatering recipe? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven or pull out your air fryer and let’s get started.
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Baked Cajun salmon bites
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Chopping board
- knife or kitchen shears
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Salmon ( four 6 ounce fillets cut into 1 inch cubes)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper (use ½ if you want it less spicy or 1 teaspoon for more heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme oregano, salt, and black pepper. This will be your Cajun seasoning blend.
- Place the cubed salmon pieces in a mixing bowl and drizzle with the oil. Toss gently to coat the salmon cubes with the oil.
- Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning blend over the salmon cubes and toss to evenly coat them with the seasoning.
- Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Bake the salmon bites in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and opaque in the center. Internal temp should be 145°F
- Flip the salmon bites halfway through the baking time for even cooking.
- Remove the baked salmon bites from the oven and let them rest for about 5 mins.
- Transfer the salmon bites to a serving dish and serve.
Notes
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning to ensure even coating and maximum crispiness.
- Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut the salmon into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish, air fryer basket or pan to allow for proper browning and crisping.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your desired level of spiciness. If you don’t like it spicy start with ¼ teaspoon of cayenne, if you like it hot! You can use up to 1 teaspoon.
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