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Crispy Baked Salmon Nuggets

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If you’re looking for a way to get your kids to eat more fresh fish these simple baked salmon nuggets will do just the trick!

I love making these healthy salmon nuggets because it’s a great source of fish protein, Omega-3s, potassium, antioxidants, and healthy fats that are great for my kids’ growing bodies.

Homemade salmon nuggets in a bowl with dip in the middle

While my husband and I love salmon, my kids need a little more convincing to eat it. Hence, this recipe. Making it couldn’t be any easier.

The kids will eat fried fish ANY day of the week; but when it comes to broiled or grilled fish, that’s another story. Until… I made these Baked salmon nuggets.

Homemade salmon nuggets in a bowl with dip in the middle

Why my Kids Love Baked Salmon Nuggets

Something about breading and baking the fish changed everything. It creates a tender nugget with a crispy, crunchy coating. I mean, who can resist?

When it comes to making Homemade Chicken Strips, Copy Cat McDonald’s Nuggets, or Homemade Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets and these Salmon Nuggets, I prefer baked over fried. It’s healthier and way easier to clean up.

Salmon Nugget Ingredients

To make these healthy baked salmon nuggets you will need: 

  • salmon fillets
  • all-purpose flour
  • salt and pepper
  • eggs
  • grated Parmesan cheese
  • Panko breadcrumbs

This recipe can also be made gluten-free with 1:1 gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

I have a great recipe for gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs made with rice cereal in a food processor. It’s quick and creates the perfect, crispy breading for recipes like this. 

Homemade salmon nuggets on a baking tray

Should I Use Fresh or Frozen Salmon?

For this recipe, either works just fine. I like to use frozen, it’s easier to keep on hand and in many cases tastes just as good as the fresh option. When using frozen salmon, all you have to do is thaw it out and follow the recipe as shown.

If using fresh, make sure the skin is removed before cutting into nuggets and breading.

How to Make Salmon Nuggets

For golden, crispy salmon nuggets, this process involves breading and coating. However, since we aren’t frying anything in oil, assembly, and clean-up are easy. Here’s what to do: 

  1. Get the oven hot
    Preheat the oven to 450F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  2. Grab the salmon and a sharp knife
    Pat each salmon fillet dry with paper towels, then slice into 1-inch cubes. 
  3. Grab a few dishes
    In one shallow dish, whisk the eggs and set them aside. In a separate dish combine the flour, salt, and pepper. *Pie pans work great for recipes like this. 
  4. Make the breading
    Add the breadcrumbs and cheese to the third dish and stir to combine. 
  5. Bread the nuggets
    Coat the salmon nuggets in the flour and give them a shake before dipping into the egg wash. Transfer them to the breadcrumb mixture and toss to coat, pressing the crumbs onto each nugget. 
  6. Bake to perfection
    Place the breaded fish nuggets onto the baking sheet and lightly coat with cooking spray. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. 

All that’s left is to grab a few salmon nuggets and serve them with your favorite sauce. 

Watch how to make this recipe from start to finish in the video below: 

Can these be made in an air fryer?

Of course! If you have an air fryer, simply add a teaspoon or two of oil and “fry” them as you would traditional chicken nuggets.

If you are feeding picky eaters, I get you! Trying new foods IS A BIG DEAL but creating kid-friendly recipes with healthy foods is one way to get the kids onboard, hence- salmon nuggets!

Homemade salmon nuggets on a baking tray

Can these baked salmon bites be frozen?

YAS! Double the batch, bake and reserve the extra that you’d like to freeze. Make sure to allow them to cool down to room temperature before freezing in a large freezer bag for up to 2 months. To eat, bake in the oven until heated through and crispy.

These are perfect for an easy dinner with a salad or baked fries on the side for a sheet pan dinner.

Homemade salmon nuggets in a bowl with dip in the middle

Salmon Nuggets vs. Mini Salmon Cakes

Compared to salmon nuggets, salmon cakes are made with finely chopped, cooked fish, breadcrumbs, shaped into patties and cooked stove top while these nuggets are whole pieces of fish, breaded, and baked. Both are super delicious and two very good reasons to eat more fish!

These are perfect for an easy dinner with a salad or baked fries on the side for a sheet pan dinner.

Print

Easy Salmon Nuggets

Homemade salmon nuggets in a bowl with dip in the middle
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★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

Want your kids to eat more fish? Check out these healthy salmon nuggets made with salmon. Oven baked until crispy this recipe is the perfect weeknight meal.

  • Author: Laura Fuentes
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 18 mins
  • Total Time: 23 mins
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: Healthy Kids Food

Ingredients

  • 1lb center cut salmon fillets, sliced in 1″ thick pieces, skinned
  • ½ cup all-purpose-flour
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Rinse the salmon fillet and pat dry with paper towels. Slice it 1″ thick pieces. To make nuggets, slice horizontally right over the skin and vertically every ½″.
  3. Place the flour, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir to combine.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs.
  5. Combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a third bowl.
  6. Coat the salmon pieces in the seasoned flour and pat to remove any extra flour. Dip into the eggs and then the Parmesan mixture, gently pressing the mixture into the fish.
  7. Place the breaded salmon fillets onto the baking sheets. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.

Equipment

The Best Homemade Kids’ Lunches on the Planet

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The Best Homemade Kid’s Snacks on the Planet

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Notes

You can double (or triple) the recipe, freeze breaded uncooked nuggets and have them ready for future meals!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 nuggets
  • Calories: 557
  • Sugar: 211.8mg
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 15.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 5..6g
  • Carbohydrates: 59.6g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 211.8mg

Keywords: fish nuggets, baked fish bites

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @MOMables on Instagram and hashtag it #momables

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Sandra

    September 09, 2020 at 5:05 am

    Hi, I’m looking to make healthy recipes for a picky eater and these look like a great idea! I was just wondering if other fish would work as well?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      September 09, 2020 at 1:00 pm

      Absolutely. I sometimes use this recipe with salmon, cod, or any white fish.

      Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      October 05, 2020 at 9:27 am

      Hi Sandra! I recommend fish with a firm texture, Cod and Mahi-Mahi are both good options.

      Reply
  2. Toni Rayne

    March 03, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    I have never made anything fish and the family devour it!! The kids loved this! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      March 05, 2020 at 11:26 am

      Awesome! I am so glad these baked fish nuggets were a hit!

      Reply
  3. Angie

    May 20, 2019 at 9:37 am

    Could you make this with canned salmon?

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      May 22, 2019 at 12:42 pm

      Angie, with canned salmon, you can make these cakes, just make them smaller and make “nuggets” Enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Eliane S

    January 15, 2019 at 5:00 pm

    Hi! I plan on making these tomorrow. What dip do you recommend for this? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      January 16, 2019 at 1:07 pm

      ranch, ketchup, yogurt dip… whatever your child might like to dip veggies in.

      Reply
  5. Anonymous

    February 26, 2018 at 5:27 am

    I was nervous to try this because salmon is not a big hit in our home. But the kids LOVED this recipe and the hubby insisted that I need to make this again! I did, however, make a few changes. I baked them at 400° and used thin frozen salmon. I also make sticks. I used cheddar cheese with the crumbs. I noticed in the comments that not all of the breading was used, so I just made up less to save on ingredients. 🙂 Thank you so much for this recipe! Would give more than 5 stars!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      February 26, 2018 at 2:32 pm

      I’m so glad these were a hit Tiffany!

      Reply
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