If you are looking for a different way to prepare salmon that isn’t just a plain fillet on a plate, you have come to the right place.
Salmon is a very healthy food that is full of good fats and protein, but sometimes it can get a little boring if you cook it the same way every time.
These keto air fryer salmon nuggets are a fun alternative that brings a little bit of excitement to your meal plan.
They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them enjoyable for both adults and younger family members who might be picky eaters.
I really enjoy this recipe because it fits perfectly into a low carb lifestyle while still feeling like a treat. Let’s get started!
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Zero Carb Breading : One of the hardest things to give up on a keto diet is breaded and fried food. This recipe solves that problem completely by using crushed pork rinds instead of flour or breadcrumbs.
Super Fast Cooking Time : We all have days where we come home tired and do not want to spend an hour cooking dinner. Because you are cutting the salmon into small bite-sized cubes, they cook incredibly fast.
Better Than Almond Flour : Many keto recipes use almond flour for breading, but almond flour can sometimes get soft or soggy. Pork rinds are naturally very crunchy and they stay that way even after cooking.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 1 pound Salmon Fillets
- 1 cup Pork Rind Crumbs (I recommend these – amazon)
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Your Favorite Seasonings (optional)
- Cooking spray or light brush of oil
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Mix pork rinds and seasonings in one bowl, whisk eggs in another.
Step 2
Remove skin from salmon and cut into 1½ to 2 inch cubes.
Step 3
Dip each cube in egg, let excess drip off, then press into pork rind mixture until coated.
Step 4
Spray basket with oil, arrange bites in a single layer and lightly spray the tops.
Step 5
Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Serve immediately. Enjoy!!
💡Tips
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
It might be tempting to throw all the nuggets into the air fryer at once to finish cooking faster, but this is a mistake.
An air fryer works by circulating hot air rapidly around the food to make it crispy. If the nuggets are touching each other or piled on top of one another, the hot air cannot reach the sides of the fish.
This will result in soggy, steamed nuggets rather than crispy ones. It is much better to cook them in two separate batches with plenty of space in between each piece so that the air can flow freely and crisp up every side.
2. Spray Generously with Oil
Even though pork rinds have fat in them, they can look a little dry or powdery if they are just baked with dry hot air. To get that golden-brown, appetizing look that resembles deep fried food, you need to use a cooking spray.
Before you start the air fryer, give the top of the nuggets a quick but thorough spray of oil (like avocado oil or olive oil spray).
This helps the pork rind crumbs fry slightly in the heat, creating a better crunch and a much nicer color. It also helps lock the moisture inside the salmon so it stays juicy.
3. Reheat in the Air Fryer
If you have leftovers, do not put them in the microwave to reheat them. It will make the pork rind crust soft, soggy, and rubbery, and it might make the salmon smell strong.
Instead, put the cold nuggets back into your air fryer at a slightly lower temperature, around 350°F, for just 2 or 3 minutes.
This will warm the fish through gently while re-crisping the coating. They will taste almost as good as when you first made them, keeping that nice texture you want.
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FAQ
Can I bake these in the oven instead?
Yes, you can definitely bake these if you do not have an air fryer. To do this, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
I highly recommend placing a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and putting the nuggets on the rack. This allows the hot air to circulate under the fish so the bottom does not get soggy.
Keto Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 pound Salmon Fillets
- 1 cup Pork Rind Crumbs (I recommend these – amazon)
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Your Favorite Seasonings optional
- Cooking spray or light brush of oil
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Mix pork rinds and seasonings in one bowl, whisk eggs in another.
- Remove skin from salmon and cut into 1½ to 2 inch cubes.
- Dip each cube in egg, let excess drip off, then press into pork rind mixture until coated.
- Spray basket with oil, arrange bites in a single layer and lightly spray the tops.
- Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Serve immediately. Enjoy!!
These came out so crispy! I added a little bit of Cajun seasoning and garlic powder to the pork rind crumbs for a kick and it was perfect.