Crispy Salmon Nuggets Recipe – Quick, Easy, and Delicious!

If you love salmon and chicken nuggets, then you're going to adore these salmon nuggets! The nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly seasoned with simple pantry spices. The best part? They're incredibly easy to make, taking just five simple steps from start to finish. Perfect for busy days or when you want something tasty without much fuss, these salmon nuggets are sure to be a hit!

Why You'll Love This Salmon Nuggets Recipe

These homemade salmon nuggets are a huge hit in my household. Inspired by traditional chicken nuggets, I wanted to create a healthier seafood version packed with flavor.

After testing several spice blends and cooking methods, this seasoned flour coating paired perfectly with tender salmon bites, creating crunchy, flavorful nuggets that everyone enjoys. They're quick to prepare, incredibly tasty, and offer a nutritious alternative to store-bought options.

Ingredients for Making Crispy Salmon Nuggets

Here's everything you'll need to make these delicious homemade salmon nuggets:

Salmon and Seasonings:

• 12 oz fresh salmon, cut into cubes
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 1 egg, beaten

Breading Mixture:

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

For Frying:

• 4 cups Vegetable Oil

How to Make Salmon Nuggets in 5 Simple Steps

Follow these easy steps to make crispy, golden-brown salmon nuggets at home:

Step 1: Season the Salmon

Place salmon cubes into a bowl, add Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and beaten egg.

Mix thoroughly, ensuring each salmon piece is evenly coated. Set aside to let the flavors absorb for a few minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Mixture

In a shallow bowl, combine flour and all breading seasonings—Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices throughout the flour.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Properly heated oil is essential for crispy salmon nuggets.

Step 4: Coat and Fry the Salmon Nuggets

Working in batches, coat seasoned salmon pieces evenly in the flour mixture.

Carefully add coated salmon to the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until each nugget turns golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Remove crispy salmon nuggets from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them onto a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like tartar sauce, spicy mayo, or honey mustard.

Variations & Serving Suggestions for Salmon Nuggets

Want to personalize these salmon nuggets?

Try these delicious ideas:

• Spicy Salmon Nuggets: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for extra heat.
• Baked Salmon Nuggets: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes for a healthier alternative.
• Herb-infused Nuggets: Experiment with dill, parsley, or cilantro in the seasoning.

Expert Tips for Perfect Salmon Nuggets

• Quality Salmon: Choose fresh, skinless salmon fillets for best results.
• Consistent Oil Temperature: Maintain steady heat to prevent nuggets from becoming soggy.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry nuggets in batches to keep oil temperature consistent and ensure crispiness.

FAQs About Homemade Salmon Nuggets

Can I bake salmon nuggets instead of frying them?

Absolutely! Baking salmon nuggets is easy, mess-free, and delicious. For the crispiest results, preheat your oven to 400°F and place the nuggets on a lightly greased wire rack set on a baking sheet—this helps air circulate and prevents sogginess. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

If you don't have a wire rack, parchment paper works well too. For extra crunch, lightly spray or brush nuggets with oil before baking.

What dipping sauces go well with salmon nuggets?

Salmon nuggets taste amazing with a variety of dipping sauces. Some favorites include tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade with mayo, pickles, and lemon), honey mustard, spicy mayo, ranch dressing, ketchup, or even sweet chili sauce. Offering a few different sauces gives everyone at the table something to love.

Can I use frozen salmon to make nuggets?

Yes, frozen salmon works great! Just make sure to thaw it safely in your refrigerator overnight or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

Once thawed, pat the salmon dry to ensure the breading sticks well, then prepare the nuggets as usual. They’ll taste just as delicious as fresh salmon.

How should I store and reheat leftover salmon nuggets?

Store leftover salmon nuggets in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and keep them crispy, warm the nuggets in your oven or air fryer at about 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Try to avoid the microwave—it tends to make the breading soggy.

Can I prepare salmon nuggets ahead of time?

Yes! To save time, bread your salmon nuggets earlier in the day, cover them, and refrigerate until you're ready to cook. If you're planning further ahead, freeze the breaded nuggets individually on a baking tray before transferring them to a freezer bag or container.

When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can salmon nuggets be frozen?

Absolutely. You can freeze salmon nuggets either cooked or uncooked. For uncooked nuggets, freeze individually on a baking sheet first, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.

Cook directly from frozen—just add extra time. Cooked nuggets can also be frozen and reheated in the oven or air fryer for a quick meal.

What sides pair well with salmon nuggets?

Salmon nuggets are versatile and pair great with fries, potato wedges, roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus, simple salads, coleslaw, or even rice and pasta. Add some lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces to round out the meal.

Are salmon nuggets kid-friendly?

Definitely! Salmon nuggets are bite-sized, crunchy, and perfect for dipping, making them a big hit with kids—even picky eaters.

Serve with familiar dips like ketchup or ranch, and don’t hesitate to call them "pink chicken nuggets" to ease any fish-related worries. They’re a fun and easy way to introduce kids to seafood.

Can canned salmon be used to make nuggets?

Yes, canned salmon works well if you adjust the method slightly. Drain and flake the canned salmon, mix it with an egg and breadcrumbs to hold it together, and form small nuggets or patties. Bread these just like regular nuggets, then bake or pan-fry until golden. It’s a convenient pantry-friendly twist with delicious results.

My Final Thoughts

These homemade salmon nuggets are not only easy and quick to make, but they're also a flavorful twist on traditional nuggets. Whether served as appetizers or the main event, these crispy salmon nuggets are sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time. 

As always, if you give him a shot, let me know how they turn out for you in the comments below.

More Tasty Recipes to Try Next

If you enjoyed these crispy salmon nuggets, check out more tasty recipes from our blog:

• Gumbo greens
• Garlic butter tiger shrimp
• Honey walnut shrimp
• Shrimp poke
• Burger bowls