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Crunchy Cheddar Crusted Chicken Nuggets
If you're looking for an easy, high-protein dinner that delivers big flavor and satisfying crunch, these Crispy Spicy Cheddar Salmon Bites are a must-try.
If you're looking for an easy, high-protein dinner that delivers big flavor and satisfying crunch, these Crispy Spicy Cheddar Salmon Bites are a must-try. Coated in crushed Fiber Gourmet Original Cheddar Thinables instead of traditional breadcrumbs, every bite is packed with cheesy goodness and air-fried until perfectly golden.
4 wild-caught salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ cup unflavored whey protein powder (or all-purpose flour)
½ cup egg whites
1 cup Fiber Gourmet Original Cheddar Thinables, finely crushed
For Serving:
Mixed salad greens, chipotle cream sauce
Avoid overcrowding the basket: For the absolute crispiest results, arrange the salmon bites in a single layer without overlapping. Proper air circulation is the secret to creating that delicious, deeply crunchy exterior.
Pat the fish completely dry: Use a paper towel to pat the salmon cubes dry before starting the breading process. Removing surface moisture helps the whey protein and egg whites stick flawlessly to the fish.
Use a mist of cooking spray: For maximum golden browning and an extra-shatteringly crisp crust, lightly spray the coated salmon bites with a neutral cooking spray right before air frying.
Check early for smaller cubes: If your salmon cubes vary slightly in size, check them a few minutes before the timer ends. Salmon cooks quickly, and pulling them out early prevents the fish from drying out.
Remove the skin from the salmon fillets and cut the flesh into uniform, bite-sized cubes. Season the cubes with garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Set up three shallow bowls in a row: place the unflavored whey protein (or flour) into the first, the egg whites into the second, and the finely crushed Fiber Gourmet Original Cheddar Thinables into the third.
Working in batches, dip each seasoned piece of salmon into the whey protein first, shaking off any excess. Next, submerge it fully into the egg whites, and finally, roll it in the crushed Cheddar Thinables, pressing gently so the cheesy crumbs coat the salmon completely.
Arrange the coated salmon bites in a single, even layer inside your air fryer basket. Air fry at 355°F for 20 minutes, giving the basket a gentle shake halfway through the cooking time. The salmon is done when the exterior coating is deeply golden-crisp and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Remove the hot salmon bites from the air fryer. Serve immediately over a bed of fresh mixed greens, accompanied by a side of creamy chipotle sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Kick Up the Heat: Add a generous pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes into the crushed Thinables before breading for a fiery kick.
Swap the Protein: This exact cheesy crusted method works beautifully with large peeled shrimp, cubes of firm wild cod, or lean chicken breast tenders.
Add Richness: Toss a tablespoon of freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the crushed Thinables mixture to create an even deeper, multi-layered cheese crust.
Yes, easily! Arrange the coated salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly mist them with cooking spray and bake at 425°F for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through the baking time.
Absolutely. Just ensure the frozen salmon fillets are completely thawed in the refrigerator and thoroughly patted dry with paper towels before cube cutting and breading.
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To restore their signature crunch, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will trap moisture and make the cheesy crust soft and soggy.
Fiber Gourmet Original Cheddar Thinables Ditch the empty carbs and elevate your dinner routine. Our crunchy, savory cheddar snack crackers double as the ultimate high-fiber, low-calorie breadcrumb alternative, delivering incredible cheese flavor and a flawless crunch!
Turn your favorite Thinables into something delicious. High-fiber, high-flavor recipes you can make at home.
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