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Salmon Nuggets Recipe – Easy Healthy Dinner with Garlic Dip

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These crispy, golden salmon nuggets are a healthy, family-friendly dinner that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. Served with a tangy homemade garlic dip, they’re perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or party appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb fresh salmon fillets, skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil or avocado oil spray
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes. Remove any remaining pin bones.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko, parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Lightly coat each salmon cube in flour, tap off excess. Dip into beaten egg, then roll in the panko mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
  4. For baking: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Arrange nuggets in a single layer and spray lightly with oil.
  5. For air frying: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange nuggets in a single layer in the basket and spray with oil.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes (oven) or air fry for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until nuggets are golden brown and salmon is cooked through (internal temp 145°F).
  7. While nuggets cook, make the garlic dip: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Serve salmon nuggets warm with garlic dip, extra lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For extra crunch, double bread the nuggets by dipping in egg and panko mixture twice. Make sure salmon is very dry before breading for the crispiest result. Nuggets can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps. Leftovers reheat best in the oven or air fryer. The garlic dip can be made ahead and keeps for several days.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon nuggets, healthy dinner, kid-friendly, baked salmon, air fryer salmon, garlic dip, easy salmon recipe, weeknight meal, high protein, omega-3

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/salmon-nuggets-recipe-easy-healthy-dinner-with-garlic-dip/