Crispy Baked Salmon Nuggets

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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.

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