Ingredients
Method
- Prep: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Coat: In a bowl, toss salmon with olive oil. Add cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Cook (Air Fryer): Place in air fryer basket at 200°C (400°F). Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Cook (Oven): Alternatively, bake at 220°C (425°F) for 12-15 minutes on a lined tray.
- Sauce: Whisk yogurt, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl.
- Finish: Toss cooked salmon in the sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
-
Dryness is Key: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Use multiple paper towels to ensure the salmon surface is completely bone-dry before adding oil or cornstarch.
- Cornstarch Coating: Apply a light, even dusting. If the coating is too thick, it will turn pasty rather than crunchy.
- Single Layer: Never stack or overlap cubes in the air fryer. Air must circulate around all sides of each piece to build a crust.
- Internal Temperature: For the most succulent texture, aim for an internal temperature of 52°C to 55°C (125°F to 130°F) before saucing.
- Immediate Service: These bites lose their crunch quickly once sauced. If preparing for a party, keep the salmon and sauce separate until the very moment of serving.
- Yogurt Substitution: If using Greek yogurt instead of mayo, add a teaspoon of olive oil to the sauce to maintain a silky mouthfeel.
